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A Brief History Of Indie Music With Examples Indie music is interesting because it's always evolving and always influencing mainstream music. The truth is, a lot of indie rock could also be considered alternative rock, and as indie rock becomes popular, it becomes a part of the alternative genre. If an indie artist is no longer independent, can it still be said that they make indie music? If it has the indie sound, is that a good enough reason to call it indie music? Other artists and musicians listen to the popular indie bands of the day, become inspired, and create music that pays tribute to the indie music tradition.īut the term indie is contentious. It takes a lot of work, but this sort of trailblazing independence is what makes indie so popular and influential.Īs indie music becomes more successful, it becomes more influential. Some artists like Chance The Rapper stay committed to the independent vision and release their own music, make their own art, and promote their own records. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with this.
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Many are signed to major labels or to smaller labels that get bought up by the major labels. The fact is, many indie artists who define the sound no longer work independently. This DIY ethos also lends itself to an indie sound – more lof-fi, often recorded at home or on the cheap, and generally quirkier.īut things start to get complicated when indie artists become successful. Many indie artists are passionate about creating a supportive DIY scene that cooperates and works together.
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Without the capital of a major label, independent artists are left to design their own art, create and direct their own music videos, and promote themselves however they can. Over time, indie has come to describe an esthetic, an attitude, and a sound. Some would argue that artists with no ties to large, commercial labels allow indie artists to create more interesting work.
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