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Alternative & Indie Music in Atlanta
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About the Atlanta Alternative & Indie Scene
Atlanta’s alternative and indie music scene has long thrived on originality, experimentation, and a DIY spirit. From gritty venues in East Atlanta to eclectic lineups at local festivals, the city offers a steady stream of independent bands, touring acts, and underground showcases. Whether you're into post-punk, dream pop, garage rock, or genre-defying hybrids, Atlanta’s stages and backrooms are constantly spotlighting new voices. Use this guide to explore upcoming concerts, discover homegrown talent, and dive deeper into one of Atlanta’s most vibrant music communities.
Critic’s Picks for Upcoming Shows
See our list of all concert picks or the full list of CL critic's recommendations
Dear Silas
07/17/2025 9:00 PM
Aisle 5
CRITIC’S PICK:
Thurs., July 17
Dear Silas, Cam the Artisan, Kennedy Ryon, Aisle 5 — Singer,...
Upcoming Alternative & Indie Concerts
See the full concert and live music listings on our Alterrnative Music Events Calendar
FRND CRCL Album Release with Cheer Up Dusty / P...
07/09/2025 8:00 PM
Smith's Olde Bar
Event Description
Jombi with support from Shake Awake, Superjaw, ...
07/16/2025 8:00 PM
Smith's Olde Bar
Event Description
Dear Silas
07/17/2025 9:00 PM
Aisle 5
CRITIC’S PICK:
Thurs., July 17
Dear Silas, Cam the Artisan, Kennedy Ryon, Aisle 5 — Singer,...
Alternative & Indie Bands from Atlanta
For the full Atlanta directory, see the band and musician directory.
Lunar Vacation
A Young and Dreamy Pool Rock band. Lunar Vacation takes listeners on a calming trip through time and space. The young quintet spins a lackadaisical it...
Fuiste
Fuiste's instrumental music is fast-paced and proficient. The band loves complex riffs and rhythms that will mystify some and bewilder others.
Twin Studies
If beautiful vocals and trancelike instrumentals to the tune of a shoegaze haze are your thing, Twin Studies is for you.
New Madrid
New Madrid has mastered the ability to put out a large yield of music of the same genre without repeating itself or sounding derivative. The Athens gr...
Tiger! Tiger!
Tiger! Tiger! plays confidant, sage-like garage rock that instills a healthy amount of fear into your heart. This show is the LP release party for the...
Zale
Zale is classic rock n’ roll with a modern twist. The five-piece exudes raw energy that’s best when experienced live.
Cracker
Perhaps best known for their breakout hit “Low,” Cracker is as much a band as it is a time capsule from an era where grunge and rock reigned supreme. ...
Identikit
Identikit is more like a small, focused orchestra rather than a band. Though predominantly based in jazz and swing, the group's music wades through va...
Rock*A*Teens
The Rock*A*Teens are a long-standing bastion of the old school Cabbagetown sound. Crafting a dreary-happy atmosphere that aligns the group with the sp...
FLAP
FLAP have been around since ?89, wowing audiences with a wide-eyed blend of country, punk, jazz, and psychedelia. Keep your fingers crossed for them t...
Gringo Star
Gringo Star, an Atlanta-based indie rock group that has released four albums and toured internationally. Over the last decade, Gringo Star have carved...
Duet for Theremin and Lap Steel
Frank Schultz is an American improvising guitarist residing in Atlanta
Georgia. Frank is known for his performances using lap steel guitar for the pas...
Alex Hassell
Atlanta, GA based session musician, singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Graduated from Georgia State University School of Music w...
Venues Known for Alternative & Indie Music
For our full music venue directory see our list of music venues
529 Bar
In the central East Atlanta spot formerly occupied by retro soul bar the Village, you'll find 529 — a tiny, smoky space that oozes cool. Despite being...
Drunken Unicorn
The literally underground club features plenty of figuratively underground punk, electro, and hip-hop acts. Although connected to MJQ Concourse, it ha...
Smith's Olde Bar
Floor to ceiling renovations!
With live music from the likes of Zack Brown, Butch Walker, Blackberry Smoke, and John Mayer plus past performances from...
The Earl
East Atlanta staple for local and up-and-coming rock bands, as well as nationally established indie acts, and grub for the hipster-PBR set.
The Loft
One of three music venues at the Center Stage Theater. The Loft is located on the second floor. It offers full bar service and a view of the Midtown s...
The Masquerade
Tucked away in the Kenny's Alley section of Underground Atlanta, the Masquerade is Downtown Atlanta’s most revered music venue. Over the last 30 years...
Vinyl
One of three music venues that make up Center Stage Theater that opened in 2003. Offers an intimate setting with 300 capacity and billiards.
CL Alt & Indie Features
G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE: Ten questions, more or less, with Garrett Dutton
02/05/2024 9:57 AM
Genre-blending artist to perform two shows in Atlanta
Red Hot Chili Peppers to play Atlanta
10/07/2021 11:03 AM
Their 2022 global stadium tour brings RHCP to Truist Park; early tickets buy on sale Oct. 8, 'general public' tix available Oct. 15
NEW ATLANTA MUSIC: Wieuca release 'Llycra'
09/24/2021 10:00 AM
Local foursome release precurser to upcoming LP set for October
NEW ATLANTA MUSIC: 'Inside' released by Cement Scabies
09/07/2021 4:24 PM
Kendall Keeling's latest project with Laurie Segars Morrison
NEW ATLANTA MUSIC: Rare Birds release 'Wire' today
10/23/2020 3:01 PM
Video created and animated by Brazilian artist Alexandre Barcelos
Explore More Atlanta Music Genres
See our list of all atlanta music genres for the comprehensive list of our coverage. Here's some links for other genres you might like to check out.
Alternative Indie Music Atlanta
Explore Atlanta’s alternative and indie music scene—from underground shows to genre-bending local bands, this guide highlights the venues, artists, an...
Americana Folk Music Atlanta
Explore artist profiles, upcoming shows, venues, and features covering Atlanta’s Americana and folk music scene.
Blues Music In Atlanta
Discover where to hear live blues, find local and touring acts, and explore articles and reviews tied to Atlanta’s blues culture.
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Country Music Atlanta
See which artists are performing, learn about country-friendly venues, and explore CL’s coverage of Atlanta’s country scene.
Edm And Electronic Music In Atlanta
Check out the DJs, venues, and festivals fueling Atlanta’s electronic music landscape, with updated show listings and previews.
Gospel Music Atlanta
Browse upcoming performances, local gospel talent, and features highlighting the spiritual and musical roots of gospel in Atlanta.
Content:_:An Atlanta Hip-Hop Cipher
Explore key hip-hop venues, artist bios, concert picks, and critic coverage of Atlanta’s most defining music genre.
Jazz Music Atlanta
See what’s on stage at local jazz clubs, browse artist features, and catch our critic’s picks for upcoming jazz events.
Metal Music Atlanta
Get the latest on Atlanta’s metal shows, featured artists, and the venues known for hosting heavy and underground acts.
Punk Scene In Atlanta
Find out where punk is alive in Atlanta, with concert picks, band spotlights, and articles covering the city’s DIY punk community.
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Alternative & Indie Music in Atlanta – Bands, Venues & Events