A Beginner's Guide to Indie

by Andre Thomas Quizon

Introduction
“And when I'm back in Chicagoooo, I feel ittttt“ Ever found yourself vibing to a song on the radio and wondering what it was for weeks? Where you would sing the tone to Siri just to find it? Welcome to “A Beginner's Guide to Indie”. When you're a Gen Z, it's hard to say you haven't listened to an indie song whether by choice or random and liked it. But did you know that there is something more to our treasured genre? Indie is more than just a genre and we are about to explore it.

A Picture of Indie Music Band
Reference: Photo Link
What is Indie Music?
Indie music began as a label for tunes crafted by independent artists and small labels, driven by a do-it-yourself mindset and a deep love for creative freedom. But indie is more than just a genre—it's an attitude. It's all about pushing boundaries, experimenting with sound, and refusing to be boxed into one style. Indie musicians draw from a rich mix of influences, blending different genres to create fresh, unexpected tracks that stand out from the crowd. By staying true to their roots and remaining independent, hence called indie, these artists embrace the freedom to explore and innovate, delivering music that's anything but ordinary.

Birth of Indie
The late 20th century was a period of significant technological advancements and cultural shifts in the music industry. It was a period where roller skates, vibrant make-ups, oversized sunglasses, big hoop earrings, and flashy clothes quote on quote “were the jazz”. The rise of various genres, such as rock, disco, punk, and hip-hop, shaped the landscape. The primary formats for music consumption were vinyl records, cassettes, and CDs, with MTV's early 1980s introduction revolutionizing music marketing.

Dancing in the Disco
Reference: Photo Link
Major record labels held significant power, but independent labels and the DIY music scene emerged, challenging their dominance. The digital revolution began with the introduction of first digital recording techniques and the internet, setting the stage for major transformations in the 21st century music industry.

Who were the influential artists?
You may be familiar with the lyrics, 'And if a double-decker bus crashes into us, To die by your side is such a heavenly way to die.' These lines are from The Smiths' song 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,' which is currently making a comeback with Gen Z. While the lyrics might seem a bit intense or dramatic, they vividly capture the band's distinctive style. The Smiths marked the end of synth-driven new wave and the beginning of the guitar rock that reigned English rock into the '90s along with the bands Oasis, R.EM, and my personal favorites Nirvana, Radiohead, and the Pixies.

The Smiths
Reference: The Smiths
Nirvana
Reference: Nirvana
Radiohead
Reference: Radiohead
Pixies
Reference: Pixies
You may have noticed that indie music is gradually diversifying, incorporating a wide range of styles and influences. This progression reflects an increasing desire for musical variety and experimentation among new generations of musicians, who draw influence from previous trends while carving their own distinct pathways.

Why do we love it?
As others may tell you, Indie music gives us the sensation of nostalgia when listening to it. Indie music does not limit the notes, and the rhythm of the song, it allows artists to go wild and end up in creating a fresh new beat spanning a diverse set of musical styles and sensibilities.

Over time, the term “indie” has come to encompass a wide range of genres and styles, including indie-folk, indie rock, synth-pop, dream pop, indie rap, and indie R&B, among others becoming modern indie.

Notable indie albums in the late 20th Century
"The Queen Is Dead" by The Smiths (1986) A seminal album in the indie rock canon, recognized for its beautiful lyrics and distinct sound, which helped shape the genre's history.

"Nevermind" by Nirvana (1991) Though Nirvana is most commonly associated with grunge voice style, this album's independent attitude and raw sound had a significant impact on alternative music and the broader indie scene.

"OK Computer" by Radiohead (1997) This album was a critical and commercial success, known for its experimental style, and has had a long-lasting impact on both independent and mainstream music. Album

Indie Music in the Digital Age
Thanks to the widespread use of technology, music genres are now accessible to a diverse range of audiences. Algorithms on music streaming platforms facilitate this accessibility by recommending songs and artists based on listeners' preferences. As a result, music is more available today than ever before, paving the way for new and emerging voices to showcase their talents. This has created a richer and more varied musical landscape, allowing a broader array of indie artists to reach and connect with global audiences. Some of the new voices today are:
Vansire - An Indie/Dream-Pop Duo
CASTLEBEAT - an American bedroom indie-pop/ indie-rock singer-songwriter
Day Wave - an American indie-rock project
Goth Babe - a solo dream pop-indie/alternative rock music artist
Surf Curse - an American indie surf rock band
Mac De Marco - a Canadian indie-rock singer, songwriter, and producer
Dominic Fike - an American indie-pop singer-songwriter, rapper, and actor.

These artists are just a few examples of the broad and intriguing talent that is developing in today's independent music landscape. Each contributes their own sound and style to the genre, helping to shape the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of current music.

Recap
Indie music has evolved from a niche movement driven by independent artists and labels into a diverse and influential genre. Its journey began with a DIY ethos, pushing the boundaries of traditional music and embracing creative freedom. Over time, indie music has integrated a wide range of styles, from folk to electronic, and has seen a significant transformation with the rise of digital technology.

This evolution has allowed indie artists to reach global audiences and innovate continuously. Indie music's enduring power lies in its ability to inspire and connect people across the globe. Its blend of innovation, authenticity, and emotional resonance makes it a unique and compelling part of the musical landscape, continuously shaping and reflecting the cultural zeitgeist.

Embrace the indie spirit and enjoy the rich implementation of sounds and stories it has to offer. If you've got the time, dive into the world of these indie artists—who knows, you might just find that catchy tune you heard on the radio.