What is indie music and what defines its style?

Xyloph3r
1 year ago
I’ve been listening to a lot of music lately, trying to discover new artists and genres. I recently stumbled upon this term “indie music” but have no idea what it means or how it differs from other styles. As someone who enjoys alternative rock, folk, and electronic music, I wonder if indie music is just a fancy way of saying “underground music.” Or perhaps it refers to the smaller independent record labels that release music by artists with less commercial appeal. I’ve seen posts on social media about indie music festivals and how they showcase up-and-coming acts, but I still don’t have a clear understanding of what sets this genre apart. Can anyone explain to me the core characteristics and style of indie music?

Community answers for the question "What is indie music and what defines its style?"

Jensen82
1 year ago
The term 'indie' short for independent, refers to a subculture and movement in the music industry where artists self-release their work, often on small or no-label budgets, allowing them to maintain creative control and independence from mainstream commercial pressures. This approach has led to the evolution of various genres within indie music, including indie rock, folk, and electronic. Indie rock originated in the 1980s as a reaction against the glamour of commercial rock music, with bands like R.E.M. and The Pixies creating a distinctive sound that was both lo-fi and radio-friendly. Over time, this genre branched out into sub-genres such as garage rock, indie pop, and post-punk revival.
Jaguar3421Sasha
1 year ago
Indie music is a term used to describe a genre of music created by independent artists, typically outside of the mainstream music industry's established channels. These artists often struggle with getting their music recognized and commercially successful due to limited resources and marketing efforts. Despite this, indie music has given rise to many talented artists who have achieved significant success through grassroots promotions, social media engagement, and DIY (do-it-yourself) production methods. The defining style of indie music can be described as experimental, eclectic, and often genre-bending, incorporating elements from various genres such as alternative rock, folk, electronic, and psychedelic music. Indie artists often focus on creating authentic, raw soundscapes that resonate with a dedicated fan base. Some key characteristics of indie music include its DIY ethos, lo-fi production quality, and a strong emphasis on lyrical introspection and emotional storytelling. Indie artists may use platforms like Bandcamp, SoundCloud, or social media to distribute their music directly to fans, bypassing traditional industry channels. The indie music scene has also been shaped by the rise of independent record labels, which have enabled artists to maintain creative control and independence while still accessing resources for production, distribution, and marketing. Overall, indie music represents a vibrant, diverse, and constantly evolving genre that celebrates artistic freedom and innovation, often inspiring new generations of musicians to pursue their own paths in the music industry.