Alternative music indie is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the 1980s. It is an alternative to mainstream rock music and is characterized by its non-conformist attitude and non-commercial sound. Alternative music indie is defined by the DIY ethos, emphasizing independent or self-produced music and often incorporating experimental and unconventional musical styles. In this blog post, we will discuss in detail what is alternative music indie, its origin, and what makes it distinct from other genres of rock music.
Origins of Alternative music indie
Alternative music indie originated in the early 1980s as a response to the mainstream rock music scene. Many underground music scenes began to flourish in various cities in the United States, including New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles. These scenes were characterized by their DIY ethos, meaning that bands produced their own recordings, marketed and promoted themselves, and booked their own concerts.
One of the earliest and most influential alternative music indie bands was R.E.M, who hailed from Athens, Georgia. Their unique sound and approach to music-making inspired many other bands to follow in their footsteps. Other bands that emerged during this period include Sonic Youth, Husker Du, and the Replacements.
The 1990s saw the “explosion” of alternative music indie, with bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden becoming household names. This era is often referred to as the “grunge” era, and it marked a turning point in popular music culture.
Distinct features of Alternative music indie
Alternative music indie is characterized by several key features that distinguish it from other genres of rock music. These features include:
– DIY ethos: As mentioned earlier, alternative music indie emphasizes independence and self-production. Bands record and produce their own music and rely on self-promotion to reach their audiences.
– Non-conformist attitude: The alternative music indie scene is known for its non-conformist attitude, often incorporating unconventional musical styles and challenging mainstream rock icons.
– Experimental sound: Alternative music indie often incorporates experimental and unconventional musical styles, blending elements from different genres of music, such as punk, post-punk, and pop.
– Political and social commentary: Many alternative music indie bands use their music as a platform for social and political commentary, often addressing issues such as race, class, and gender.
Conclusion
Alternative music indie is an important subgenre of rock music that emerged in the 1980s. It is an alternative to mainstream rock music, characterized by its non-conformist attitude, non-commercial sound, and DIY ethos. Alternative music indie is a product of various underground scenes that have flourished in cities throughout the United States, and it continues to influence new generations of musicians today.
FAQ
What is the difference between indie music and alternative music?
The terms indie and alternative are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion about what precisely each term means. However, they are different in some crucial ways.
Alternative music is a term that is broad and covers a range of music styles, such as punk, new wave, grunge, and more. It initially meant to describe music that was not mainstream. It was often used to describe bands that were not following trends or fitting into neat categories. The genre was more about the attitude behind the music than its sound. So alternative is anything that is not mainstream. For example, Nirvana, The Smiths, Wilco, Pixies, and R.E.M. are categorized as alternative bands.
On the other hand, Indie music, or independent music, refers to music produced by an artist without the backing of a major label. Indie music is not a genre, but rather a methodology for producing and distributing music. The term is used to describe any music artist or band who’s not signed to a major label, and with the help of technology, they can produce and distribute their music independently using digital platforms. Indie music can cover a broad range of genres, including rock, pop, folk, hip hop, and more.
To summarize, the difference between indie and alternative music is that alternative music refers to the attitude behind the music, and indie music refers to the methodology for producing and distributing music. Alternative music can be any genre that goes against mainstream conventions, while indie music can be any genre produced and distributed without label support.
What type of people listen to alternative indie?
People who listen to alternative indie music can be described as having certain personality traits and characteristics. According to research, fans of indie music are typically introverted, intellectual, and creative. They are often drawn to the genre because it provides an outlet for their emotions and a means to express their unique perspective on the world.
One study found that indie music fans tend to be less hardworking and gentle than fans of other music styles. This may be due to the fact that they place a higher value on individuality and creativity, which can sometimes clash with traditional notions of productivity and conformity.
In addition to being introverted and creative, indie music fans also tend to exhibit certain emotional tendencies. They may be more likely to experience feelings of passivity, anxiety, and low self-esteem. This is likely because they are highly attuned to their own emotions and may find it difficult to cope with the challenges of the modern world.
Despite these challenges, indie music fans are known for their passion and enthusiasm for the genre. They often form tight-knit communities centered around a shared love of music and culture. This sense of belonging and connection can be a powerful source of support and inspiration for those who identify with the indie music scene.
People who listen to alternative indie music tend to be diverse and multifaceted individuals. They are united by a shared love of music and a desire to express themselves in their own unique way. Whether they are introverted or extroverted, intellectual or creative, they are all united by their passion for indie music and the community that surrounds it.