December 6th, 2010
so what is indie rock?
So what is indie rock? Through research for my final paper I have found myself muttering this question to myself day in and day out. Every time I think I have the answer, I read something else that makes me question my previous thought. First we have to distinguish are we talking about “indie rock” as a genre, or “indie/independent rock” as the financial status of the artists?
If we are talking about indie rock as a genre, we must realize that in the music industry genres tend to overlap. Indie rock may also be referred to as, alternative, lo-fi, college rock, garage rock, riot grrrl, as well as, post-hardcore, to name a few. Artists categorized in the indie rock genre may be found signed to independent record labels as well as, some that have been signed to major record labels. The typical instruments used by artists in these genres are guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals, however they are not limited to these and some artist may incorporate other instruments. In our readings for this week, Hibbett roughly traces the origin of indie rock to the underground music scene. He explains that these artists create, “songs too unconventional to receive playtime on anything but low-powered college radio stations and too challenging or subversive for an older less educated audience.” Which is why most indie artists are still only found in the underground scene. Yet, Hibbett and Bourdieu point out that some artists such as R.E.M. (signed to a major record label at the time) will reinvent themselves by “incorporating something from the restricted field.”
On the other hand, if we are talking strictly about indie (or independent) rock as the financial status of an artists, we are talking about only those artists not signed by major record labels. Hibbett states, “The very name “indie” denotes a more concerted effort to separate the “good” from the “popular” – to be not just an “alternative to,” but “independent of.” These artists practice the DIY (Do-it-yourself) ethic, recording their own music, distributing their albums themselves, playing for people in local bars and clubs. The DIY ethic creates this feeling of a more raw, direct look into an artist’s mind along with their talent. Fans find this to feel more real or true to the artist because they are not being altered by any commercial or mainstream input. This is who the artist is and this is how they think and perform. Many indie artist believe that mainstream messes with an artist’s creativity, making them fold and be molded into what the commercial mainstream believes the public wants to see instead of letting the public decide for themselves.
Which brings me to my next issue, if an indie band makes it from the underground scene to the mainstream, are they truly considered sell outs? This is definitely debatable, I believe that this is left for the bands to decide. Will they fold and allow the mainstream to mold them into their own little puppets or will they stay true to their indie reputation and music by demanding what they want? I believe that power is knowledge, and when indie artist are well known and sought out by major record labels they have more power to demand what they want and believe. Although they may make the jump to a major label they can still be true to their music, they just have to be smart and know what they want.