Roar: The Lo-Fi Indie Rock Phenomenon

Roar is the musical project of American multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Owen Evans, known for crafting infectious, lo-fi indie rock with a distinctive pop sensibility. Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, the project gained a significant cult following in the late 2000s and 2010s, largely driven by the viral success of the melancholic yet catchy single "I Can't Handle Change".

Early career

Owen Evans began recording music under the moniker Roar around 2006 while based in Phoenix. The project's early output was characterized by a homespun, DIY aesthetic, with Evans writing, performing, and recording all parts himself, often on rudimentary equipment. These initial recordings were shared online, building an early fanbase through platforms like MySpace and Bandcamp, which led to the release of the debut album "I Can't Handle Change" in 2010.

Breakthrough

Roar's breakthrough was not immediate but grew steadily, primarily fueled by the enduring online popularity of the album's title track. The song "I Can't Handle Change" became a staple on video-sharing and streaming platforms years after its initial release, resonating with new audiences and defining the project's signature sound. This sustained interest led to wider recognition for Evans' work and subsequent releases on labels like Chill Mega Chill and Audio Antihero.

Key tracks

I Can't Handle Change — This track is the definitive Roar song, whose persistent online popularity propelled the entire project to a new level of recognition.

Mermaid — A prime example of Roar's knack for pairing upbeat, jangly guitar melodies with introspective and often darkly humorous lyrics.

Don't Let Me Get Me — Featured on the 2014 EP "Impossible Animals," this song showcases a more polished production while retaining the core lo-fi charm.

Sea of Nothing — This track highlights the project's ability to build complex, layered vocal harmonies over simple, effective instrumental arrangements.

Following the cult success of his early work, Owen Evans continued to refine the Roar sound. The 2016 album "I'm Not Here to Make Friends" presented a more cohesive and expansive vision, exploring themes of anxiety and self-doubt with sharper production. While not a mainstream chart presence, Roar's music has consistently found its audience, with albums like "Plead and Protect the Pups" further cementing a dedicated fanbase that treasures Evans' unique blend of vulnerability and catchy songwriting.

Fans of Roar's brand of introspective, DIY indie rock should also explore the works of similar artists. Neutral Milk Hotel shares a similar raw, emotionally charged lo-fi aesthetic and lyrical depth. The Microphones explores comparable territories of personal mythology and home-recorded sonic experimentation. AJJ mirrors the combination of folk-punk energy and darkly comic, confessional lyricism present in much of Roar's catalog.

The music of Roar maintains a steady presence on various independent music radio stations and online rock radio streams that champion underground and cult-favorite artists. Its relatable lyrics and memorable melodies make it a perfect fit for curated playlists on stations dedicated to indie rock discovery and lo-fi sounds, ensuring the project's songs continue to reach new listeners.

You can hear the distinctive indie rock of Roar on specialty radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Listeners can discover the full depth of Owen Evans' catalog, from early DIY anthems to later refined albums, through the independent radio stations available on our platform.