Indie
-
The term: Short for independent rock. In terms of music it would be independent of major labels/mainstream stuff.
History: grew out from 60s garage, 70s punk, and 80s post punk it started in the mid 80s as alternative/college radio music. Once nirvana hit big the alternative genre split: the popular side was just alternative(Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, No Doubt, etc.) and the other half that wasnt mainstream(by choice or not) became indie rock(Pavement, Sebadoh, Built To Spill, etc).
Some bands have signed to major labels but are still considered indie(Modest Mouse, etc.). Go figure.
Sound: In the begining indie sounded like alternative(because it was) but it grew more experimental and weird. In Britain indie has more of a typical sound like Radiohead, Muse, etc. rather than a definition based on the scene.
The scene: if you really think all indie kids do is try to be cooler than other people then... well.. youre mostly right. The main point is, dont take the scene and the whole hipster attitude seriously. No one does. And if you do, well, then Im cooler than you. -
independent music. The anti-emo. (well, maybe like emos second cousin twice-removed with more talent, skill, and IQ)
the state of being indie:
1)being unable to talk to anyone about your music.
2)but knowing that, in the process, youre way cooler than the kids you try to talk to about it.
-
A gloriously vague term for Independant Music. Basically unsigned or more obscure bands (Its odd that Radiohead and REM are considered indie...). While the indie scene is known for its jackass elitism, this doesnt spill over and hurt whats 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)
80s- Joy Division, Sonic Youth, The Smiths
90s- 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. -
Music released on an independent label
Any music slightly left of mainstream
Not always about lost love, sometimes about Christmas in Zoos and other things often seen while smoking funny stuff -
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. -
Usually late teens to mid twenties. A name often used for an artistic individual who thinks, and sincerely cares about issues one wouldnt 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 dont have the same ideals. This doesnt mean that they wont 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 wasnt mentioned. Many become pretty successful artists later in life. The Green movement is also supported by almost all Indie kids. If art isnt their first passion, the earth is.
The Indie style:
Its 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 dont obsess over it.
The Difference between Indie and Emo:
Many have described these differences as a war. This is not the case. If theres one thing an Indie hates, its complete stupidity. Unrighteous self pity, and closed mindedness are all seen as stupid. Indie kids do like their style/music, but dont criticize others 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 doesnt 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. -
The bad-ass-est archeologist ever! He found the holy grail, the ark of the covenant, and one of the lost shankara stones. His dad is a bearded goat with bad enunciation, but for some reason women like him. I guess they think he is cute like one of those troll dolls, not the ones with the jewel in the belly but the ones that people put on their lawns. some people call them lawn gnomes, but we know better. Indie has a whip and a gun, but sometimes he loses the gun so he has to run away. He has no scruples about bringing a gun to a sword fight. His best friend is this guy who lives in egypt and i think his name is Marsala. He had a monkey for a while, and a pet asian kid named Short n Round, but I will not tell you what he did with him. Basically he ran around the world fighting the nazis and the pagans and stealing national treasures and heirlooms and stuff. Some king threatened to cut off his misunderstandings because he thought he was a grave robber or something. But I say, once something is in the ground it is fair game. Except corpses. Indie has about the same rules, though once he stole this asian guys ancestors remains. Then the guy poisoned him, so indie stole his woman. I think her name was charlie or something. Indies full name is Junior Indianna Jones, but his good friends call him Susan.
They named a genre of music after him, apparently, but I dont know anything about that. -
(of a pop group, record label, or film company) not belonging or affiliated to a major record or film company.
-
Indie in Snowboarding. The name for an air maneuver in which the rider puts his back hand between his feet on the heel-edge.
-
an independent film company not associated with an established studio
-
a pop group not affiliated with a major record company
-
a type of rock music, generally soft-style without screaming or aggression, mixed with synthesized music and electronic.
Explore More Definitions
Browse our collection of 300,000+ community-written definitions