Blvck Hippie

Blvck Hippie is a Memphis-based indie rock outfit led by Josh Shaw, who founded the project to provide representation for Black artists in the 'weird' indie and emo spaces. Shaw's background is unconventional for the genre, beginning with self-taught classical piano before moving into lo-fi bedroom recordings.

The band's sound evolved significantly upon the addition of drummer Casey Rittinger, whose metal background introduced polyrhythmic complexity to Shaw's shimmering, VHS-inspired guitar work. Their 2021 debut LP, 'If You Feel Alone at Parties,' solidified their position as leaders in the 'Sad Boy Indie' subgenre, earning critical praise for its honest exploration of grief, loneliness, and Black identity. Musically, they occupy a space between the post-punk revivalism of The Strokes and the atmospheric intensity of mid-2000s indie-folk. The band is noted for their high-energy live performances which contrast with their dark, introspective lyrical themes. They represent a growing movement of diverse voices reclaiming guitar-based alternative music, blending technical proficiency with a raw, confessional aesthetic.