Indie

Indie music, also known as independent music, has a long and fascinating history that’s shaped the alternative music scene. In the early 1970s, a group of independent record labels, such as Stiff Records and Beggars Banquet started emerging in the UK, releasing music from artists that the mainstream music industry ignored. These artists were often producing innovative and experimental music that broke away from the formally structured pop music of the time. Throughout the 1970s, punk and post-punk continued the legacy of the independent labels, with bands like The Clash and Joy Division delivering abrasive, energetic and raw music that would oust the rock aristocracy. The ideal of DIY (do it yourself) was at the heart of the indie ethos, and many small labels and venues formed globally that provided a platform for aspiring artists to showcase their talent. Recognition for indie music was solidified in 1986 with the inception of the UK chart. The singles chart included an independent chart almost immediately, and this speaks to the impact that independents had. The early 1980s saw the DIY culture reach fever pitch. Companies such as Rough Trade and Factory Records started to set a trend for collectives and collaborations, with the creation of successful bands like Joy Division and New Order. Indie music had come to rely on the ethos that it was the artist who produced the music for the love of the sound rather than the financial gain of major record labels. Indie music began to speak for the counterculture, the underground, the alternative people of society. Indie music has also had an impact on the fashion industry and youth culture. The style of dress associated with the indie genre often includes vintage clothing, self-designed and handmade clothes, with leather jackets, fluttering skirts, and skinny jeans featuring prominently. Indie culture has evolved, with bands such as The Smiths, Oasis, and Arctic Monkeys defining the movement in a modern incarnation. The 90s brought an entirely new era of indie with the emergence of a notable sub-genre known as "shoegaze". Shoegaze is a genre that's known for heavily distorted guitars, reverb-soaked vocals and lyrics which often seem ethereal and otherworldly. Bands like Zonoscope, Mazzy Star, and Ride are typical examples of this sub-genre. Indie music then went through a bit of a lull in the late 90s before rising again in the early 2000s. Today, the indie genre has evolved and been at the heart of what is known as the “bedroom musician”. The production of music from the confines of a bedroom is a trend that’s widely embraced with popular music studio mixing software such as Pro Tools. The internet and social media have also made it easier for indie artists to gain a following and distribute music outside of traditional record labels. This change in the music production industry has even prompted large record labels to take notice of independent artists and embrace the indie genre.

Bon Iver: The project of Justin Vernon, Bon Iver's debut album "For Emma, Forever Ago" catapulted the singer-songwriter into the spotlight with its raw emotional intensity and stunning harmonies. Since then, he's experimented with different sounds and styles, blending folk and electronic music in his albums "Bon Iver, Bon Iver" and "22, A Million." Tame Impala: Kevin Parker's psychedelic rock project has garnered critical acclaim with their albums "Innerspeaker," "Lonerism," and "Currents." Their dreamy, introspective sound has solidified their place as one of the top indie acts of the 2010s. Mitski: Known for her confessional lyrics and powerful vocal performances, Mitski has won over fans with her albums "Retired from Sad, New Career in Business," "Bury Me at Makeout Creek," and "Be the Cowboy." She tackles themes of loneliness and heartbreak with unwavering honesty. Vampire Weekend: The New York band made waves with their self-titled debut album and continued to impress with "Contra," "Modern Vampires of the City," and "Father of the Bride." Their blend of indie rock and eclectic world music influences has made them a beloved group among fans. Arcade Fire: The Montreal band's debut album "Funeral" is considered a modern classic, and their subsequent releases "Neon Bible," "The Suburbs," and "Reflektor" all showcase their evolving sound and penchant for ambitious, cinematic compositions. Beach House: Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally's dream-pop outfit has produced some of the most beautiful and haunting music of the past decade with albums like "Teen Dream," "Bloom," and "7." Legrand's powerful vocals and Scally's lush instrumentation create a mesmerizing listening experience. Father John Misty: The stage name of Josh Tillman, Father John Misty's music is often satirical and self-deprecating while still maintaining a sense of sincerity. His albums "Fear Fun," "I Love You, Honeybear," and "Pure Comedy" explore themes of love, religion, and the human condition. Sufjan Stevens: Stevens has become known for his ambitious, multi-genre albums that often tell stories or explore themes of grief and transcendence. From "Illinois" to "The Age of Adz" to "Carrie & Lowell," each of his releases pushes boundaries and evokes strong emotional responses. The National: Matt Berninger's baritone vocals are a defining feature of The National's post-punk influenced indie rock. Their albums "Boxer," "High Violet," and "Trouble Will Find Me" show a consistent growth and evolution while maintaining the band's signature sound. Fiona Apple: Though she's been making music since the '90s, Fiona Apple's influence on indie music can't be ignored. Her debut album "Tidal" featured the breakout hit "Criminal," while her subsequent releases "When the Pawn..." and "Fetch the Bolt Cutters" showcased her introspective songwriting and powerful voice.

1. "Nevermind" by Nirvana 2. "OK Computer" by Radiohead 3. "The Suburbs" by Arcade Fire 4. "Siamese Dream" by The Smashing Pumpkins 5. "Grace" by Jeff Buckley 6. "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" by Neutral Milk Hotel 7. "Funeral" by Arcade Fire 8. "Doolittle" by Pixies 9. "Pink Moon" by Nick Drake 10. "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" by Wilco 11. "Illmatic" by Nas 12. "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain" by Pavement 13. "The Lonesome Crowded West" by Modest Mouse 14. "Turn on the Bright Lights" by Interpol 15. "Loveless" by My Bloody Valentine 16. "Homogenic" by Björk 17. "The Moon & Antarctica" by Modest Mouse 18. "Is This It" by The Strokes 19. "Funeral Dress" by The Twilight Sad 20. "The Queen is Dead" by The Smiths 21. "The Soft Bulletin" by The Flaming Lips 22. "White Blood Cells" by The White Stripes 23. "Disintegration" by The Cure 24. "Heathen" by David Bowie 25. "Spiderland" by Slint

One notable book is "The Creative Independent: A Handbook for Artists" by Brandon Stosuy. Stosuy is a music critic and editor who has written extensively about independent artists and their work. In his book, he offers advice and guidance to artists, emphasizing the importance of creativity, individualism, and hard work. He believes that indie artists have a unique perspective and voice, and that they can make a real difference in the world through their art. Another well-known book on indie is "Indie Publishing: How to Design and Publish Your Own Book" by Ellen Lupton. Lupton is a graphic designer who has worked with many independent authors and publishers throughout her career. Her book offers practical advice and step-by-step instructions for those who want to self-publish their work. She believes that indie publishing is a great way to gain control over one's creative output, and that it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for those who are willing to put in the effort. In the film world, "Shooting to Kill: How an Independent Producer Blasts Through the Barriers to Make Movies That Matter" by Christine Vachon is a must-read. Vachon is an independent film producer who has worked on numerous acclaimed films, including "Boys Don't Cry" and "Carol." In her book, she discusses the challenges of getting independent films made and distributed, and she offers advice on how to navigate the complex world of film financing and production. There have been many notable quotes about indie over the years. One that is often cited is from filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, who said, "Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination." This quote speaks to the idea that originality is not about creating something completely new, but rather about taking inspiration from various sources and putting them together in a unique way. Author Neil Gaiman has also offered his thoughts on indie, saying, "What I love about independent publishing is the sheer variety. I love picking up things that I don't know what they are, and I love finding beautiful books where people have put real care into the design and the layout and the typography."

The social context of Indie can be understood in light of the subculture that fostered its inception. The emergence of Indie coincided with a period of social and political upheaval worldwide. Throughout the 1980s, Thatcherism and Reaganism dominated the political landscape; mass unemployment, economic austerity, and xenophobic nationalism plagued many countries; and the Cold War, apartheid, and various dictatorships threatened global stability. In response to these conditions, various counter-cultural movements emerged, among them the Indie subculture. Indie represented a way of resisting the mainstream entertainment industry by fostering a DIY ethos and promoting alternative soundscapes. The Indie scene gave birth to various notable record labels that challenged the traditional music industry, such as Rough Trade, Creation, 4AD, and Matador. These labels, often started by music enthusiasts with a passion for independent music, provided a platform for unknown and boundary-pushing artists to showcase their music. Moreover, Indie labels were known for their non-commercial approach to music, refusing to overproduce or polish their artists’ records, which gave Indie music a raw and authentic sound. The cultural context of Indie is also crucial to understanding its emergence. Indie challenged the mainstream’s homogenous and formulaic approach to music by promoting diversity and individualism. The Indie subculture brought together a broad range of musical styles, from post-punk to shoegaze to noise rock, and created space for experimentation. This freedom of expression extended beyond music to fashion, art, politics, and lifestyle choices. Indie was about creating a community around shared interests, values, and aesthetics. Notable figures in Indie include journalists and music writers, who championed the genre and helped it gain wider recognition. Writers like Simon Reynolds, Jon Savage, and Greil Marcus provided critical analysis of the significance of Indie music, while also giving exposure to new artists. Music journalists who wrote for NME, Melody Maker, and other music magazines were instrumental in building communal support for Indie music. They provided a platform for Indie music to be discussed and debated, and helped to create a sense of identity around the genre. The technological context of Indie cannot be overlooked. The emergence of new technologies, such as the cassette tape, the CD, and later the internet, had a profound impact on Indie. Independent record labels were the early adopters of these technologies, using them to distribute and promote their music. The cassette tape, in particular, played a significant role in the growth of Indie, as it provided a cheap and accessible medium for distributing music. Indie labels used tape compilations to promote their artists, and fans created mixtapes that spread Indie music further afield. The internet revolutionized music distribution in the late 1990s, allowing Indie artists to bypass traditional record labels and distribute their music directly to fans. This democratization of music distribution helped to further the Indie ethos of creative autonomy and nonconformity.