an indie kid isn't any of those things. They're really just nerds who aren't nerdy. What I mean by this is that they don't have an unhealthy LOVE of school (they are smart, so their grades will be decent, but they don't go to freaky color coded flashcard frenzies). They dress however they want, whereas regular nerds just fail at dressing like everyone else. They listen to indie music (obviously) but they don't always brag about it. If they wear jeans, a tshirt, and converse it's because they FEEL like it, not cause they're trying to be indie. They hang with other indie kids, nerds, and normal people.
The kid you see listening to their ipod while standing next to their frantically studying friends, then witness an hour later actively involved in some nerdy debate, that's an indie kid.
by Lorena Lovegood June 23, 2009
Mainly teenagers who all share a common love for the arts and music. They listen to many bands most people haven't heard of and tend to dress however they want, usually ruling out the rules of fashion. One may see these "indie kids" in a local coffee shop, art gallery, or thrift store. These people aren't "emo". They also tend to wear warm neutral tones as opposed to black. They are fairly reserved and tend to be open minded as well as opinionated.
here are some examples of what indie kids look like and listen to:
www.myspace.com/deathcabforcutie
www.myspace.com/vampireweekend
www.myspace.com/deathcabforcutie
www.myspace.com/vampireweekend
by Elisa Execution November 10, 2008
Okay, well, indie kids. first off, let me tell you how different the are from emo and scene kids. like, 20295823 miles off. emo kids are crying dark kids that didnt turn into indie kids after the early 2000's. (most indie kids were originally the 1990s emo kids, but thats a completely different definition than the new wave emo kids)
scene kids are rainbow wearing, makeup smearing kids who stick it to people unlike them, or slightly like them.
okay, so indie kids. i guess ill define them descriptivly if you want:
music:
of course, they listen to indie music, consisting of bands such as of montreal, owen pallett, casiotone for the painfully alone, and more bands that you've probably never heard of. more popular bands they listen to are the shins, the decemberists, bloc party, and of course, the beatles, david bowie, and talking heads.
personalities:
a mistake people generally make is comparing the personality lineaments of emo kids to indie kids. emo kids are depressed and want to cut themselves. indie kids are quite the opposite. yes, they are only human, so of course they get sad sometimes, but indie kids usually have an upbeat look at life. their music is usually happy, so that most likely has an effect on their moods.
indie kids mostly consist of liberals, and i have never ever seen a republican indie kid. they dont only hang out with indie kids though, but it is a nice plus to them to have friends that appreciate their music, and dont listen to 50 cent.
most indie kids enjoy books (most likely classics). also have a random obsession with some country such as the UK, France, New Zealand, Japan, etc.
appearance:
boys- highly fashionable, but not pretentious about it. they just like looking good. they are usually wearing either some creative outfit like red jeans and a dress shirt, or just jeans, skater shoes, an awesome graphic tee, and a jacket. hair looks like it hasnt been brushed in two days (not more than that though, they dont want to look gross). most likely no make up. if anything, a touch of eyeliner, but its not looked highly upon
girls- very pretty girls. either wavy hair or stick straight. bangs or side bangs are a must. hair can be randomly crimped too. it looks really cool. boots are worn, but rarely to school. flats and converse are for school. jeans are worn, usually straight leg, not skinny jeans. pretty shirts and jackets are worn, along with a little bit of jewelry. oh and headbands. dont ever forget headbands. makeup is not overdone.
basically, indie kids are misunderstood. they hate it when they are called emo or scene. they love discussing music, and love even more laughing at kids who listen to horrible music. they are usually very smart, and extremely witty. do not take it as arrogance. it is simply them expressing themselves
scene kids are rainbow wearing, makeup smearing kids who stick it to people unlike them, or slightly like them.
okay, so indie kids. i guess ill define them descriptivly if you want:
music:
of course, they listen to indie music, consisting of bands such as of montreal, owen pallett, casiotone for the painfully alone, and more bands that you've probably never heard of. more popular bands they listen to are the shins, the decemberists, bloc party, and of course, the beatles, david bowie, and talking heads.
personalities:
a mistake people generally make is comparing the personality lineaments of emo kids to indie kids. emo kids are depressed and want to cut themselves. indie kids are quite the opposite. yes, they are only human, so of course they get sad sometimes, but indie kids usually have an upbeat look at life. their music is usually happy, so that most likely has an effect on their moods.
indie kids mostly consist of liberals, and i have never ever seen a republican indie kid. they dont only hang out with indie kids though, but it is a nice plus to them to have friends that appreciate their music, and dont listen to 50 cent.
most indie kids enjoy books (most likely classics). also have a random obsession with some country such as the UK, France, New Zealand, Japan, etc.
appearance:
boys- highly fashionable, but not pretentious about it. they just like looking good. they are usually wearing either some creative outfit like red jeans and a dress shirt, or just jeans, skater shoes, an awesome graphic tee, and a jacket. hair looks like it hasnt been brushed in two days (not more than that though, they dont want to look gross). most likely no make up. if anything, a touch of eyeliner, but its not looked highly upon
girls- very pretty girls. either wavy hair or stick straight. bangs or side bangs are a must. hair can be randomly crimped too. it looks really cool. boots are worn, but rarely to school. flats and converse are for school. jeans are worn, usually straight leg, not skinny jeans. pretty shirts and jackets are worn, along with a little bit of jewelry. oh and headbands. dont ever forget headbands. makeup is not overdone.
basically, indie kids are misunderstood. they hate it when they are called emo or scene. they love discussing music, and love even more laughing at kids who listen to horrible music. they are usually very smart, and extremely witty. do not take it as arrogance. it is simply them expressing themselves
girl: omg i love scary kids scaring kids! dont you?
indie kid: hmmm not really
girl: why?? i thought you would have LOVED SKSK
indie kid: no not really. um, im going to go read something, then go ride in my car with my buds while we blast some arcade fire. bye see you later
indie kid: hmmm not really
girl: why?? i thought you would have LOVED SKSK
indie kid: no not really. um, im going to go read something, then go ride in my car with my buds while we blast some arcade fire. bye see you later
by whoaa stephanie March 6, 2007
usually, really fucking smart. they can be pretentious, but they have the right since they're so smart. usually listens to obscure bands that arent on the radio and likes to read. although it represents th idea of being who you are, indie has become a stereotype in itself.
then there are kids who try to be indie, and they're really annoying. you can notice the difference between a real indie kid or a fake indie kid because indie kids dont go out of their way to prove they're awesome and listen to cool music. if it comes up in conversation they may discuss music but not try to shove it down your throat. on the other hand, someone who tries to be indie will use every given oppurtunity to rattle off an obscure band and prove how cool they are.
then there are kids who try to be indie, and they're really annoying. you can notice the difference between a real indie kid or a fake indie kid because indie kids dont go out of their way to prove they're awesome and listen to cool music. if it comes up in conversation they may discuss music but not try to shove it down your throat. on the other hand, someone who tries to be indie will use every given oppurtunity to rattle off an obscure band and prove how cool they are.
real indie kid: hey, how are you?
fake indie kid: i'm okay, the shins.
real indie kid: what?
fake indie kid: i said the shins, must of slipped out, they're like so awesome because i have the garden state soundtrack.
real indie kid: oh.
fake indie kid: yeah i listen to awesome music. i'm pretty awesome in myself.
real indie kid: fuck.
fake indie kid: i'm okay, the shins.
real indie kid: what?
fake indie kid: i said the shins, must of slipped out, they're like so awesome because i have the garden state soundtrack.
real indie kid: oh.
fake indie kid: yeah i listen to awesome music. i'm pretty awesome in myself.
real indie kid: fuck.
by sweetdealhomes May 13, 2007
The Teens who aren't mainstream, listen to Indie and Alternative music, no defining clothing or style, can be anyone and look like anything. Ranging from hippies to social outcasts. Most people have a very narrow-minded veiw on Indie Kids because they don't necesserily like their music so they tend to make generalised and insulting comments about their clothing and what they do.
by The Indie Kid November 11, 2008
An indie kid is a young person who likes to listen to, emulate the style of and attend shows performed by obscure, independant label music bands. The irony of the indie kid is obviously that his or her style is now popular among many youths and therefore not really independant. Anyway, defining a person by their tastes alone is stupid.
regular joe: "hey what are you listening to?"
indie kid: "I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness"
regular joe: "what???? what are you talking about?"
indie kid: "it's the name of the band"
regular joe: "oh haha...i've never heard of them"
indie kid: *smiles gleefully with the feeling of having obscure taste in music*
indie kid: "I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness"
regular joe: "what???? what are you talking about?"
indie kid: "it's the name of the band"
regular joe: "oh haha...i've never heard of them"
indie kid: *smiles gleefully with the feeling of having obscure taste in music*
by arcaneidiocy June 20, 2006
At one time, perhaps, the taxonomy of indie kids could be limited to one definition, but as the word becomes increasingly bandied about in mainstream circles and the image thoroughly commodified by youth-orienting clothing chains, several distinct sub-types have emerged:
THE ART-POP KID: Generally shy and eccentric, probably a giant nerd with several guilty pleasure hobbies, the Art-Pop Kid legitimately loves the music itself and the spirit of the subculture, but maintains a protective distance from the culture itself as to not be wholly associated with it and its various hanger-ons (see below). The Art-Pop Kid thinks the music is important, he has a very Romantic sensibility, and is legitimately upset/shocked when outsiders accuse him of merely hugging trends. Seventeen years ago, the Art-Pop kid was in someone's basement, listening to the early incarnation of indie rock, and wondering what to get his girlfriend for her birthday.
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: Beat Happening, Robert Pollard, Liars
THE AVANT-POP KID: Like the Art-Pop Kid but more confident and probably a little crazy. The Avant-Pop Kid doesn't so much look down on the mainstream for lacking substance, so much as he or she just exists in their own bubble, totally oblivious to the realities of the outside world. Seventeen years ago, the Avant-Pop Kid was shooting heroin, discussing Baudrillard with hobos at the bus station, and rolling their paint-slathered bodies around on a canvas.
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: Gang Gang Dance, Throbbing Gristle, Xiu Xiu
THE FAG-POP KID: Generally upper class and owning their own parent-bought Scandinavian car, the Fag-Pop Kid is really nice and honest, just very dull and shallow. However, he or she doesn't think this, and will earnestly discuss dull, unimportant art (see: Wes Anderson, Victor Hugo, Conor Oberst) for hours at a coffee shop without ever broaching anything even remotely resembling an insight. Not coincidentally, they like their music soft and pretty, and usually prefer their art to deal with the melancholy of upper class suburban life. Seventeen years ago, the Fag-Pop Kid was listening to Tracy Chapman, thinking about joining the Peace Corps, and working on their Sociology degree.
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: Belle & Sebastian, the Shins, Death Cab for Cutie
THE HANGER-ON: Frat kid in a novelty t-shirt, trucker hat, generally seen drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon with a girl ironically (or so she thinks) wearing short-shorts and a Hooters t-shirt. The Hanger-On might have a few mp3s from faux-indie bands like the Killers, Franz, and Daft Punk, but as a whole, he doesn't give a shit about anything other than the image. Keep in mind, he is not interested in the culture itself in any sense, just the image. As soon as Abercrombie and Fitch change their marketing campaign, they'll move on to gutting the next subculture of the hour. Seventeen years ago the Hanger-On was wearing pastel yellow sweaters, snorting coke, and voting for Ronald Reagan.
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, latter-day Modest Mouse
THE HIPSTER HARLEQUIN: A more highly evolved form of the Hanger-On, the Hipster Harlequin has slightly better taste and some grasp on the underlying ideas and spirit of the subculture. However, the Hipster Harlequin is, ultimately, all about appearances, and usually spends more time and money shopping for vintage clothes than listening to music. The Hipster Harlequin will discard their persona as soon as they end up in their inevitable cubicle career. Seventeen years ago, the Hipster Harlequin was thinking about spending a year in London before finishing his or her theater degree.
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Dandy Warhols, Dresden Dolls
THE POP HISTORIAN: Completely removed from the culture itself, the Pop Historian sits at his computer all day, downloading gigs of music, and tearing through it rapidly in an effort to acquire an encyclopedic level of knowledge. While the Pop Historian does legitimately love the music, he is the extreme manifestation of the more nerdy tendencies of the Art-Pop Kid, and despite loving music about relationships, has likely never had nor actually desires a close relationship with a member of the opposite sex. The Pop Historian is the most likely to get angry and flustered when discussing music, and on account of poor interpersonal skills, is likely to indirectly belittle others in a frantic effort to demonstrate the breadth of his or her grasp on pop history. The Pop Historian is also the most likely to proclaim a love for various forms of ethnic music to which he has no cultural ties, such as rap, R&B, or Thai-pop. Seventeen years ago, the Pop Historian was going to McDonald's to enjoy a Big Mac after looking for vintage jazz records at a rummage store.
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: Devo, Stevie Wonder, the Olivia Tremor Control
THE REFORMED PUNK
A punk, real or fake, at a prior time in his life, the Reformed Punk listens to some indie music, but unlike the other varieties of Indie Kid (with the exception of the Hanger-On and, on some occasion, the Pop Historian), is very energetic and even aggressive. The Reformed Punk still retains a lot of rage from his past life, and though he now openly bears his soft side, he still prefers his music to have an edge. The Reformed Punk usually still dresses like a punk, but when asked about the genre, will usually lament that punk has been murdered by some perceived flaw in the culture. Not surprisingly, his old friends don't really like him anymore, and he's always eager to hang out and will drive you to the donut shop at 4 AM. Seventeen years ago, the Reformed Punk was getting bludgeoned into unconsciousness at a Black Flag concert (and loving every minute of it).
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: Joy Division, Les Savy Fav, some grindcore band they still bear affection for
THE ART-POP KID: Generally shy and eccentric, probably a giant nerd with several guilty pleasure hobbies, the Art-Pop Kid legitimately loves the music itself and the spirit of the subculture, but maintains a protective distance from the culture itself as to not be wholly associated with it and its various hanger-ons (see below). The Art-Pop Kid thinks the music is important, he has a very Romantic sensibility, and is legitimately upset/shocked when outsiders accuse him of merely hugging trends. Seventeen years ago, the Art-Pop kid was in someone's basement, listening to the early incarnation of indie rock, and wondering what to get his girlfriend for her birthday.
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: Beat Happening, Robert Pollard, Liars
THE AVANT-POP KID: Like the Art-Pop Kid but more confident and probably a little crazy. The Avant-Pop Kid doesn't so much look down on the mainstream for lacking substance, so much as he or she just exists in their own bubble, totally oblivious to the realities of the outside world. Seventeen years ago, the Avant-Pop Kid was shooting heroin, discussing Baudrillard with hobos at the bus station, and rolling their paint-slathered bodies around on a canvas.
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: Gang Gang Dance, Throbbing Gristle, Xiu Xiu
THE FAG-POP KID: Generally upper class and owning their own parent-bought Scandinavian car, the Fag-Pop Kid is really nice and honest, just very dull and shallow. However, he or she doesn't think this, and will earnestly discuss dull, unimportant art (see: Wes Anderson, Victor Hugo, Conor Oberst) for hours at a coffee shop without ever broaching anything even remotely resembling an insight. Not coincidentally, they like their music soft and pretty, and usually prefer their art to deal with the melancholy of upper class suburban life. Seventeen years ago, the Fag-Pop Kid was listening to Tracy Chapman, thinking about joining the Peace Corps, and working on their Sociology degree.
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: Belle & Sebastian, the Shins, Death Cab for Cutie
THE HANGER-ON: Frat kid in a novelty t-shirt, trucker hat, generally seen drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon with a girl ironically (or so she thinks) wearing short-shorts and a Hooters t-shirt. The Hanger-On might have a few mp3s from faux-indie bands like the Killers, Franz, and Daft Punk, but as a whole, he doesn't give a shit about anything other than the image. Keep in mind, he is not interested in the culture itself in any sense, just the image. As soon as Abercrombie and Fitch change their marketing campaign, they'll move on to gutting the next subculture of the hour. Seventeen years ago the Hanger-On was wearing pastel yellow sweaters, snorting coke, and voting for Ronald Reagan.
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, latter-day Modest Mouse
THE HIPSTER HARLEQUIN: A more highly evolved form of the Hanger-On, the Hipster Harlequin has slightly better taste and some grasp on the underlying ideas and spirit of the subculture. However, the Hipster Harlequin is, ultimately, all about appearances, and usually spends more time and money shopping for vintage clothes than listening to music. The Hipster Harlequin will discard their persona as soon as they end up in their inevitable cubicle career. Seventeen years ago, the Hipster Harlequin was thinking about spending a year in London before finishing his or her theater degree.
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Dandy Warhols, Dresden Dolls
THE POP HISTORIAN: Completely removed from the culture itself, the Pop Historian sits at his computer all day, downloading gigs of music, and tearing through it rapidly in an effort to acquire an encyclopedic level of knowledge. While the Pop Historian does legitimately love the music, he is the extreme manifestation of the more nerdy tendencies of the Art-Pop Kid, and despite loving music about relationships, has likely never had nor actually desires a close relationship with a member of the opposite sex. The Pop Historian is the most likely to get angry and flustered when discussing music, and on account of poor interpersonal skills, is likely to indirectly belittle others in a frantic effort to demonstrate the breadth of his or her grasp on pop history. The Pop Historian is also the most likely to proclaim a love for various forms of ethnic music to which he has no cultural ties, such as rap, R&B, or Thai-pop. Seventeen years ago, the Pop Historian was going to McDonald's to enjoy a Big Mac after looking for vintage jazz records at a rummage store.
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: Devo, Stevie Wonder, the Olivia Tremor Control
THE REFORMED PUNK
A punk, real or fake, at a prior time in his life, the Reformed Punk listens to some indie music, but unlike the other varieties of Indie Kid (with the exception of the Hanger-On and, on some occasion, the Pop Historian), is very energetic and even aggressive. The Reformed Punk still retains a lot of rage from his past life, and though he now openly bears his soft side, he still prefers his music to have an edge. The Reformed Punk usually still dresses like a punk, but when asked about the genre, will usually lament that punk has been murdered by some perceived flaw in the culture. Not surprisingly, his old friends don't really like him anymore, and he's always eager to hang out and will drive you to the donut shop at 4 AM. Seventeen years ago, the Reformed Punk was getting bludgeoned into unconsciousness at a Black Flag concert (and loving every minute of it).
ASSOCIATED ARTISTS: Joy Division, Les Savy Fav, some grindcore band they still bear affection for
QUESTION: Hey, do you want to go to the Arcade Fire show with me?
TYPICAL INDIE KID SUB-TYPE RESPONSE
ART-POP KID: Sure, that sounds great.
AVANT-POP KID: What?! Arcaaade Fy-errrr? Uhhhhhhh, I'm going for a walk in the forest and bringing my drum! Starlight! Starlight!
FAG-POP KID: Nah, I don't like that guy's voice, but hey, do you want to drive to Chicago to see Andrew Bird next week? I'll pay!
HANGER-ON: Shit, man, as long as there's chicks and beer! Am I right, am I right? (insert mangled Family Guy quote here)
THE HIPSTER HARLEQUIN: Oh yeah, they're totally my favorite band! What kind of music do they play?
POP HISTORIAN: And come back smelling like cigarettes from all those obnoxious, image-whoring philistines? I think I'll just stay in tonight.
THE REFORMED PUNK: I guessssss... but I don't have any money.
TYPICAL INDIE KID SUB-TYPE RESPONSE
ART-POP KID: Sure, that sounds great.
AVANT-POP KID: What?! Arcaaade Fy-errrr? Uhhhhhhh, I'm going for a walk in the forest and bringing my drum! Starlight! Starlight!
FAG-POP KID: Nah, I don't like that guy's voice, but hey, do you want to drive to Chicago to see Andrew Bird next week? I'll pay!
HANGER-ON: Shit, man, as long as there's chicks and beer! Am I right, am I right? (insert mangled Family Guy quote here)
THE HIPSTER HARLEQUIN: Oh yeah, they're totally my favorite band! What kind of music do they play?
POP HISTORIAN: And come back smelling like cigarettes from all those obnoxious, image-whoring philistines? I think I'll just stay in tonight.
THE REFORMED PUNK: I guessssss... but I don't have any money.
by Klaus Fraktal December 10, 2005