Indie music refers to music created independently from major commercial record labels, usually by smaller independent labels and artists. The term “indie” is derived from “independent,” referring to this freedom from corporate influence and control over creative output. Indie music has its origins in the underground punk and alternative rock scenes of the 1970s and 1980s, where bands began rejecting major label deals in favor of releasing music on indie labels and in a DIY fashion. This allowed them to maintain full creative control over their music and image.
Indie music came to signify a unique counterculture ethos focused on authenticity, community, and artistic experimentation. Over time, the spirit of indie music significantly influenced the mainstream, bringing alternative rock and offbeat genres to wider popularity starting in the 1990s. Indie music continues to have an outsized impact on popular music and culture despite its independent roots.
What is Indie Music?
Indie music is defined by its independent spirit and do-it-yourself (DIY) ethic. At its core, indie artists aim to maintain complete control over their creative process without interference from major record labels.
The term “indie” is derived from “independent,” referring to independence from the corporate music industry. Indie artists record, produce, and release their music on their own terms – they have artistic integrity and creative autonomy.
A key characteristic of indie music is the raw, lo-fi sound that often stems from home or low-budget recordings. Rather than striving for mainstream polish and perfection, indie embraces a more organic, unrefined aesthetic. The focus is on authentic self-expression, not commercial appeal.
Indie artists typically take a DIY approach to writing, recording, producing, distributing, and promoting their music. The indie ethos celebrates a “roll up your sleeves” work ethic of doing everything yourself without corporate teams or budgets.
Staying true to one’s artistic vision is prioritized over chasing fame or fortune. Indie music is about following your muse, not chasing trends or watering down your sound. Creative control and integrity are paramount in the indie world.
Is Indie Really a Genre or Sound?
The debate around whether indie is a distinct musical genre or more of a philosophy and approach to music-making has been ongoing. On one side, some argue that indie constitutes a particular sound – usually guitar-based rock with a raw, lo-fi aesthetic. Others contend that indie is better understood as an ethos that prioritizes creative autonomy and independence over commercial appeal and mainstream success.
According to the latter perspective, indie is defined more by a spirit of experimentation and individuality rather than conformity to a strict genre. Indie artists tend to resist easy categorization into established genres, often blending and transcending traditional boundaries. This results in an incredibly diverse range of music that falls under the large indie umbrella.
While certain indie subgenres like indie rock and indie pop have more defined conventions in terms of sound, indie as a whole encompasses vastly eclectic musical styles. From the folk-influenced songs of indie folk bands to the synthesizer-driven dance beats of indie electronic acts, indie flexibility allows artists to innovate. Ultimately, the debate continues over whether stylistic factors constitute a distinct indie genre or if an uncompromising independent spirit stands as the unifying mark of indie music.
History of Indie Rock
Indie rock originated in the late 1970s and early 1980s punk and underground rock scenes in the United States and United Kingdom. Bands like The Velvet Underground, Television, Patti Smith, and The Stooges laid the early groundwork for indie rock’s raw, experimental sound and DIY approach.
In the 1980s, bands on independent labels like SST, 4AD, and Rough Trade created the first true indie rock explosion. Artists like R.E.M., The Smiths, Hüsker Dü, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., and the Pixies took an alternative approach to rock music with unconventional song structures, edgy guitar sounds, and deeply personal lyrics. These bands went on to influence the 1990s grunge and alternative rock movements.
Some landmark indie rock albums that defined the genre include R.E.M.’s Murmur, Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation, Pixies’ Doolittle, and Pavement’s Slanted and Enchanted. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the rise of indie rock scenes in cities like Seattle, Minneapolis, and Washington D.C. Groups like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden brought indie rock to mainstream popularity.
While indie rock has evolved over the decades, it laid the groundwork for alternative music and continues to impact rock music today. The indie spirit of creative freedom and rejection of corporate influence remains at the heart of the genre.
Indie Folk
Indie folk emerged in the early 2000s as a subgenre that blended indie rock sensibilities with traditional folk sounds and influences. The emphasis is on acoustic instrumentation like guitars, banjos, and mandolins, as well as vocal harmonies and introspective, earnest songwriting.
Some of the leading artists that pioneered the indie folk movement include bands like Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, The Tallest Man on Earth, and Mumford & Sons. Their music evoked the roots of 1960s folk revival with a modern, indie spirit. Fleet Foxes gained attention for their rich vocal harmonies on their 2008 self-titled debut album. Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon used falsetto vocals and acoustic guitar in unique ways on indie folk classics like “Skinny Love.”
Other notable indie folk acts include bands like The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, The Head and the Heart, and Iron & Wine. Many indie folk artists record their music in home studios or outdoors in pastoral settings, giving the music an intimate, stripped-down feel compared to polished mainstream pop productions. The indie folk style remains popular today, influencing mainstream acts, though it is still firmly rooted in the independent music world.
Indie Music Culture
Indie music is as much about community and culture as it is about the music itself. Local indie music scenes thrive in cities and towns worldwide, from Glasgow to Portland and everywhere in between. These grassroots communities are built around local bands, DIY venues, indie record stores, college radio stations, and indie music blogs. Fans connect through a shared passion for music discovery and support for emerging artists.
Independent record labels are another vital pillar of the indie community. Labels like Sub Pop, Merge, and Matador provide a platform for artists to release music on their own terms, while championing creative freedom over commercial interests. Legendary labels help launch careers for genre-defining bands.
The festival circuit is a rite of passage for many indie acts. Festivals like South by Southwest, Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Pitchfork Music Festival are meccas for indie fans to discover new bands and immerse themselves in the culture. Indie fashion and style are on full display. The energy is infectious and communal.
Indie music also intersects with independent film, contemporary art, and progressive politics. The DIY spirit permeates across mediums and movements aligned with independence, creativity, and activism. Across all its forms, indie culture values authenticity, community, and carving your own path.
Best New Indie Artists
The indie music scene is constantly evolving with fresh, diverse emerging talent pushing genre boundaries. Here are some of the most exciting new indie artists making waves:
Japanese Breakfast
After gaining attention with her 2016 album Psychopomp, Michelle Zauner has cemented herself as an indie star with her latest release, Jubilee. Blending indie pop, dream pop, and lo-fi indie rock, Zauner serves up catchy melodies paired with deeply personal lyrics.
Arlo Parks
This young London singer-songwriter burst onto the scene in 2020 with her intimate, jazz-tinged brand of indie pop and soul. Her debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams has earned Parks critical acclaim and comparisons to Phoebe Bridgers and SZA.
Lucy Dacus
Dacus delivers clever, often autobiographical indie rock with a mix of confessional lyricism, raw vocals, and refined melodies. Her 2021 album Home Video was hailed by critics as a coming-of-age indie rock masterpiece.
beabadoobee
A leader in the bedroom pop subgenre, Filipino-British artist beabadoobee (real name Beatrice Laus) crafts distortion-heavy indie rock with hazy, lo-fi production. Her 2020 debut Fake It Flowers showcases her star potential.
Remi Wolf
With her bombastic pop vocals, funk-inspired riffs, and eccentric personality, Remi Wolf is bringing a colorful new flair to the indie pop scene. Her 2021 EP We Love Dogs! exemplifies her energetic, retro-tinged sound.
This sample highlights the diversity of fresh new indie talent pushing musical boundaries across genres like indie pop, rock, folk, and more. Support these rising indie stars by checking out their latest releases. The indie scene is thriving with an exciting crop of innovative new artists.
Best New Indie Tracks
The indie music scene is constantly pumping out fresh, buzzworthy singles from both emerging and established artists. Music streaming has made it easier than ever for indie tracks to gain viral popularity. Here are some of the most acclaimed and catchy indie songs lighting up playlists:
- “Heat Wave” by Glass Animals – This smooth psych-pop earworm was an inescapable hit in 2021. Its laidback, summery vibe earned it over 500 million streams.
- “Kyoto” by Phoebe Bridgers – Bridgers’ emotional indie folk ballad highlights her powerful vocals and vivid lyrics. It became a fan favorite from her critically praised 2020 album.
- “Solar Power” by Lorde – The New Zealand pop star’s comeback single adopts an earthy, folky sound. It’s the title track from her long-awaited new album.
- “Leave the Door Open” by Silk Sonic – This throwback R&B/soul track from Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak oozes retro cool and became a global smash hit.
- “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” by Lil Nas X – Though known for hip hop, Lil Nas X brilliantly crossed into the indie pop genre with this catchy single about self-acceptance.
- “drivers license” by Olivia Rodrigo – Rodrigo’s generation-defining piano ballad highlights her talent for raw, emotional songwriting beyond her years.
- “F2020” by Avenue Beat – This Gen Z indie pop trio struck a chord with their viral track venting pandemic frustrations through satirical, lighthearted lyrics.
With indie artists making major waves across all genres, there’s an endless supply of fresh tracks to dive into. Follow indie playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube to discover the next big thing.
Indie Streaming
Music streaming has had a profound impact on the indie music landscape in recent years. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp have provided greater accessibility and exposure for independent artists. This has leveled the playing field, allowing indie musicians to reach audiences directly without relying on traditional record labels and radio play.
Streaming has enabled the discovery of emerging indie talent that may have otherwise remained obscure. Playlisting by streaming services has become an important new channel for indie promotion. At the same time, the importance of viral moments and word-of-mouth sharing online has amplified indie artists. Streaming data and analytics provide valuable insight to help indie musicians find their fans.
For many indie artists, streaming revenue has become an increasingly vital income source. While payouts per stream remain relatively small, scale can add up. Top indie acts regularly rack up millions of streams. However, the streaming model does pose challenges for smaller, up-and-coming indie artists. Playlisting bias tends to favor major label content. Critics argue streaming has made music feel more disposable.
Still, streaming has been a game changer, empowering indie artists with independence. The DIY ethos thrives as indie musicians utilize streaming tools and social media marketing to connect directly with listeners. While not a cure-all, streaming has brought democratization and revitalization to the indie landscape.
The Future of Indie
The independent spirit of indie music is sure to endure, continuing to influence mainstream music in new ways. While the streaming era has opened up opportunities for indie artists, it has also brought challenges in standing out in a saturated landscape. However, the fundamental DIY ethos of indie music persists.
Looking ahead, several trends seem poised to rise within the indie world. Indie R&B, bedroom pop, hyperpop and other emerging styles fuse indie sensibilities with modern production. More collaboration between indie artists across genres also appears inevitable. We can expect even more genre-blurring as indie’s eclectic nature evolves.
Regionally distinct indie scenes will likely continue thriving. New local hubs may emerge, while staples like Brooklyn and Portland cement their statuses. Indie’s ties to social activism and progressive politics could strengthen amidst current events.
Overall, indie’s spirit of unbridled creativity and dedication to artistic vision remains strong. While the sounds may shift with the times, the underlying ethos persists. Indie music will keep pushing boundaries, inspiring and influencing. The lines between indie and mainstream will continue blurring, with indie serving as a hotbed for cultivating new talent and trends. The future burns brightly for indie music as both a culture and community.