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
1. A rock band that hasn't been signed on to a record label. Therefore, an independently managed rock band.
2. A band that fits under the label 'indie-rock' which nowadays rarely actualy means a band without a record label but instead fits the general 'indie-rock' sound.
Their followers may not necessarily follow them because they like their music but just to be able to have something obscure on their I-Pod and to be able to criticize people who don't like or haven't heard of said band.
If a band manages to sign a record deal or get on a popular radio station they will often loose a large chunk of their fan base who now no longer consider them 'indie' enough for them and will deem them as 'sell-outs'.
Indie-rock is usually simply referred to as Indie.
Keep an eye out for people who want to get attention or be considered 'cool' for liking indie music. People like these are often referred to as Indie Posers or Hipsters. These people fall into two major categories:
1. Those who download hoards of indie rock playlists and keep the songs whether they like them or not. They get great enjoyment from watching their friends scroll through their artists and not recognizing any of them.
2. The people who know only four or five indie bands but still think that they're avid listeners to the music. They get really disappointed when they find out that most of their friends know those bands too. They normally only know one or two songs from each artist.
2. A band that fits under the label 'indie-rock' which nowadays rarely actualy means a band without a record label but instead fits the general 'indie-rock' sound.
Their followers may not necessarily follow them because they like their music but just to be able to have something obscure on their I-Pod and to be able to criticize people who don't like or haven't heard of said band.
If a band manages to sign a record deal or get on a popular radio station they will often loose a large chunk of their fan base who now no longer consider them 'indie' enough for them and will deem them as 'sell-outs'.
Indie-rock is usually simply referred to as Indie.
Keep an eye out for people who want to get attention or be considered 'cool' for liking indie music. People like these are often referred to as Indie Posers or Hipsters. These people fall into two major categories:
1. Those who download hoards of indie rock playlists and keep the songs whether they like them or not. They get great enjoyment from watching their friends scroll through their artists and not recognizing any of them.
2. The people who know only four or five indie bands but still think that they're avid listeners to the music. They get really disappointed when they find out that most of their friends know those bands too. They normally only know one or two songs from each artist.
Some of the well know Indie Rock bands are: Arcade Fire, Wintersleep, Arctic Monkeys, the Decemberists, Phoenix, the Holloways, Mumm-Ra, Modest Mouse.
An example of an Independent band is Hawksley Workmen.
Friend: Oh hey, can I see your I-Pod?
Indie Poser: Sure. But you probably won't know any of the artists, they're all pretty obscure.
Friend: Wintersleep, Arctic Monkeys, Arcade fire, I love those bands. Although a couple of songs on the album Funeral took a bit of time to get used to. What did you think of it?
Indie Poser: Er, what?
-Indie Poser pwnd-
Indie Poser1: Do you know -insert obscure band name here-
Indie Poser2: Duh. Of course. How could anyone not have heard of them?
-Indie Poser1 is now deletes that band from their I-Pod. Indie Poser2 adds their entire album since they'd never heard of them before.
The best way to mess with their minds is to ask them if they know a band who's name you just made up. Wait for an appropriate time after they've agreed they're fans of it to say you made it up. Watch them squirm.
An example of an Independent band is Hawksley Workmen.
Friend: Oh hey, can I see your I-Pod?
Indie Poser: Sure. But you probably won't know any of the artists, they're all pretty obscure.
Friend: Wintersleep, Arctic Monkeys, Arcade fire, I love those bands. Although a couple of songs on the album Funeral took a bit of time to get used to. What did you think of it?
Indie Poser: Er, what?
-Indie Poser pwnd-
Indie Poser1: Do you know -insert obscure band name here-
Indie Poser2: Duh. Of course. How could anyone not have heard of them?
-Indie Poser1 is now deletes that band from their I-Pod. Indie Poser2 adds their entire album since they'd never heard of them before.
The best way to mess with their minds is to ask them if they know a band who's name you just made up. Wait for an appropriate time after they've agreed they're fans of it to say you made it up. Watch them squirm.
by MunchingMunster February 19, 2011
Yet another Mtv/Top Of The Pops creation, which will in five or so years be dead once they have invented more garbage to market. Not only are they NOT cool, they are seriously lacking in talent. I am not a hater who has never listened to whole albums of these artists either, I have listened to many albums and know one thing- they are all the same! They all bore me sleepy, I just can't listen to a whole album without regretting it, the music is unchallenging, lacks any innovation (the basic style hasn't changed much since the 60's) and has definately not got a cool image. Anything promoted by Mtv is sure to be a waste of money, bands like Keane, Franz Ferdinand, Kasabian and The Killers are all artificial shite.
In contrast however it is still a viable alternative to goth-inspired metal or the spineless rap Mtv plays. Lets face it, at least Indie relates to REAL people, but just lacks the musical talent and innovation to make it worth my hard earned cash.
In contrast however it is still a viable alternative to goth-inspired metal or the spineless rap Mtv plays. Lets face it, at least Indie relates to REAL people, but just lacks the musical talent and innovation to make it worth my hard earned cash.
by Scurrvy January 20, 2006
Genre of music, nicknamed after the independent labels which support lesser-known bands. Typically, the independent labels allow more "musical freedom", which results in a truer, less cookie-cutter sound that mainstream listeners do not immediately identify with. Indie rock draws inspiration from bands such as the Beatles, The Velvet Underground, and Radiohead.
Many indie rock bands are characterized by the use of unique or less-popular instruments. Subjectively (since music is subjective), indie rock cds typically sound less "perfect" than mainstream music, which typically grabs the attention of indie rock enthusiasts.
Indie rock is a mixture of many other genres, including alternative rock, folk music, electronica, even pop. It also tends to be very positive music, despite popular opinion.
Many indie rock bands are characterized by the use of unique or less-popular instruments. Subjectively (since music is subjective), indie rock cds typically sound less "perfect" than mainstream music, which typically grabs the attention of indie rock enthusiasts.
Indie rock is a mixture of many other genres, including alternative rock, folk music, electronica, even pop. It also tends to be very positive music, despite popular opinion.
More well-known rockers that are excellent introductions: The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, Arctic Monkeys, Spoon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Others that are popular among indie rockers: The Flaming Lips, The Shins, Bright Eyes, The Decemberists, Wilco, The Magic Numbers, Mates of State, The Essex Green, Calexico, dios (malos), Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Rilo Kiley, far too many to list. Find a Paste magazine and dig in.
Others that are popular among indie rockers: The Flaming Lips, The Shins, Bright Eyes, The Decemberists, Wilco, The Magic Numbers, Mates of State, The Essex Green, Calexico, dios (malos), Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Rilo Kiley, far too many to list. Find a Paste magazine and dig in.
by GoldLion May 04, 2006
1.Music not signed to a label or not signed to a major label.
2.Underground, somewhat experimental, music. (modest mouse, sigur ros, the decemberists)
3. A tribe of people, hipsters, indie kids who all try to latch onto the next hip band before their friend does.
2.Underground, somewhat experimental, music. (modest mouse, sigur ros, the decemberists)
3. A tribe of people, hipsters, indie kids who all try to latch onto the next hip band before their friend does.
by julie October 14, 2003
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 07, 2003
Indie rock- A genre of music and cult following of younger generation which is striving to be different from pop music followers. Music is often “underground”, not known to popular audiences because of independent record labels. The musical style combines british punk, rock and roll, and heavy metal.
by trista stanley October 27, 2003