Indietronica

Indietronica is a sub-genre of alternative rock and electronic music that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This fusion of indie rock and electronic music is characterized by the use of sounds and effects from both genres, including electronic beats, synthesizers, and guitar riffs. Indietronica originated in the UK during the early 2000s. The term itself was coined around 2003 to describe a new wave of indie bands who were incorporating electronic elements into their sound. These bands were rejecting the conventional instrumentations of rock music in favour of a more experimental approach, using synthesizers and electronic software to create unique sonic textures. One of the earliest examples of indietronica is the band Radiohead, who are known for their distinctive blend of guitar-based rock and experimental electronics. The band's 1997 album "OK Computer" featured a number of electronic elements, such as ambient synths and programmed drums, that helped to create its innovative sound. Another influential band in the development of indietronica is The Postal Service. This American duo, made up of Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello, combined indie rock songwriting with electronic production techniques on their 2003 album "Give Up." The album's standout single, "Such Great Heights," became a hit and helped to popularize the indietronica sound. In the mid-2000s, a number of other bands emerged that further developed the indietronica sound. These included Hot Chip, The Knife, and LCD Soundsystem. These bands used electronic instruments and software in new and innovative ways, creating complex and layered soundscapes that were both danceable and introspective. In the years since then, indietronica has continued to evolve and expand. Artists like Grimes, James Blake, and Chvrches have added their own unique twists to the genre, incorporating elements of pop, R&B, and hip hop into their music. Today, indietronica is a vibrant and diverse genre that spans a wide range of musical styles and influences.

Grimes: Canadian singer, songwriter and musician Claire Elise Boucher, better known by her stage name Grimes, is a pioneer in Indietronica. Known for her distinctive, ethereal voice and eclectic synth-heavy sound, Grimes' music is characterized by its dreamy atmosphere and introspective lyrics. Her 2012 breakthrough album 'Visions' features the singles "Genesis" and "Oblivion". The Postal Service:Indietronica supergroup The Postal Service emerged in 2003 with their debut album 'Give Up'. The band's layered electronic soundscapes and Ben Gibbard's emotive vocals made for an accessible and enduring classic. Standout tracks include "Such Great Heights" and "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight". CHVRCHES: Scottish synth-pop trio CHVRCHES exploded onto the scene in 2013 with their debut album 'The Bones of What You Believe'. Known for their snappy, energetic hooks and uplifting melodies, the band's music is both danceable and relatable. Highlights from their discography include "Recover", "Clearest Blue" and "Never Say Die". LCD Soundsystem: James Murphy's New York-based project LCD Soundsystem is renowned for its infectious blend of electronic and indie rock. Championing an ethos of authenticity and mixing complex, sprawling arrangements with wry, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, LCD Soundsystem has produced cult hits such as "Losing My Edge", "Dance Yrself Clean" and "All My Friends". MGMT: Psychedelic pop duo MGMT rose to fame in 2008 with their debut album 'Oracular Spectacular', which spawned hit singles "Electric Feel", "Time to Pretend" and "Kids". Known for their quirky, offbeat aesthetic and satirical lyrics, MGMT continue to produce critically acclaimed and forward-thinking music. Thom Yorke: Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke's solo work pushes the boundaries of Indietronica, incorporating sparse, experimental electronics with his characteristic keen sense of melody, found sounds, and ambiance. Yorke’s albums, including ‘The Eraser’ and ‘Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes’ showcase his haunting voice, while his use of hip-hop beats and bouncy synths give each album an unpredictable edge. Toro y Moi: Hailing from South Carolina, producer Chaz Bundick, aka Toro y Moi, is known for his textured, chillwave-inspired Indietronica. Bundick’s use of pitch-shifting, samples, and laidback rhythms is inspired by genres as disparate as hip-hop, French house and funk, while his downtempo tracks are perfect blends of sophisticated and stylish. Purity Ring: Canadian duo Purity Ring came onto the scene with their 2012 debut album, 'Shrines', which features their standout track "Fineshrine". The band mixes ethereal vocals, dreamy synth tones and experimental percussion to create a haunting sound that pays homage to the witch house genre while also remaining uniquely their own. The Naked and Famous: Hailing from New Zealand, The Naked and Famous burst onto the Indietronica scene in 2010 with their hit single "Young Blood". The band's energetic, upbeat sound is characterized by soaring synth hooks, powerful drums and punchy guitars. Standout tracks from their 2011 album 'Passive Me, Aggressive You' include "Punching in a Dream" and "Girls Like You". Passion Pit: Michael Angelakos' Boston-based project Passion Pit is characterized by its infectious hooks, uplifting synth lines, and soaring falsetto vocals. Their debut album, 'Manners' (2009), propelled them to mainstream success with hits such as "Sleepyhead" and "Little Secrets". Passion Pit continue to produce critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant music, such as their 2017 album 'Tremendous Sea of Love'.

1. "Kids" by MGMT 2. "Crystalised" by The xx 3. "Midnight City" by M83 4. "Do You Want To" by Franz Ferdinand 5. "Somebody Told Me" by The Killers 6. "1901" by Phoenix 7. "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House" by LCD Soundsystem 8. "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand 9. "Hearts On Fire" by Cut Copy 10. "Oblivion" by Grimes 11. "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division 12. "Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men 13. "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People 14. "Hysteria" by Muse 15. "Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn and John 16. "One More Time" by Daft Punk 17. "We Come Together" by Goldfish 18. "The Heinrich Maneuver" by Interpol 19. "Doist" by Hot Chip 20. "Heart Skipped A Beat" by The xx 21. "Ready For The Floor" by Hot Chip 22. "Lights and Music" by Cut Copy 23. "Basic Space" by The xx 24. "Banquet" by Bloc Party 25. "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)" by Arcade Fire

In the book, "Electric Shock: From the Gramophone to the iPhone," author Peter Doggett says that Indietronica is a genre that takes the human touch out of the music. He argues that it is difficult to understand the emotions conveyed in this type of music, compared to traditional rock music. However, journalist Simon Reynolds, in his book, "Retromania: Pop Culture's Addiction to its Own Past," praises the genre for its ability to create something entirely new out of past influences. In the same vein, music critic Nick Levine of Digital Spy, in his review of British singer La Roux's self-titled debut album, says that the Indietronica genre "capitalizes on the spirit of the '80s synth-pop, while simultaneously maintaining a freshness that's all its own." Similarly, music writer Michael Marotta describes the genre as "indie rock with synthesizers, drum machines, and electronically generated sounds, which may flirt with dance music, but never fully commit." Musician and producer Brian Eno, who is often credited with pioneering the genre of ambient music in the 1970s, has also expressed his thoughts on Indietronica. In an interview with The Guardian in 2009, he said that Indietronica was a product of the digital revolution. He suggests that the accessibility of electronic music-making tools allowed musicians to express themselves freely, without the need for traditional instruments. Despite the praise that Indietronica often receives, there are people who criticize the genre for being too superficial and trendy. In his review of Tame Impala's second album, "Lonerism," music critic Simon Reynolds implies that the genre is overrated. He says that the album has "all the hallmarks of Indietronica – retro-futuristic synths, echo-laden drums, a general air of spaced-outness – but adds nothing new to the formula." Reynolds suggests that the genre has become predictable and formulaic. Musician and producer James Murphy, of the band LCD Soundsystem, has also criticized the genre, albeit in a more comical manner. In an interview with Dutch music magazine OOR in 2010, he says that Indietronica is a genre that is "born from the idea that indie rockers couldn't dance." He implies that the genre is a result of musicians compensating for their lack of rhythm by embracing electronic music.

The emergence of Indietronica can be traced to the late 1990s, when advancements in music technology and software started to make it easier and cheaper for budding musicians to create electronic music. This coincided with the indie rock explosion that was happening around the same time, driven by bands such as Radiohead, The Strokes and Interpol. The ability to mix experimental sounds with traditional guitar riffs, keys, and drums through electronic music software, such as Ableton and Logic, opened up a new world for indie producers. They began to experiment with new sounds and arrangements, leading to the creation of a distinct and innovative sound that came to be known as Indietronica. The social and cultural context of the genre was significant in its growth. At this time, there was a noticeable shift in music tastes among young people, with a new fascination with electronic music. The emergence of dance culture provided the younger generation with a new music language, which was then amalgamated with the indie-rock sound, leading to a new movement known as "Indietronica." The music was embraced by millennials and Gen Zs, who identified key themes in the music such as individuality, expression, experimentation, and authenticity. It's not uncommon to hear Indietronica in the background of online beauty tutorials and fashion adverts, where the music likes to align itself with everything avant-garde and "of the moment." Record labels were instrumental in pushing Indietronica to mainstream audiences. Labels such as Ghostly International, Warp Records, and DFA Records played a pivotal role in introducing the genre to wider audiences through their distribution and promotion efforts. The rise of independent labels during this period offered better access to producers who didn't fit into traditional pop charts. Journalists and bloggers also played a crucial role in popularizing the genre by featuring and reviewing Indietronica records online and in print. Bloggers such as Pitchfork, Gorilla Vs Bear, and The Fader became significant taste-makers for music fans who were looking for something new and exciting. Notable figures emerged from the Indietronica movement, and some of the most influential were artists who were not confined to genre conventions. Some notable musicians in the genre include Thom Yorke, Radiohead’s lead singer, who experimented with electronic beats outside of the band's traditional sound. Animal Collective, Four Tet, Caribou, and LCD Soundsystem are other notable musicians who have been instrumental in the development and growth of the genre. All of these artists have contributed significantly to Indietronica by blending electronica and indie rock.