Tame Impala is without a doubt the most popular band on my list. The best part about Tame Impala is that it’s not actually a band but a person. Kevin Parker aka Tame Impala is a psychedelic Australian music artist who creates his own music. Parker is a multi-instrument phenom who plays all the instruments when recording his songs. As a touring act, he hires Dom Simpler, Jay Watson, and Julien Barbagallo to play his supporting instruments. Parker’s project has succeeded beyond all measures as he has immortalized himself through Tame Impala.

Parker’s humble beginnings can be traced back to Australia where he was part of several lowkey rock bands such as the Dee Dee Dums. Parker quickly found his passion for music and performing as he learned new instruments. In 2007, Parker started creating music projects from his own home. He enlisted future comrades Simpler and Watson to help him record his initial songs. He initially uploaded all his solo projects to Myspace under the name Tame Impala. In 2008, Parker uploaded his self titles EP which took off. His album rose to the top of the Australian Independent Record Charts and from there it was a hit.

After touring with MGMT and other acclaimed acts, Parker started to make his music more official. In 2010 he released the band’s official debut album Interspeaker which quickly became critically acclaimed in the United States. The album was also named “best new music” by Pitchfork. Tame Impala’s success didn’t stop after this album as they proceeded to release Lonerism which was named Australia’s album of the year.

Most people who are familiar with Tame Impala, know songs off their album Currents. Tame Impala released this album in 2015 and it was a smash hit. To this day, songs from this album continue to blow up on TikTok and other popular social media platforms. This album was very experimental, but it’s a perfect blend of creative noises. Currents combined funk with psychedelic rock in an odd blend that works so well.  In 2015, the album reached number 4 on the Billboard 200. The album spent a total of 55 weeks on the billboard 200 which is over a full year.

The vast success of Tame Impala is unrivaled. It’s crazy to consider that one of the most successful alternative bands is comprised of one person. Personally, I find his music to be the perfect blend of experimental and pop.  “Lucidity” off of Interspeaker is my favorite song without a doubt. If you a fan of psychedelic rock, this album would be a great place to start. If you a fan of more funk experimental, give his most popular songs a listen. Either way, Parker won’t let you down.