The windows are open, the leaves are freshly raked, and that speaker is blasting. Fall doesn’t truly feel like fall until you’ve got the perfect playlist to coincide with a bonfire or an afternoon hike.
But in 2022, we feel like we’ve been waiting for that song that’s the fall anthem — and while you might expect it from big names like Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo, or Drake – we think that your new favorite playlist bop is coming from an up-and-coming band you may not have been introduced to yet!
Indio Ink is an alternative band with no alternative. They’re equal parts grunge and alt rock mixed with the velvety shades of Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins. It’s music that will have you screaming out of the car window while driving down the highway, or reminiscing as you and a loved one take a look up at the stars.
Their second release “Runaway” takes everything you know and love about late-2000s Paramore and adds its own future-nostalgic twist. It feels familiar, comforting, and evocative of those sun drenched indie vibes while still tugging on your heart strings.
“Runaway” is a song about living in the moment. It’s a song about getting trapped in a routine and letting other people, places, or ideas become so inundating that you just want to break free from your reality. The relatable lyrics hit home in a way that is accessible to anyone who lends an ear. Plus, it’s catchy, thoughtfully written, and the chorus is evergreen enough to make the karaoke bar jump for many years to come.
Much of the genius behind this song can be attributed to the lead singer, Indio Downey, who’s been expressing himself through music since 12 years old. You might recognize him from his previous band, “The Dose” which debuted a hit EP Saline in 2018. But more than anything, you might recognize his dad, Robert Downey Jr.
Though Indio hasn’t followed in his father’s acting footsteps, his foray into the creative space is just as moving and memorable. His Led Zeppelin inspirations coupled with his love of Nirvana are heard loud and clear among the nostalgic guitar melodies with a twinge of pop.
“I find music to be an extension of my emotions,” says the singer. “Music is my spirituality.” And when artists find a way to make their work as highly personal as Indio has been able to do with this song, it naturally finds a way to relate to its audience.
This song will have you crying, singing, dancing, and shouting at the top of your lungs – which is exactly what any good summer song should be able to do. It’s sort of like Olivia Rodrigo meets Green Day.
But Indio can’t take all the credit for your new listening obsession. He’s joined by a crew of other talented musicians who helped bring his vision to life.
His backup vocalist and key player Emily Dickinson might not be the literal poet of the same name, but she can certainly express herself in the same way. A classically trained artist, Emily’s love of music started at an early age with a simple drum set and an AC/DC song.
Since then, she’s perfected her craft by playing philharmonics in jazz bands and exploring new identities through her music. “I want to give people the impression I get when I hear good music,” says the artist. And we’d say that the impression we’re getting is everlasting.
The vocals are backed up by Indio Ink’s iconic euphoric guitar strums. That’s all thanks to Cristóbal, who began plucking strings at just eight years old. Since then, he’s been trained in jazz and rock music while taking influence from the most important musical figure in his life: his father.
Last but not least, Jackson Morris brings the song together by thrashing on his drums. He was three when he was given his first drum set, and it’s clear that he’s been banging away since then. Jackson drew inspiration from RUSH drummer Neil Peart, yet he continues to craft his own sound and inspire others to elevate their music in the same way.
Indio Ink already has over 200,000 song plays on Spotify, so we suggest throwing them onto your playlists now so you can be ahead of the trends. Because it’s only a matter of time before this band hits the status of other mainstream alt rock groups like the Foo Fighters and Radiohead.
But take one listen to “Runaway” and you might be responsible for an extra hundred thousand listens on your own. It’s a song that hits close to home for many people, shedding light on topics that often go under-discussed in more “run-of-the-mill” songs.
“On your story says you’re boring, with a photo of yourself / But with every other picture it’s another cry for help / I’m not there / I don’t care / I don’t care.”
When clever lyricism meets harsh critiques on the ways in which those around us can bog down our mind and weigh down our psyche, you know you have a piece of music that was truly written from the heart. The lyrics in “Runaway” are sometimes heartbreaking, but the brassy vocals of Indio and Dickinson alike make it addicting. It’s easy on the ears, but tough on the soul.
And while this might not sound like the perfect song for a fall bonfire, the reality is that you can belt these lyrics at the top of your lungs at any social occasion. The moody guitar meshes with the throbbing beats of Jackson’s drums are nothing short of extraordinary.
Fall’s coming to a close fast, so milk every last angsty moment by adding Indio Ink’s new single to your playlist. But be sure to leave some room — their first EP comes out soon, and the music video for “Runaway” dropped on September 30!
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