So, What’s This Indie Music All About?
Indie music developed in North America and the UK during the 1980s out of alternative rock, although elements of indie rock can be found as early in the 60s in the music of bands such as The Kinks. What exactly constitutes indie rock is contested by musicians and critics, with some claiming that indie rock bands should be signed to independent record labels while others claim that the artistic aesthetic and sound is more important.
This ethos extended to being in complete control over the sound and look of the band without interference from the record label. In the 1980s, during the early days of indie music, bands like REM and The Pixies were amongst the most well known bands in the USA and overseas. When The Smiths released their debut album, also called The Smiths, in 1984 they would launch a successful career that saw them become the definitive British indie music band.
Throughout the 90s a new sound called grunge developed. Leading this new sound was Pearl Jam and Nirvana, who became especially popular with younger listeners. Lo-fi was another sound that developed. The sound, most commonly associated with Beck, prioritises eschewing popular tastes and using simplistic recording techniques.
It became difficult for indie bands to stick to independent labels in the new millennium as their increased popularity, in part thanks to the exposure afforded to them by the internet, meant that major labels courted them with growing interest. Two of the more well-known indie bands to sign up with major labels included Modest Mouse and Death Cab For Cutie, who both went on to make well received records. Bright Eyes is just one band however that has been able to stick with its independent label and still gain critical and commercial success.
Many cities have developed their own independent music scene. Some of these, such as Madchester which flourished in Manchester during the late 80s, helped establish a wave of new talent – Happy Mondays, James and The Stone Roses are just a few Manchester bands associated with Madchester. Although more indie bands are now signing up with major record labels, many believe that as long as they don’t relinquish control over the sound of their music they can still legitimately be called indie.
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