Defining Indie Rock Music
Contents
A look at what makes a song or artist qualify as indie rock, with examples of popular indie rock bands and songs.
Introduction
Indie rock is a genre of alternative rock that originated in the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1980s. Indie rock is extremely diverse, with subgenres that include lo-fi, math rock, dream pop, post-rock, noise pop, space rock, and Slowcore, among others. Originally used to describe independent record labels, the term became associated with the music they produced and was initially used interchangeably with alternative rock. As grunge and punk revival bands in the US and Britpop bands in the UK broke into the mainstream in the 1990s, it came to be used to identify those acts that retained an outsider and underground perspective. In the 2000s, as a result of changes in the music industry and a growing importance of the Internet, some indie rock acts began to enjoy commercial success, leading to questions about its meaningfulness as a term.
What distinguishes indie rock is hard to define — it has been described as anything from “the pure products of DIY culture” to “the intentionally commercialized heirs of punk’s independent spirit”. In a scene dominated by major label signing and closely monitored radio playlists filled with corporate-approved acts (and their sons and daughters), indie artists were those who released records on independent labels or did not have major-label contracts. One definition of “indie rock” was summarized by AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine: “…The classic Soundscan era when sales were tabulated by radio play or video rotation on MTV or MuchMusic [and] almost any band that got airplay or video rotation could plausibly be termed ‘indie’…” Another definition might simply center on who releases an artist’s music; if an act is signed by an independent record label it could be termed “indie”.
What is Indie Rock Music?
Indie rock is a genre of rock music that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1970s. Indie rock was originally used to describe independently released records. The term became associated with the music of punk rock, power pop, and new wave. In the 1980s, the use of the term “indie” started to shift from its reference to recording companies to describe the style of music produced on punk and post-punk labels. During the 1990s, grunge and punk rock bands broke into the mainstream, and the term “alternative” lost its original counter-cultural meaning.
Indie Rock Music as a Genre
Indie rock is a genre of rock music that originated in the United States and United Kingdom in the 1970s. Originally used to describe independent record labels, the term became associated with the music they produced and was initially used interchangeably with alternative rock or indie rock. In the 1980s, the use of the term “indie” started to shift from its reference to recording companies to describe the style of music produced on punk and post-punk labels. During the 1990s, grunge and punk revival bands in the US and Britpop bands in the UK broke into the mainstream, leading to questions about their commercial viability. In the 2000s, only a few hard rock bands from the 1970s and 1980s managed to sustain highly successful recording careers.
Indie Rock Music as a Lifestyle
Indie rock is a genre of music that encompasses a wide range of styles, including alternative rock, punk rock, and garage rock. Indie rock is usually defined as music made by independent artists, who are not signed to major record labels.
The term “indie rock” can be used to describe both the music and the lifestyle surrounding it. Many indie rock fans are also involved in other DIY (do-it-yourself) subcultures, such as punk and hip hop.
The DIY ethic is an important part of indie rock culture. Independent artists often release their music on small, independent labels, or self-release their albums. They may also organise their own tours and play shows in DIY venues.
The indie rock scene is often close-knit and supportive, with fans and musicians sharing a similar aesthetic and philosophy. This can make it difficult for outsiders to break into the scene. However, there are many ways to get involved in the indie rock community, such as going to shows, supporting independent businesses, and participating in DIY projects.
The Origins of Indie Rock Music
Indie rock is a subgenre of rock music that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1970s. Indie rock was originally used to describe independent record labels, but it has since been used to describe a musical style. Indie rock is characterized by a DIY ethic and a focus on independent record labels.
The Birth of Punk Rock
Punk rock was a reaction against the bloated, self-indulgent rock music of the early 1970s. Punk bands stripped down their sound, and their songs were direct, simple, and to the point. They were often angry and political, and they rejected the traditional trappings of rock music, such as long solos and complex arrangements.
Punk rock was born in the United States in the mid-1970s, but it quickly spread to Britain, where it became the dominant musical force of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Punk bands such as the Sex Pistols and the Clash were at the forefront of this movement, and they were soon joined by countless other bands who shared their DIY ethic and DIY aesthetic.
The punk rock movement was short-lived, but its impact was profound. Punk bands help to redefine what it meant to be a rock band, and their DIY ethic inspired a generation of musicians who went on to form some of the most important indie rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s.
The Indie Rock Movement
The origins of indie rock music are often traced back to the American underground music scene of the 1980s and 1990s. Indie rock is a genre that is characterized by its alternative, independent approach to music production and distribution. This type of music is typically released on small, independent record labels rather than major record companies.
In the early 1990s, grunge and punk rock bands such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam began to gain mainstream popularity. This was followed by a wave of other alternative rock bands such as Sonic Youth, Pixies, Dinosaur Jr., and Pavement. These bands were often associated with the “indie rock” movement, although they did not necessarily self-identify as such.
The term “indie rock” is believed to have been first coined in the late 1980s or early 1990s, in an attempt to describe the growing number of independently produced and released albums. In the 2000s, indie rock became even more popular, with bands such as Modest Mouse, The Strokes, Interpol, The Killers, and Arcade Fire achieving mainstream success.
Today, indie rock continues to be an important force in the music industry, with many new bands emerging each year. Even though the sound of indie rock has evolved over time, it still retains its core characteristics of being independently produced and distributed.
The Characteristics of Indie Rock Music
Indie rock is a musical genre that became popular in the 1980s. Indie rock music is typically characterized by its use of guitars, drums, and keyboards. The genre is also known for its do-it-yourself approach and independent record labels.
Do-It-Yourself Aesthetic
The do-it-yourself aesthetic of indie rock is often associated with a punk ethosit was originally used to describe the music of mid-1970s garage bands and punk rock groups that released their own records rather than relying on major record labels. As the music scenes of these cities started to grow and develop, a number of different styles began to emerge, each with its own set of characteristic features.
One key characteristic of indie rock is its DIY (do-it-yourself) aesthetic. This is most evident in the way that many indie bands self-produce and self-release their records, often on small independent labels. This DIY ethic extends to the way that many indie bands promote themselves, using social media and grassroots marketing campaigns to reach new fans.
Another key characteristic of indie rock is its focus on songcraft and melody. This is in contrast to the emphasis on raw energy and attitude found in much punk rock. Indie rock bands often pay close attention to the detail of their songwriting, crafting catchy hooks and memorable melodies.
Indie rock also tends to have a more relaxed, laid-back feel than other genres such as punk or metal. This is partly due to the fact that many indie bands avoided using distorted electric guitars in favor of cleaner-sounding acoustic or Jolene instruments. The result is a sound that is often more mellow and introspective than other types of rock music.
Diverse Influences and Subgenres
Indie rock is characterized by a diverse range of influences and sounds, making it notoriously difficult to define. In general, however, indie rock can be described as rock music that is not influenced or produced by major record labels. This includes a wide range of subgenres, such as lo-fi, math rock, post-rock, shoegaze, and emo.
Indie rock began in the 1980s as an alternative to the mainstream sounds of the time. Bands such as R.E.M., Pixies, and The Smiths were some of the first to gain popularity in the genre. In the 1990s and 2000s, indie rock experienced a renaissance with the rise of bands like Nirvana, Oasis, and Radiohead. Today, indie rock remains hugely popular, with artists like Vampire Weekend, Arcade Fire, and Grizzly Bear gaining critical acclaim.
Independent Labels and Distribution
Independent labels and distributors are a huge part of the indie rock equation. A label is considered “independent” if it is not affiliated with a major, mainstream record company. Indie rock labels come in all shapes and sizes, from small, local operations to large, international companies. There are even some completely independent labels that are run out of people’s homes!
Most indie rock bands release their music on independent labels. This allows them to have more control over their music and how it is distributed. It also allows them to keep their costs down, which is important for independent bands who often have to finance their own recordings.
Independent distributors are responsible for getting indie rock music into stores and online retailers. They usually work on a consignment basis, meaning they only get paid if the records they are distributing actually sell. This can be a risky business, but it can also be very rewarding if a band’s album becomes successful.
The Legacy of Indie Rock Music
Indie rock is a genre of rock music that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1970s. Indie rock was originally used to describe independent record labels, but has since become a popular genre of music. Indie rock is known for its DIY ethic, and its focus on independent music.
The Mainstreaming of Indie Rock
Despite its name, indie rock is not necessarily independent music. In the 1990s, “indie rock” became a genre in its own right, characterized by a do-it-yourself attitude, a focus on creative autonomy, and an DIY ethic. Indie rock artists rejected the perceived excesses of the mainstream music industry, creating their own version of success on their own terms.
This independence was both literal and figurative; many indie rock artists self-released their music or founded their own record labels. This allowed them to retain creative control and ownership of their music, as well as giving them more control over the financial aspects of their careers.
The mainstreaming of indie rock began in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as some indie rock artists achieved commercial success. Indie rock began to lose its outsider status and became just another genre of popular music. While some fans celebrated this development, others bemoaned the loss of the genre’s independent spirit.
The Indie Rock Revival
In the early 2000s, a new wave of indie rock bands began to emerge, many of whom were influenced by the original indie rock sound of the 1990s. This new crop of bands was often referred to as the “indie rock revival” and helped to reignite interest in the genre. Some of the most popular bands from this era include The Strokes, The White Stripes, and The Libertines.
The Future of Indie Rock Music
The future of indie rock music is anything but certain. The genre has been in decline for years, and it seems unlikely that it will ever regain the prominence it once had. That said, there are still some diehard fans of the genre who are keeping it alive. For them, indie rock is more than just music—it’s a way of life. And as long as there are people like that, there will always be a place for indie rock.
