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 July 21, 2008
Get the Indie Kid mug.Region that includes all of the ISLANDS which extend through the Caribbean Sea from the tip of the Florida Peninsula to the northern coast of South America.
Tony: ..oh..my wife and I have vacationed in the West Indies the last two years.
Chris: yeah, which islands did you go?
Tony: The Dominican Republic & then Jamaica...the island beaches are so beautiful!
Chris: yeah, which islands did you go?
Tony: The Dominican Republic & then Jamaica...the island beaches are so beautiful!
by Digarrison October 16, 2008
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Intie
• indie
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• indie rock
• indie music
• Indie Girl
• innie
• integral
• integra
• indieboy
Elitist, liberal (not Democrats, they're all Libertarians and Green Party and such) people aged 16-28 who listen to independent music. Better than regular people, they're smarter, hotter (they generally try and act like they don't care about how they look, but they do), and better than the general populace. Do not mistake them with emo kids, emo is the ANTI-INDIE. Emo kids and Indie kids have had a long-standing war since emo became the "new thing". Indie kids hate indie yuppies also, indie yuppies are the Starbucks-drinking, Volvo-driving kids who thing that the music they hear on The O.C. is "indie", think that that Shins song is life-changing, and only pretend to read James Joyce.
Non-Indie: Hey, I heard those Franz Ferdinand people you were telling me about, they sound great.
Indie: I told you about them in fucking Novemeber of 2003, before they sold out. Go listen to some Gang of Four anyway, they're ace, and Franz Ferdinand are just GOF knock-offs anyway.
Indie: I told you about them in fucking Novemeber of 2003, before they sold out. Go listen to some Gang of Four anyway, they're ace, and Franz Ferdinand are just GOF knock-offs anyway.
by Indie Kid May 15, 2005
Get the Indie Kid mug.Guys who despise conformism and the whole buying into commericial crap dealio. quite often musicians, and ironically many people are so obsessed with not conforming to other peoples beliefs they in turn become indie conformist wannabee's.
generally indie guy's have their own opinions on politics etc. and refuse to mindlessly accept facts they are fed because they are popular:
generally indie guy's have their own opinions on politics etc. and refuse to mindlessly accept facts they are fed because they are popular:
Mindless Chav: " George Bush is a twat innit!"
(REAL) Indie guy: " hmmm, probably but why should i believe you? eh? eh?! starts self righteous quest to find truth { or just decides to go listen to some idlewild and shut up for a while} :)
(REAL) Indie guy: " hmmm, probably but why should i believe you? eh? eh?! starts self righteous quest to find truth { or just decides to go listen to some idlewild and shut up for a while} :)
by Blue Ruin May 10, 2005
Get the Indie Guy mug.Adj. describing someone who thinks they are indie but are 10 minutes late and terribly mistaken. 21st century version of the hipster.
One who wears really colorful clothing, thinks they can pull off ironic patterns, often flannel and plastic earrings, and are desperately sporting a revamped mullet.
Anyone who can be heard saying, "wow that is SO mainstream."
Someone who thinks their music is cooler than everyone elses and tries to prove it at any opportunity.
The opposite of indie or independent, who are people that are different than the general public but keep that to themselves.
Easy to spot because they will be the ones claiming that they only hang out with indie people because they are totes indie.
Sufjan Stevens, Death Cab For Cutie, The Shins, The Killers, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Modest Mouse, etc.
One who wears really colorful clothing, thinks they can pull off ironic patterns, often flannel and plastic earrings, and are desperately sporting a revamped mullet.
Anyone who can be heard saying, "wow that is SO mainstream."
Someone who thinks their music is cooler than everyone elses and tries to prove it at any opportunity.
The opposite of indie or independent, who are people that are different than the general public but keep that to themselves.
Easy to spot because they will be the ones claiming that they only hang out with indie people because they are totes indie.
Sufjan Stevens, Death Cab For Cutie, The Shins, The Killers, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Modest Mouse, etc.
Steve is so indietastic he just recommended I see Garden State and download soundtrack.
Lauren: omggg you guys, robots and dinosaurs and Death Cab for Cutie are totes kewl right now!
Ron: STFU, you are so effing indietastic.
The other day my dad was like, "have you heard of The Shins?" and I was like, "Wow Dad you are really indietastic."
Lauren: omggg you guys, robots and dinosaurs and Death Cab for Cutie are totes kewl right now!
Ron: STFU, you are so effing indietastic.
The other day my dad was like, "have you heard of The Shins?" and I was like, "Wow Dad you are really indietastic."
by pawnshoppe July 28, 2007
Get the Indietastic mug.The feeling of euphoria following a awesome indie show leaving all those in the auidence feeling great, as if they just had great sex
by Hung Solo March 8, 2009
Get the Indiegasm mug.Indie clothing comes in two forms:
-> Clothing from lesser known, independent clothing brands.
-> Old / vintage clothing usually from a thrift shop.
Independent labels:
- clothing made by small artistic start-up lines that haven't been cannibalized by corporate america. they often do their own printing or sewing, a lot of times by hand.
- these are pretty unrelated to thrift store clothes, as these are good quality due to the painstaking attention to detail and hand made nature of the items.
- the opposite of indie clothing are places like The Gap and American Eagle.
Thrift store stuff:
- flannels, old retro / band t-shirts, chucks converse, skinny jeans.
- these are of varying quality, though they usually look worn.
-> Clothing from lesser known, independent clothing brands.
-> Old / vintage clothing usually from a thrift shop.
Independent labels:
- clothing made by small artistic start-up lines that haven't been cannibalized by corporate america. they often do their own printing or sewing, a lot of times by hand.
- these are pretty unrelated to thrift store clothes, as these are good quality due to the painstaking attention to detail and hand made nature of the items.
- the opposite of indie clothing are places like The Gap and American Eagle.
Thrift store stuff:
- flannels, old retro / band t-shirts, chucks converse, skinny jeans.
- these are of varying quality, though they usually look worn.
"Hey check out this sweet artsy t-shirt I got from Oddity Clothing Co. They are such a rad indie clothing line!"
by AlanSlothworth August 9, 2009
Get the indie clothing mug.