Indie music originated in the 1980s in the UK as a way for bands to escape from large record labels and marketing firms. Early successful indie bands like The Smiths, The Stone Roses, and Pixies had a unique sound and style that reflected the social and political issues of the time. Modern indie rock artists include The Strokes, Foals, and Arctic Monkeys. While the genre was once defined by being independently produced, it now encompasses a broader range of styles and influences. Key musical features of indie rock include jangly guitars, introspective lyrics, and simple chord progressions.

1. Indie Rock
GENRE RESEARCH

2. Indie music first came about in the 80’s in the UK, it was all about getting
away from the big record labels and big marketing firms trying to monetise
music. As well as reflecting social and political struggles of the times.
ORIGINS

3. Bands that did very well for themselves in the early stages were
acts like The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, The Jam
and Pixies.
They were successful because they had a unique sound and style
that was popular at the time, providing a truthful look at the
world and the people within it.
THE ORIGINAL SUCCESSFUL
INDIE BANDS

4. The genre is still very popular, the main artists who are active
currently would be bands like The Strokes, Foals, The Libertines
and Arctic Monkeys etc. The difference between old and new is
that there is much less restrictions on what is and isn’t classed as
indie, it can be very broad and combine many styles and many
influences. And the term “indie” is now more about the music
rather than the actual physical meaning of it being made
“independently”.
MODERN INDIE ROCK

5. - Jangly Guitars
- Introspective Lyrics
- Melancholy vocal lines
- Repetitive guitar lines
- Simple chords
- Lots of reverb
KEY FEATURES

6. Because it is such a diverse genre, there are many different styles and attitudes
associated with it, there isn’t really defining stylistic statement with the genre.
Although that being said, there seems to be a big use of black clothing like
black jeans and black jackets. For attitudes, there is a rather toxic one that is
attributed to indie music, is that everything that is mainstream is bad, and that
once a band gets successful, they have “sold out” and are no longer
appreciated by many of their fans. Not to say that all fans are like that.
STYLE, CLOTHES, ATTITUDES