indie rock

An umbrella term for various non-commercial strains of rock and roll, separate from heavy metal's non-commercial artists. Its origins can be traced back to punk rock and post-punk of the late '70s and the early '80s. That non-commercial nature could stem from the outwardly ugly sound of the music, the wishes of the artist, the effeminacy of the music, etc. Indie rock is a wide umbrella, covering music, such as country/western or soft rock, that the punks would have rejected.

Saying that a band plays indie rock really doesn't say much about what kind of music it plays.

by Domukaz March 2, 2007

indie rock

A style of music that MtV altered. The true definition of indie rock is music on an independent record label, but commonly misconcepted as a certain sound of high pitched voices and acoustic instruments from bands that are, in fact, on major record labels.

It's indie rock and roll for me!

-The Killers

by Aerienne April 8, 2005

indie rock

Music that Americans CAN NOT MAKE. Interpol, The Killers, The Shins, these are examples of worthless American 'indie' bands. Good indie bands with a message and style include: Babyshambles, The Cribs, The Arctic Monkeys, wow how about that they are all ENGLISH.

Indie rock is the best genre of music these days.

by Urban Dictionary September 25, 2005

indie rock

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 8, 2010

indie rock

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 April 18, 2006

indie rock

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 December 28, 2005

indie rock

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....

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"

by jake56342 February 14, 2009