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Artists like Arctic Monkeys — and the music that made them

Indie Rock · 2002-present
Sheffield indie rockers who conquered from bedroom demos to stadium anthems
Arctic Monkeys emerged from Sheffield in 2002, becoming the first band to gain massive success through internet buzz and file-sharing before major label backing. Their evolution from scrappy indie rock chroniclers of British nightlife to sophisticated, genre-bending stadium headliners has defined a generation of alternative rock.
Essential tracks
Do I Wanna Know?
R U Mine?
I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
Did you know
They were the first band to have their first two albums debut at #1 in the UK based primarily on internet hype
Alex Turner wrote most of their early songs on an acoustic guitar in his bedroom, recording demos on basic equipment
Their name came from a friend's band name suggestion that stuck, despite having no particular meaning to the members
“Sheffield's finest blend garage rock wit with evolving sonic experimentation.”
2
generations
of influence
Influence tree
Trace Arctic Monkeys's roots back through history
Every sound has a source. Click any node to hear the connection.
Arctic Monkeys
2002-present
The Strokes
1998-present
cited
Oasis
1991-2009
cited
The White Stripes
1997-2011
cited
The Stone Roses
1983-1996
sonic
Pulp
1978-2013
cited
Blur
1988-present
sonic
The Smiths
1982-1987
sonic
The Kinks
1963-1996
movement
The Velvet Underground
1964-1973
sonic
↑ Click any influence node to see the connection and where to start listening.
What makes the sound
Sonic elements
Rapid-fire observational lyrics
Tight rhythm section interplay
Guitar tone evolution from garage to psychedelic
Alex Turner's distinctive Sheffield accent and vocal delivery
Start with these tracks
I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
Do I Wanna Know?
R U Mine?
Fluorescent Adolescent
If you like Arctic Monkeys, try these
The Strokes
Share the same garage rock revival energy with memorable guitar hooks.
2000s · Garage Rock Revival
Kasabian
British indie rock with anthemic choruses and working-class attitude.
2000s · Indie Rock
Franz Ferdinand
Angular guitar work and danceable rhythms with sharp lyrical observations.
2000s · Post-Punk Revival
The Last Shadow Puppets
Alex Turner's side project showcases his orchestral and theatrical tendencies.
2010s · Baroque Pop
Vampire Weekend
Literate indie rock that evolved from jangly beginnings to experimental territories.
2000s · Indie Rock
Two Door Cinema Club
Energetic indie rock with catchy hooks and youthful exuberance.
2010s · Indie Rock
About this page

Music like Arctic Monkeys — Arctic Monkeys emerged from Sheffield in 2002, becoming the first band to gain massive success through internet buzz and file-sharing before major label backing. Their evolution from scrappy indie rock chroniclers of British nightlife to sophisticated, genre-bending stadium headliners has defined a generation of alternative rock.

Artists like Arctic Monkeys today include The Strokes, Kasabian, Franz Ferdinand, The Last Shadow Puppets. If you enjoy Arctic Monkeys, these artists share similar sonic qualities, influences, and emotional range.

Bands like Arctic Monkeys and songs like Arctic Monkeys are among the most searched music discovery queries — rootz.guru goes deeper by tracing the roots of the sound itself, not just surface-level similarity.