Indie Music.

[fabz]

I have said it in the past and I'm going to say it again. I don't understand the term Indie, or what that entails. \

"But Fabz/Quadros, you haven't really listened to or saw any Indie Bands."

LIES! I saw Bloc Party and The Arcade Fire last year in the height of their popularity in the states and I still don't get it. Arcade Fire was actually good, but I didn't know any of the music they did, so I was just watching the pretty screens and enjoying what went on. Bloc Party sounded like a rejected Modest Mouse.

So please! Fill me in.

Who started it all? Is there a band that a lot of these bands get influence from. (Besides Radiohead)

Name some cool bands and then name some shitty ones, so I can make up my own mind.

[WillJ.]

From what I understand indie ranges from teenagers with brightly coloured jeans, that are so tight raise their voices by a few octaves, jumping round singing songs which sound like every other band like this because they all have the same sound and no individuality to quite slow relaxing music which is quiet good to chill out to or what is almost in its essence dance music but they just have a band instead of a DJ.

Bands to check out - Kasabian, Snow Patrol, The Fray, Buckcherry, OneRepublic

[Android]

The problem i've always had with Indie music is that it all seems so pretentious. There are good bands out there, but I prefer the Indie Electronic ones like Grandaddy, !!!, theStart, Mylo, Digitalism, and The Faint. I guess i've just never felt "hip enough" to be into Indie music.

[abbey]

You made this thread AGAIN?

A band is "indie" when they produce their own music and promote themselves without having a major record deal.

But don't take it from me, here's the Wikipedia article! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indie_(music))

Now STOP MAKING THIS THREAD.

[spaj]

I listen to quite a bit of indie pop, folk, or electronica:

Imogen Heap, Sufjan Stevens, Feist, Zoot Woman, Andrew Bird, Joanna Newsom... When it comes to indie music though don't feel like you need to take an interest in it, some people just prefer to listen to artists who work with 'themselves' instead of being in a big-ass music record label to promote them. It just so happens that some genres of music - especially folk - tend to be more indie related.

[Fraudulence_Raft]

The only Indie Band I listen to is the Fratellis, but they're pretty awesome. A lot of their songs are pretty up-beat, but then again some of them sound like a remix of a song from the 20's. Still give them a listen, because they're good.

[Hats of!]

My opinion about Idie and Alternativ rock genres.

Once upon a time there was the great council of people in costumes. They were tierd of all the new genres that were forming all the time. They considerd that the music-genres was the worst of them all.
Then they created to genres, one is Alternative and Indie. So all new band become either Indie or Alternative. Punk and such on became Alternativ and smart-rock became Indie. Rest Metal.

Therefore we live today were some people go absolutely mad if they can't label a certain band as some of these. Then this band is automaticly an underground-band and should be shot. And no, I don't mean underground-mainstream like goth, I mean underground as if maby just 100 000 really knows who they are.

[abbey]

Imogen Heap, Sufjan Stevens, Feist...
Mmmm good musics.

So I'm pretty sure that indie music is just stuff that can't be put into any other genres, and that isn't promoted by big record labels.

[fabz]

You made this thread AGAIN?

A band is "indie" when they produce their own music and promote themselves without having a major record deal.

But don't take it from me, here's the Wikipedia article! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indie_(music))

Now STOP MAKING THIS THREAD.

I made this thread again because the last thread failed miserably at giving specific examples of how good their stuff is.

And if you take your definition, I'm an Indie Artist (http://www.myspace.com/davidjayband), and I seriously don't even remotely sound like any of those typical indie bands. I think this genre of music is deeper then just making your own music and touring without the backing of a Major Label. There's gotta be something else to it then that. And that's why I made this thread. AGAIN.

And I agree with Android and you sort of proved his point. The people that listen to this music are extremely protective and pretentious about their music. It's like if you don't tell anyone about how good this band is, then they will lose their talent and suck. It's as if once they leave Canada or the UK and then travel to the US it's like they're big now, I don't like them.

[Ziggy St. Valentine]

Bands to check out - Kasabian, Snow Patrol, The Fray, Buckcherry, OneRepublic

Buckcherry are NOT indie, they are rock. I don't know how you could even classify them as indie, they sound NOTHING like the 'indie' bands I have heard, which I personally didn't like anyway. And for the record, Josh Todd and Keith Nelson from Buckcherry almost joined Velvet Revolver when they were looking for a singer and rythm guitarist, last I heard, 'indie' bands had nothing to do with mainstream rock music?

[Zettler]

Indie as in independant just means that a band makes their own music...usually including producing editing etc.
It really has nothing to do with what they sing....although there are some types of music in which one will notice more indie than others.
Such as punk.

[Audioslave]

Everybody is wrong but me.

Indie is a broad term meaning that the band isn't signed to one of the major recording companies (EMI, Warner, Sony etc.) It can actually be any genre, hence there being no reason to dislike it (indie rock, indie pop, indie hip-hop, indie hardcore)

That being said, when somebody says indie, they're usually talking about something like Bright Eyes, Sufjan Stevens or Iron & Wine.

Indie music is definitely where it's at, because it's an antonym for 'mainstream' music. It is one of the basic classifications for music (everything is either indie, mainstream or unsigned) Indie is so interesting because mainstream music is forced upon you (music videos, radio, ads, etc) whereas you have to look for indie bands.

[ShortBusBandit]

Two words
Wolf Parade
great indie/expiremental band from Quebec

[Audioslave]

Two words
Wolf Parade
great indie/expiremental band from Quebec

Alternatively, the lead singer's side project is called Swan Lake. It's not quite as good, but still interesting.

[CnGy]

Audioslave's post is correct.

I hate people that think indie means...well you all know what cliché indie people/bands are like.

Some great indie bands imo are Deerhoof, Mice Parade, Beirut, Patrick Wolf.

Patrick wolf is a bit emo if you must know but his electronic stuff iis awesome.

[spaj]

Audioslave has a point; there's usually a certain thrill when it comes to discovering lots and lots of new music.

I'm pretty sure you've heard of it fabz, but head over to Last.fm and download its program if you really want to go on a quest to find your favourite indie music.

[xkittenxsocksx]

Patrick wolf is a bit emo if you must know but his electronic stuff iis awesome.

<333
Lycanthropy/Wind in the wires kick fuckin' ass.
I saw him last year at the end of his tour, with some funny looking black dude called lightspeed champion. I have pictures but I'm blushing on them revealing my feminine cheekbones.

I thought you were a fully fledged metal-head....

[Audioslave]

By the way, if anybody wants to add me to lastfm, my page is:
http://www.last.fm/user/TragicallyHip/

If you want to talk music, my MSN is on my profile.

Don't add ass-face up there, he's just pretending to be indie to get the chicks (...dudes?)

And since when are you not from Nova Scotia? Poser. I was not from Nova Scotia long before you.

[CnGy]

Yeah I like metal, indie, and rap.

I'm not supposed to exist.

[Audioslave]

I like hip-hop, nu-metal, alternative country, neo-classical and jazz.

I'm a paradox.

[Oofie]

The problem i've always had with Indie music is that it all seems so pretentious. There are good bands out there, but I prefer the Indie Electronic ones like Grandaddy, !!!, theStart, Mylo, Digitalism, and The Faint. I guess i've just never felt "hip enough" to be into Indie music.

Try Foals and Test Icicles. Foals were just recommended to me very recently but I love them already.

[Chromechisel49]

Alternatively, the lead singer's side project is called Swan Lake. It's not quite as good, but still interesting.

The mentioned lead singer, Spencer Krug, is actually part of four bands, Wolf Parade, Swan Lake, Frog Eyes, and Sunset Rubdown, the latter being my favorite of the four.

As for some bands to check out:
Vampire Weekend and The Futureheads for britpop/britrock lovers;
Relay and Broken Social Scene for shoegaze/rock fans;
Sigur Ros, Mew, and As Tall As Lions for dreampop/atmospheric rock fans;
Of Montreal for psychedelic fans;
Menomena and Modest Mouse for hard rock/experimental fans;
Junior Boys, The Postal Service, and Air for electronica/techno fans;
Interpol for postpunk fans (and for those who may already like Interpol, I suggest Museum, Editors, or Placebo);
Sufjan Stevens for orchestral pop/folk fans;
Bright Eyes for alt. country/folk/emo/lo-fi fans (depending on what time period it is from); and
Feist and Regina Spektor for female vocalist fans.

Note: some of these may not be officially "indie" in the sense of label, but I think they apply as far as the undefined genre of indie, which is basically just bands that do things differently.

-Chromechisel49

PS- If anyone would like more information on these bands, would like me to suggest some things for them personally, or perhaps would just like to talk music, feel free to message me, I'm always happy to help. =)

[xkittenxsocksx]

Yeah I like metal, indie, and rap.

I'm not supposed to exist.

Thought it might have been a little too gay for you.


Don't add ass-face up there, he's just pretending to be indie to get the chicks (...dudes?)

And since when are you not from Nova Scotia? Poser. I was not from Nova Scotia long before you.

Yeah, I'm pretending. I'm not supposed to exist.
You wish you were not from nova, poser.

[CnGy]

Whoever said Menomena is awesome. That band is awesome I fully endorse that suggestion.

[Audioslave]

Vampire Weekend and The Futureheads for britpop/britrock lovers; +The Kooks and My Morning Jacket
Relay and Broken Social Scene for shoegaze/rock fans; +The Polyphonic Spree and Architecture in Helsinki
Sigur Ros, Mew, and As Tall As Lions for dreampop/atmospheric rock fans;
Of Montreal for psychedelic fans; +The Flaming Lips
Menomena and Modest Mouse for hard rock/experimental fans; +The Shins (of course) and Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah
Junior Boys, The Postal Service, and Air for electronica/techno fans;
Interpol for postpunk fans (and for those who may already like Interpol, I suggest Museum, Editors, or Placebo); +The Pixies and The Mates of State
Sufjan Stevens for orchestral pop/folk fans; +Elliot Smith, Nick Drake and Wilco
Bright Eyes for alt. country/folk/emo/lo-fi fans (depending on what time period it is from); and
Feist and Regina Spektor for female vocalist fans. +Fiona Apple

Added more.

[xkittenxsocksx]

The kooks went to stage school.

[Godly]

Here's a great site for unsigned band(aka indie) It's Daytrotter.com (www.daytrotter.com) and it has a lot of bands and they get new ones at least every week, so there are tons of chances of finding some you like.
The best part about it is you can listen to the songs for free and download them for free also.

[Chromechisel49]

Very well chosen additions, Audioslave, I happen to know and love all of those as well. Besides, one can only come up with so many at a time.

Here's some more additions, along with some uberindie local bands:
The Captain (britpop)
Port O'Brien (indie pop)
School of Language (experimental pop)
Kazoo Funk Orchestra (experimental pop)
Apes and Androids (experimental electronica)
John Wiese (noise rock)
Lightning Bolt (noise rock)
The Fiery Furnaces (experimental electronica)
WHY? (indie new wave)
!!! (Chk Chk Chk) (dance punk)
Say Hi (indie pop)

-Christian

[Awesome-o]

I always thought it meant independant. But that begs the question, Why is it so popular? and why are there so many of the on mainstream labels?

[Profane Methane]

Because once upon a time most Indie bands were independent, however now they are all sellouts because people are buying their music now on mass, and the only real reason they were "Indie" was because they weren't popular.

[AccidentalMartyr]

I'm gonna say that the founders of indie music were Pavement and Beck. Just try listening to Slanted and Enchanted and tell me that's not the seeds of indie being sown.

[Silver-Salvia]

Indie practically means "garage" band.. Now it's the exact same thing as "scream-o" or "scene" music.. Indie is quite the stupid genre..

[timbot]

I can't believe not a single person mentioned Fugazi. I guess they're not usually labeled as an indie band. But, by the most literal translation that an indie band is one that's not on a major label, Fugazi has it down. Plus, they're bad ass.
Also, Accidental Martyr was right to say Pavement. If someone were trying to nail down indie as a sound. I'd say Pavement is the place to start. I wouldn't label Beck as an indie rock guy...not even his pre-Odelay stuff.
I didn't think indie was so popular. Of course, I'm 25, and if I talk to some high school kid, he/she can name 30 shitty bands with one decent song that can only be heard on myspace and will grab them a 30 day cult following of stupid kids. So...I guess that stuff is popular.
Here's my list of Indie must-haves:
Pavement/Stephen Malkmus--Godfathers of indie
Sonic Youth--College radio noise rockers
Fugazi--100% indie hardcore
New Pornographers--poppy/catchy indie supergroup
The Moldy Peaches--Yeah, sure, everyone who's seen Juno is gonna claim to be a fan, but have they heard Steak for Chicken or Who's Got the Crack?.
Captured by Robots--He's a guy who pretends he's enslaved by instrument playing robots. You gotta at least check it out.
Spoon--Ok, they're getting pretty popular...but I still call them indie
The Fiery Furnaces--one of my favorite bands. Experimental tellers of twisted narratives. And a brother/sister duo just for added fun
Godspeed You Black Emperor--If my understanding of sub-genres is right, they would be post-rock or something like that. Basically, they've got guitars and drums and such, but play like they're an orchestra. Pretty cool stuff.
Arcade Fire--Funeral is probably the best album to listen to when you're snowed in.
Art Brut--Funny British pop fanatics
Electic Six--nobody makes better fun-time dancy/rock stuff.

[Profane Methane]

I can't believe not a single person mentioned Fugazi. I guess they're not usually labeled as an indie band. But, by the most literal translation that an indie band is one that's not on a major label, Fugazi has it down. Plus, they're bad ass.
Also, Accidental Martyr was right to say Pavement. If someone were trying to nail down indie as a sound. I'd say Pavement is the place to start. I wouldn't label Beck as an indie rock guy...not even his pre-Odelay stuff.
I didn't think indie was so popular. Of course, I'm 25, and if I talk to some high school kid, he/she can name 30 shitty bands with one decent song that can only be heard on myspace and will grab them a 30 day cult following of stupid kids. So...I guess that stuff is popular.
Here's my list of Indie must-haves:
Pavement/Stephen Malkmus--Godfathers of indie
Sonic Youth--College radio noise rockers
Fugazi--100% indie hardcore
New Pornographers--poppy/catchy indie supergroup
The Moldy Peaches--Yeah, sure, everyone who's seen Juno is gonna claim to be a fan, but have they heard Steak for Chicken or Who's Got the Crack?.
Captured by Robots--He's a guy who pretends he's enslaved by instrument playing robots. You gotta at least check it out.
Spoon--Ok, they're getting pretty popular...but I still call them indie
The Fiery Furnaces--one of my favorite bands. Experimental tellers of twisted narratives. And a brother/sister duo just for added fun
Godspeed You Black Emperor--If my understanding of sub-genres is right, they would be post-rock or something like that. Basically, they've got guitars and drums and such, but play like they're an orchestra. Pretty cool stuff.
Arcade Fire--Funeral is probably the best album to listen to when you're snowed in.
Art Brut--Funny British pop fanatics
Electic Six--nobody makes better fun-time dancy/rock stuff.
Fugazi annoy me, especially because Ian MacKaye was so much more better with Minor Threat and Teen Idles.

[CnGy]

Beatles are indie imo.

As far as their style goes. Indie mixed with blues.

And whoeever said screamo is like indie needs to re-educate their musical views.

[timbot]

The Beatles aren't indie. That's silly. I also wouldn't say they're very bluesy. Their early stuff is pretty basic pop, then they got more experimental and harder to define.

Fugazi annoy me, especially because Ian MacKaye was so much more better with Minor Threat and Teen Idles.
I never really got into Minor Threat...not sure why. Even after getting into Fugazi a little, I never went back and checked out Minor Threat. But, like them or not, I think they deserve a spot on a list of indie bands.

[fabz]

The Beatles aren't indie. That's silly. I also wouldn't say they're very bluesy. Their early stuff is pretty basic pop, then they got more experimental and harder to define.


That's the silliest thing I've read in this sub-forum yet.

If you know anything about the blues and chord structures, and played the blues you would know that a lot of their stuff including their early stuff is very blues influenced.

It might not be "I lost my baby now she's gone forever" but the structure is still there.

Thanks to everyone who has voiced their opinions. It really has helped. I've taken a look at a lot of the bands and honestly, I just don't like it. It's kind of like my broccoli of the music world.

Continue to discuss. :douchecock:

[Android]

Didn't the Beatles create their own record label thereby releasing their music independently?

[Audioslave]

Godspeed You Black Emperor--If my understanding of sub-genres is right, they would be post-rock or something like that. Basically, they've got guitars and drums and such, but play like they're an orchestra. Pretty cool stuff.

They play like an orchestra because they are an orchestra. They're neo-classical.

Indie practically means "garage" band.. Now it's the exact same thing as "scream-o" or "scene" music.. Indie is quite the stupid genre..

You didn't read the thread, nor do you have any idea what you're talking about. Shut up.

[fabz]

Didn't the Beatles create their own record label thereby releasing their music independently?

In 1968 they made their own record label, Apple Records. Before that it was someone else.

You didn't read the thread, nor do you have any idea what you're talking about. Shut up.

Yes. Someone should MODERATE these new forums.

[Audioslave]

Yes. Someone should MODERATE these new forums.

HOLY SHIT.

Although my name (apparently) is listed as moderator, I have no power here.

[fabz]

HOLY SHIT.

Although my name (apparently) is listed as moderator, I have no power here.

Who said anything about you being a mod here? You have your moddy powers in another forum.

I'm just saying someone should moderate the newly subdivided forums.

[Audioslave]

Ugh. nevermind that. It's been a long day.

[timbot]

That's the silliest thing I've read in this sub-forum yet.

If you know anything about the blues and chord structures, and played the blues you would know that a lot of their stuff including their early stuff is very blues influenced.

It might not be "I lost my baby now she's gone forever" but the structure is still there.


When I hear the Beatles, I don't think blues. But, you're right, I know nothing about actual chord structures in the blues...or in any type of music. So, I concede the point.

They [Godspeed You Black Emperor] play like an orchestra because they are an orchestra. They're neo-classical.

What makes and orchestra and orchestra? I mean, I can tell the difference between The Beatles--a band--and the New York Philharmonic--an orchestra--but I don't know where the actual line is drawn.

[Liteboy]

I listen to a pretty good amount of "Indie" music.

Let me first say that it is a rather twisted term. It's kind of supposed to a term for something truly non-comformist, truly individual or independant.

If you come across anything that isn't quite mainstream, it can't quite be labeled, then you can say that it is indie just so that you can put it someplace.

Then it became synonymous with jerks who want to be way more into underground music than you.

finally I have to say.... you think Modest Mouse is better than Bloc Party?!

[abbey]

Have you guys heard of New Buffalo? She's amazing.

[devilcurls6981]

Hmmm no I havent I should try them.

[NewShades]

My favorite genre of music is Alternative/Indie

Although I think the word "Indie" can mean something different to each individual taking in the term here is the proper definition for indie:1. an independently owned business: to work for an indie ; the way I understand the word Indie is as a unique sound when referring to a band. Here's a list of some of my favorite alternative/indie bands:

Chevelle
Third Eye Blind
Hurt
Submersed
Another Animal
Blank Theory
Five Finger Death Punch

[Audioslave]

What makes and orchestra and orchestra? I mean, I can tell the difference between The Beatles--a band--and the New York Philharmonic--an orchestra--but I don't know where the actual line is drawn.

Basically it's just a large (relative to a normal band) group of musicians that usually includes strings (though it can be horns, woodwinds, etc.)

[timbot]

But, what about just old "big bands." You know, swing era stuff? Those certainly weren't orchestras, but there were string instruments in those, and there a lot of people in those bands.
I wouldn't call Godspeed an orchestra because, other than one violin and one cello, they're basically all rock instruments. They've got two guitar players, two bassits, two drummers/percussionist and two keyboard players (who are actually people who play one of the instruments I've already mentioned). That resembles a basic rock set up more closely than a basic orchestra set up.

[INTUNEevolution]

For indy music, I really like Gaslight Anthem.

@ people arguing about blues, rock is founded on blues. The E, A, D or the A, E, D chord schemes are probably the most utilised in the business. Look at any Social D song. Ball and Chain is AED AED.