Warning. I picked this topic because I knew I could make a Rochester, New York, reference. Feel free to duck out now if you’re not feeling it. I’ve heard there’s a tiny bit of other stuff on the internet that you can read. But if you’re willing to stick it out, we’ll dive into a part of the music scene that resonates with…the indie types. What is indie rock? Here’s one take.
Warning (Again)
As mentioned several times before, lumping music into different genres is more fun than scientific. In other words, a lot of what I (and others) say is up for debate. Furthermore, the premium I place on remaining concise prevents this piece from being anywhere near comprehensive. Finally, despite the concision, be prepared to get slightly confused.
Indie Rock
The idea of indie rock—at least the way we talk about it today—rose to prominence in the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1970s and 1980s. The term indie was short for independent, referring to music that was released independently or on independent record labels (labels that are smaller and not as well-funded as major record labels).
Many styles of music were released in the aforementioned manner, including alternative rock, college rock, punk rock, and post-punk. (Don’t worry if those terms are a little hazy to you.) Here’s a classic example courtesy The Smiths (whose frontman was Morrissey). The track was initially just the B-side of another single and released through the independent Rough Trade Records.
Over time, the term indie became associated with a do-it-yourself culture that was not as focused on the mainstream—somewhat less pertinent to the definition were specific musical style and whether the musical acts were truly independent. Confusion regarding independence was due to the fact that independent labels could use major labels for distribution. In certain cases, independent labels were actually owned by major labels but maintained creative control.
Throughout the years, the definition continued to evolve. When the alternative rock acts of the early 1990s (think grunge) entered the mainstream, they lost their indie label. Around the same time, several branches emerged within what was still felt to be indie, with one example being lo-fi (as in low-fidelity production). You’ll know this tune by Beck, originally released as a single by an independent label prior to the artist’s first deal with a major label.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the indie spirit was captured by bands who happened to be using a bare-bones, guitar-centric sound. As they, too, entered the mainstream, the entire concept of indie came into question. The White Stripes, comprised of just Jack White and his ex-wife, were one such example. This song—you’ll definitely recognize it, especially if you watch sports—is from their fourth studio album, the first with a larger label.
By the late 2000s and early 2010s, the indie scene had become intertwined with the hipster scene—you know, the young, urban, tattooed, tight-pant-wearing, third-wave-coffee-drinking scene.
The Current Incarnation
The battle of trying to define indie rock continues today. Moreover, attempting to draw lines between indie rock, indie pop, indietronica (indie plus electronic), etc. is not the easiest undertaking. I searched the world to find a band that encapsulates the modern incarnation of indie rock and found one right in my humble city. Here’s Joywave singing a track from their album Possession, released through their own Cultco Music label, an imprint of Hollywood Records (part of the Disney Music Group).
So go ahead and put on a pair of those tight, tapered pants that no one can fit into—well, not me anyway. Then grab a Pabst Blue Ribbon and start cranking the tunes. Just make sure they’re indie, whatever that means.
