Exploring Music Genres: Indie

Indie music is a genre created for artists who want to make diverse music. Indie music covers a range of musical styles from energetic rock to soft acoustic tracks. Indie music opens the door for small, self-directed artists to gain popularity and recognition without needing relying on major labels. Indie music has independently built a culture that values community, creativity, and innovation.  

Indie music began in the late 1970s and early 1980s, emerging mainly from the United Kingdom and United States of America. The genre grew out of underground and DIY music scenes and was originally defined by artists who released music on independent record labels. In the 1980s, indie music was still mostly underground, with bands like The Smiths and Sonic Youth defining the early structure of the genre. Later in the 1990s, indie music became more diverse, with sub genres like dream pop, Britpop, grunge, and lo-fi, influencing its growth. The 2000s witnessed a major mainstream breakthrough within indie music as digital music and the internet boosted indie artists’ popularity. From the 2010s to the present day, indie music has blended seamlessly into other genres, like pop and electronic. Streaming platforms have allowed small independent artists to succeed in their careers without having the backing of a major label.    

The production of indie music often embraces DIY, low budget recording techniques, especially in early indie and among small artists who can’t afford high quality tools. Depending on the subgenre, the production can range from raw and unpolished to clean but minimalistic. The mixing usually focuses on natural tones rather than heavily processed sounds, as well as balanced textures instead of commercial mixes. Traditional indie instruments typically include guitars, drums, keys, piano, and bass. Jangly guitars, light distortion, and clean tones are frequently used. Furthermore, drum machines, synthesizers, and digital audio workstations are commonly found in modern indie tracks. Indie vocals are often soft, conversational, casual, and slightly imperfect, all of which emphasise the value of indie’s individuality over technical perfection. The lyrical themes in indie music vary but frequently include emotion, introspection, everyday life, melancholy, romanticism, nostalgia, and poetic imagery. 

Indie has many artists and songs that have left a lasting mark on the genre. The Smiths, an English rock band, debuted in 1984 and released the song, “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” in 1986. The song defined early indie rock in the UK with its emotionally honest lyrics and jangly guitars and influenced generations of indie bands because of their distinctive sound. In 1986, the American band Pixies debuted. The band released the album “Doolittle” in 1989 and pioneered the loud-quiet-loud dynamic that is used by many indie and alternative bands. A more modern band is Arctic Monkeys, who debuted in 2002. The band was one of the first to gain massive success through the internet and helped define modern indie rock through an energetic-driven sound and sharp lyrics.

Indie music continues to focus on the authenticity and the artistic freedom that has allowed musicians to explore new sounds and express personal themes. Over time, indie music has shaped other genres like alternative rock and pop, proving that success and popularity do not depend on major labels.