The Sound of Dayton Indie

“The Sound of Dayton Indie” is a wide-ranging snapshot of the indie music scene that’s been growing strong in Dayton, Ohio for decades. This playlist brings together some of the city’s most notable names—from the lo-fi legends Guided By Voices and their many offshoots like ESP Ohio and Boston Spaceships, to newer acts like Life in Idle, The Katawicks, and Moira—blending fuzzy guitar hooks, experimental edges, and midwestern storytelling. There’s a real mix of genres here too, with everything from alt-rock and shoegaze to hip-hop (TINO and DJ Marrrtin) and heavier post-hardcore (Like Moths To Flames).

What ties these tracks together is a shared DIY spirit and Dayton roots. You’ll hear the gritty optimism in songs like “This Old Town” by The New Old-Fashioned, the raw emotion of “Failed Attempts and Cigarettes” by Paige Beller, and the offbeat energy of Brainiac’s “F**king With The Altimiter.” Whether it's the polished pop-punk of The Orphan The Poet, the groovy psych vibes of Cricketbows, or the poignant folk-rock tones from Heather Redman and Amber Hargett, the playlist showcases Dayton as a place where creativity thrives in many directions.