Indie rock is short for a rock band that's on independent record label. Its not a sound or a music style. The media has apparently confused or brain washed people who don't know what it is to start believing it is tho. Really since the 70s and 80s indie rock bands have gotten mainstream attention without being on a major label. Notable since the 70s to 2000s are joy division,the smiths,oasis,blur,the libertines,arcade fire. Which are all alternative. So when someone says its all the same or is a sound it makes no sense cause theres hardrock bands,heavy metal bands,punk rock bands and more different rock genres on a indie label.
Girl: have you heard indie rock like the killers,death cab for cutie,the strokes? they all have the indie sound. Guy: no those bands are on major labels and indie rock does not have a sound. But I love those bands. Girl: oh!
by sage thunder November 7, 2010
Music that tries to be different than any other music while somehow managing to sound like every other indie rock song out there.
It's not that I don't listen to indie rock. All my friends are obsessed with it, and I just can't stand it. It all sounds so whiny and I don't know why. Backtrack instead of fastforward....discover something new that's old!!!! Losers like indie.
by Jesus loves you March 21, 2006
Any music that, instead of trying to sound like the popular music of yesteryear, tries to sound like the unpopular music of yesteryear.
The list of Indie Rock artists on Wikipedia includes such illustrious bands as The Unicorns, The Hippos, The Cramps, The Frogs, The Invisibles, The Shins, and Zwan.
by Indiemustbedestroyed September 26, 2005
it is rock music released on an independent label
take 2 bands and compare...the black keys and yo la tengo
do u see any similarity? no u probably dont. thus it isnt rly a genre
listening to indie doesnt make u unique or cool or special
if u like indie, it makes u just as special as liking classic rock, rap, blues etc...people should stop pretending they like indie rock bands, and listen to what they really like....
take 2 bands and compare...the black keys and yo la tengo
do u see any similarity? no u probably dont. thus it isnt rly a genre
listening to indie doesnt make u unique or cool or special
if u like indie, it makes u just as special as liking classic rock, rap, blues etc...people should stop pretending they like indie rock bands, and listen to what they really like....
kid who doesnt know about music: "yea dude i got this new MM album, i semi like the way it sounds but dont appreciate the rly good hard work put into it. look everyone i like indie rock "
kid who knows his stuff: "w.e dude listen to wat u really like, ur wasting ur own time"
kid who knows his stuff: "w.e dude listen to wat u really like, ur wasting ur own time"
by jake56342 February 15, 2009
Generally, if you know about an indie band you are cool, and if you don't you are mainstream or even whitebread.
So you better learn about the latest indie band before you aren't cool.
So you better learn about the latest indie band before you aren't cool.
I told him I liked Lifehouse and Coldplay and he just called a mainstream whitebread. His insults make no sense... he loves indie rock.
by Downvoting Victim September 10, 2006
A genre of music associated with bands on the independent scene; otherwise, not on major lable. Some popular Indy lables are Sub-Pop and Saddle-Creek.
by Stupid Mop August 7, 2003
Originally a term for the Independent/Unsigned Indie Rock scene, now is a sub-genre of alternative rock. Not only categorized anymore by the Independence or label of the band, but rather by the sound. Vocals usually exemplify attributes such as exadurated consonant pronunciation, Poetic/symbolic/allegoric lyrics, lyrics which are completely random and interpretive, or lyrics that tell a story. The lyrics of certain songs may be confused with "emo" music, but the Indie scene does not center on such pathetic subjects and has an overall brighter philosophy on life. Sloppy guitar chords, random solos, violin/other commonly classical instrumentals, Off-beats and unique digital editing.
The Pixies
Arctic Monkeys
Bright Eyes
The Fratellis
The Killers
Franz Ferdinand
I know they're on a major label, but they are definitely Indie Rock!
Arctic Monkeys
Bright Eyes
The Fratellis
The Killers
Franz Ferdinand
I know they're on a major label, but they are definitely Indie Rock!
by Kyle Jabber Billings May 26, 2007