There is a specific, electrifying energy running through the Utah indie alt-rock movement right now. It’s a signature sound defined by story-driven indie rock folk twist melodies paired with the loud, dynamic punch of 90s alternative drive. You feel this dynamic best inside tight, all-ages rooms where the SLC local music venue scene truly thrives.
Tucked down a quiet dead-end in Salt Lake City’s Granary District, Kilby Court’s open courtyard and intimate performance stage have served as a launching pad for rising underground artists for decades. On a recent packed weekend night, the sold out Kilby Court live show hit full capacity, with an eager crowd spilling out onto the patio. Everyone was crammed shoulder-to-shoulder to catch a standout performance from dogpaw, a rapidly rising new indie band carving out their mark among up and coming indie rock bands in 2026.
Originating out of the Provo indie rock scene, dogpaw brings a distinct, dynamic twist to the stage. The moment this new indie band struck the first chord, the mood in the room shifted. Sweat, loud amps, and raw instrumentation filled the space. The crowd was instantly locked in—moving to the beat, shouting back lyrics, and soaking in the high-contrast dynamics of acoustic textures crashing into walls of heavy fuzz.
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Driving that massive sound from the back of the stage was my nephew, Ethan. Watching him behind the drum kit, setting the tempo and holding down the rhythm for a wall-to-wall room, was easily the best part of the night.
The concert ended up being the centerpiece of an incredible all-ages indie rock concert experience for our whole family. My wife and I were right there taking in the music and classic DIY venue atmosphere. My niece brought her boyfriend, while my step-daughter came with her boyfriend and two friends who had all traveled into downtown SLC for a 19th birthday getaway weekend. Catching a live, packed performance at an iconic space ended up being the absolute highlight of their trip.
Selling out a headlining slot at Kilby Court is a true rite of passage in the regional music scene. If the room’s energy and the crowd’s reaction were any indication, the current wave of local music is stronger than ever—and dogpaw is building something real right at the center of it as Utah’s premier new indie band to watch.
