|
|
What is Indie?
A misnomer for a particular style of music. It formerly was used to correctly classify music that was "underground" and not supported by major music labels. Popular thought in recent years has been that it is itself a style of music, usually 80's throwback, alternitive-style music.
Any band in any style of music can be indie by virtue of not being signed.The style is not important; it is independence from major labels that makes a band independent, or "indie". This idea has been lost due to the popularity of the term indie as it is used today.
The reason it became so popular is because to like indie music, in its correct sense, was respectable because you're bypassing the corporate music machine and finding music that you like on your own. As more and more hipster-type kids wanted to appear as deep as possible, they would answer the question "What kind of music do you like?" with "Indie." As time went on, this answer became so popular that the music that many of them listened to started to be referred to as indie. After a while of this, bands that are on major labels started to be absorbed into this pseudo-genre, rendering it an oxymoron.
Since the loosely associated music that is referred to as indie cannot properly be grouped and classified, a more appropriate label for what is erroneously referred to as indie would be "scene." The scene kids are often more concerned with being opinionated and elitist about their music choice than they are about the music itself. Scene fashion trends include tight pants, square-rimmed glasses, tight vintage-looking t-shirts, newsboy caps, military-style caps, and tattoos of stars, guns or bullets, and especially birds. Making the "scene" (i.e. a concert),being popular, and being narcissistic are the main motivations of scene kids. They often do their best to display that they possess these qualities on social networking sites like MySpace.
Jim: You should check out this band.
Frank: Oh yeah? What kind of music are they?
Jim: Indie.
Frank: OK, so they're not signed... I mean what genre are they?
Jim: Dude, I told you. Indie.
Frank: You're such a tool.
Billy: Oasis is like, the coolest indie band ever.
Mark: Man, you are totally clueless.
Billy: Please. Music is my life. I would die without music. My taste is superb. How dare you criticize me?
Mark: Wow. You're hopeless. I'm leaving.
Billy: Good. I have to blog about how awesome the concert I went to last night was and post the 30 pictures I took of myself there on MySpace.
Indie - meme gif
Indie - video
Indie - what is it?
Mainly consisting of high school and college students, Indie is a current and very popular social group among the unpopular social groups.
Usually characterized by local or obscure music, eclectic clothing from thrift stores or the nearest Urban Outfitters, and constant bickering between one another on which bands are becoming too mainstream.
If you are considering becoming an indie kid, be prepared for many long arguments over various books, movies, music, paintings, and obscure pop culture icons between other members in the group. Oh, and be prepared for hearing loss, as you will be expected to attend many local shows and concerts.
"Hey Jane, how was the Cavil At Rest show last night?"
"It was good, but their newest song sounds so mainstream,, Like they are changing their sound so they will get a record deal"
"Isn't that a good thing though? I mean, doesn't every band hope for a record deal?"
"Not Indie. Its about the music, not the fame."
What does "Indie" mean?
Indie is a term used to describe Independent music. It is music that is less commercial and generally has a more unique sound but will sometimes end up sounding like other indie bands. Now most people on here are basically using bands like Arcade Fire, The Shins, ect. to describe Indie music. However the word indie means much more than alt rock, and basically includes like a million subgenres.
Indie can be rap.
Indie can be folk (it is a lot of the time).
Indie can be pop.
Indie is often international music.
INDIE IS NOT JUST ALTERNATIVE ROCK. Unless you are referring to mainstream "indie" bands. Then usually they will be.
Kid #1: Well what bands do you like?
Indie kid: The Vaselines, Belaire, Suburban Kids with Biblical Names, Aesop Rock, Devendra Banhart a lot of random indie shit.
Kid #1: Indie? Oh like The Arctic Monkeys right???
Indie kid: No.
Indie - what does it mean?
The indie scene had originally been started by people who wanted to deviate from the norms of society. They did this through both music and fashion.
Contrary to popular belief, indie was never just about listening to bands nobody else had heard of - it was about appreciating all music for what it was - a form of entertainment, that appeals to different people.
This spawned a generation of Indie kids, who would go out of their way to try and be as "indie" as possible, essentially conforming to the acceptable indie standards. The indie scene quickly became the one thing that it set out to differentiate itself from - a clique.
What most "indie" kids dont realise is that looking indie, and listening to indie bands just isn't enough. You can't just "become" indie - you either are, or you're not. Being "indie" to try and conform to the indie scene is not indie, because it defeats the point of being indie. Indie is about being independent, therefore, following your own style and own opinions. Someone who is really indie will dress how they want to, look how they want to (though i guarantee that the jeans, hoody, messy hair look will be popular) and listen to whatever music they want to. most importantly, to not care what others think, and to be universally accepting to every genre of music, and not just write it off because it doesn't fall into a certain category.
Being truly indie is really like being "none of the above".
Guy 1: That girl's indie because she listens to arctic monkeys and wears dresses that look like they're from the 1960's
Guy 2: That doesn't make her indie, that just means she looks like someone who has been inspired by the indie scene
Guy 3: Look at the indie kids gathered outside starbucks. They all look the same.
guy 4: They probably aren't all indie then, most of them probably just like the idea of being indie.
Indie - meaning
1. Short for independant, usually music, as in independant label, independantly produced, etc. It DOES NOT have a particular sound since it really only refers to label and production (bands such as Modest Mouse and Of Montreal sound nothing alike, yet they are both indie).
2. Can also refer to stores or businesses that aren't part of chains.
3. Listeners are not flowery scene kids, as is generally believed. However, listeners MAY be stoned.
4. Is awesome.
Wal-Mart is to indie as brussel sprouts is to tasty.
Indie - definition
Indie, short for independant, applies to independant media, usually film or documentary and is also, more commonly, applied to a sub-culture (not a label) which involves generally music, behaviour (and in a few cases, style of dress). These people are also referd to as Indie Kids or Indie Rockers, of which most dislike these terms as it labels them in a certian group, which the the opposite object of independant! Most dislike the mainstream and the 'in-trend' and wear, listen to and do what they feel like without following fasions and rules (and im not talking about the law, Indies are just as likely to break the law as anyone else) and will always be themselvs and not put on an act for popularities sake. Obviously Indie is also a type of music which is generally soft-style rock without screaming or moshing sometime mixed with synthisised music and electronic, and is also generally on a independant record label and not well known. Altough indie is not a label it does have all sorts of connections to other groups and indie is commonly assocatied as a type of rocker, Indies, along with most other rockers, are at a long lasting 'social war' with chavs and scallies and contrary to popular belief are not in a long lasting rivalary towards Emo or sometimes Metalheads. There are also Indie wanabees and posers which are not themselvs and just act it!
Just remember people... Indie is not a label, group or class!
Emo - Ohh I really like that shirt but im Emo and people will get the wrong idea and not think im emo! *Cries*
Indie - Ohh I really like that shirt, whay only £4! Im gettin it!
Poser - But its not indie or anythin, infact its quite sporty!
Indie - Ohh shurrup! I like it, im gettin it!
Indie - slang
A gloriously vague term for Independant Music. Basically unsigned or more obscure bands (It's odd that Radiohead and REM are considered indie...). While the indie scene is known for it's jackass elitism, this doesn't spill over and hurt what's most important....the music. One of the few generas left that can at least carry a fucking tune without screaming like a retard or crying.
(Examples of Indie music)
80's- Joy Division, Sonic Youth, The Smiths
90's- Pavement, Radiohead, The Pixies, Happy Mondays (Are they considered dance music or indie rock?).
Now- The Shins, Bright Eyes, Death Cab For Cutie/The Postal Service, Rilo Kelly, Modest Mouse.
Indie Kid- "Do you guys carry Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain by Pavement or Closer by Joy Division?
Confused FYE Employee- "Uhh, no. We do have a wall of My Chemical Romance albums on the wall behind you".
Indie Kid- "Fuck"
Indie
Indie is a word that has a slightly different meaning for every person on the planet. Here is my definition, Indie is simply being oneself, however only people that are "independent" enough from the norm are recognized as Indie. You do not have to like obscure bands to be Indie, you can like a bit of everything and still be Indie, even pop music, Indie isn't even solely defined by what music you like anyway. It's one aspect, but the clothes you wear, the language you use, your personality. Still, only a few people can be Indie, and you can't learn it, your just born with it. Within Indie, people are still not completely independent of each other, take Pendulum for example, alot of people like them, alot of indie people do too. Indie people share interests and do not all like completely different things, here is what I believe the formula for Indie is, 20-15% pop culture, 80-85% personality/personal taste. It's similar to Ribena, pop culture is Ribena, personality is water, without the pop culture(Ribena) , you and Indie(water and Ribena) will taste nothing alike, Even Indie people need some common ground, or being Indie would be boring, and without the water(personality) your just generic old pop culture, you have nothing to offer the Indie community. But then again, that's just how I define Indie.
Normal guy: Hey, sup
Indie: Not much, just listening to some anamanaguchi
Normal guy: That names retarded
Indie: Have a listen (plugs in earphones)
Normal guy: Hey, that's pretty cool and chiptuney
Indie: Yeah, it's good shizz, well, I'll be on my way, see yah.
Normal guy: Wow, he was nice, pretty cool too, he just had some indescribable aura about him.
Indie
Usually late teens to mid twenties. A name often used for an artistic individual who thinks, and sincerely cares about issues one wouldn't find in the mind of most adolescents. A rare breed.
Political junkies.
Bargain hunters.
All for organic (food, beauty and hygiene products, etc.)
A very thorough knowledge of independent music, but most enjoy a variety of genres.
Artistic and independent film buffs.
A deep love for all forms of art.
Most tend to be very witty, but this can come off as sarcastic and snobby.
In high school, Indie kids were/are a bit awkward, because they find it hard to communicate with those who don't have the same ideals. This doesn't mean that they won't talk to you. Conversation is well liked among the Indie, but their ever churning minds are rarely understood. This is where humor comes in, and Indie kids tend to be very clever individuals who can come up with a funny little quip almost instantly. A lot tend to pursue stand up comedy. Also, an Indie kid will talk your ear off, sew it back on, then talk some more if music comes in to the conversation.
Art is rooted deep within the heart of any Indie kid, and probably has been their entire life. Whether it be music, photography, writing, cinematography, painting, or any other art form that wasn't mentioned. Many become pretty successful artists later in life. The Green movement is also supported by almost all Indie kids. If art isn't their first passion, the earth is.
The Indie style:
It's not uncommon to see Indie kids haunting antique shops and thrift stores, for they love all things vintage. Earthy colors, buttons, plain t-shirts, torn fabric, knitted items, denim jeans, and comfortable shoes are all seen in the Indie style of both sexes. Vintage looking jewelry is also popular among females, but something handmade or of sentimental value is often preferred. Indie kids do care about their appearance, they just don't obsess over it.
The Difference between Indie and Emo:
Many have described these differences as a "war". This is not the case. If there's one thing an Indie hates, it's complete stupidity. Unrighteous self pity, and closed mindedness are all seen as stupid. Indie kids do like their style/music, but don't criticize other's for not liking it as well. They accept people of all colors, shapes, sizes, and styles. Though, once someone does show a decent amount of shallow emotion, an Indie kid will stop speaking instantly (this is bad.) There is no war, just a frustration with the traits that often come with the Emo style.
All in all, an Indie kid doesn't need much to be happy. Good friends, good music, good food, good conversation, and good laughs. True bliss. A simplicity that this world seems to lack.
Indie kid1:This is a good Harmony Korine film.
Indie kid2: Want to watch it?
Indie kid1: Sure, I'll go brew some tea.
Indie
According to the dictionary, 'indie' is an informal version of the word independent.
Although this definition is accurate, the word has come to mean more. For many, it has come to symbolize originality and forward-thinking, especially in music and design.
By this definition, indie is any business or designer that is not associated with a large company. Indie can also define the consumer who chooses to support small business, independent record labels and handmade items rather than shopping at big-box stores.
I can't wait to attend the upcoming fashion show- there will be some great indie designers there and I'm looking for something unique!