How is the word “indie” used in music?
The term “indie” is tossed around a lot in regards to music. Some use it to describe a genre that includes artists like Tame Impala, Arctic Monkeys, The 1975, Mac DeMarco. Music that people define as being in the “indie” genre characteristically has a jangly, upbeat, slightly retro sound. However, many use it as a general term describing music that is independently released, whether that is by an independent record label or a DIY artist.
When did indie music start popping up?
I dove a bit deeper into this specific topic in this blog post. Definitely check it out for more context, but I’ll give a little summary if you’re locked into this post. The term originated during the 70s, in reference to punk rock band Buzzcocks. In the 70s, the corporate music industry was getting huge. Every artist from that time that remains relevant today was likely signed to a major record label and receiving A LOT of financial support. Buzzcocks were the pioneers of independent music, and one of the first independent, DIY bands to make it mainstream. They didn’t receive thousands from a record label and didn’t have access to the top producers. They made the music themselves, had passion, and it worked.
Many musicians at this time were inspired by the success of Buzzcocks and realized that they could also make music on the same scale. They didn’t need a major label backing them. Throughout the 80s and 90s, we saw more and more independent bands making it mainstream. The Smiths took over England in the 80s, while bands like Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. dominated the United States alternative scene in the 90s.
Where did the genre of indie music come from?
So when did the word “indie” start to mean a specific-sounding genre? Personally, I attribute it to the Tumblr-era. In the early 2010s, every tween, teen, and young adult spent their free time on Tumblr. It served as a creative outlet for so many people, as well as a place where they could connect with people about shared passions. Many people found a community on Tumblr, whether that was over their favorite TV show, their favorite artist, or their favorite book.
Artists like Lana Del Rey, Arctic Monkeys, The 1975, Florence + the Machine, MGMT, and more found IMMENSE fame on the platform. Fans of these artists all had very similar personal aesthetics, repping American Apparel tennis skirts, posing on Instagram with a bow in their hair and a black-and-white filter. Followers of this aesthetic and artists were coined “indie”. Now, not only did indie describe a DIY artist, but it also described a fashion style and genre of music.
Artists that fell into the “indie” genre had generally similar sounds, with a laid-back recording style, electric guitar, 80s synths, and an overall vintage sound. While these artists started out small and with no label backing, following the rise of Tumblr, they became huge. Many artists from this era were signed to major labels and remain with them to this day. Now, “indie” describes a genre that includes artists that are definitely not independent. This begs the question, should indie describe a genre? Or the state of being independent?
Indie is NOT a genre.
My opinion? Indie isn’t a genre. Even amongst artists that are coined as “indie”, their sound remains extremely vast. Comparing an artist like Mac DeMarco to an artist like Halsey is like comparing a strawberry to a steak. They might both be food, but they’re nothing alike. Indie should strictly mean an artist that has no major label backing, and has full creative control over their music. This can include pop artists, rap artists, country artists, folk artists, and everything in between. DIY music needs more awareness!
Artists – submit your music here for a chance to be feature on Earworm!
Music listeners – share with me what you’re listening to! I love learning about new music.