Лучшие инди хиты: топ-57 песен всех времен

Pre-Indie Artists Who Influence Indie Music Today

There is a long list of artists from the 60s and earlier who’ve had a lasting impact on indie music. These artists directly inspired the artists in the 1970s at the forefront of the indie scene, and their influence can still be felt.

The Beatles inspired indie music not just in sound, but in attitude as well. The Beatles were one of the first popular bands to take full control of their sound and make album orientated music. They were socially and politically conscious and were pioneers of new recording methods.

The Beach Boys had a similar effect on indie music. Their legendary album Pet Sounds had intricate production that inspired artists like Grizzly Bear today. Post-Pet Sounds The Beach Boys started using lo-fi production methods that made a permanent stamp on today’s lo-fi esthetic.

Bob Dylan and Nick Drake are both hugely influential to the indie-folk “guy with a guitar” brand of music. Dylan’s prose and unique voice paved the way for bands like The Mountain Goats. Nick Drake was less commercially successful, but still influential. The beautiful dreariness in Drake’s recordings can be heard in influential indie-folk music like Elliot Smith and in modern indie music like Bon Iver today.

The Clash were an English rock band formed in 1976 that led directly to post-punk – one of the first truly indie genres. They fused genres like reggae, dub, funk, ska, and rockabilly and inspired a generation of musicians to come.

These pre-indie legends allowed later musicians to push their genres to the limits. Channeling independence and a disregard for invention brought music to where it is today.

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History of «Indie music»

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Indie Music In The Late 80s

Throughout the 80s, indie music became more popular. This is due in large part to the mainstream success of the indie bands that came up in the late 70s and early 80s. It’s also due to the greater proliferation of recording equipment and advancements in consumer priced recording gear.

The mid-80s ushered in a golden era of independent record labels releasing avant-garde independent music. Matador Records and Sub Pop Records were founded in 1986 and remain hugely influential today. Other labels like Dischord, Merge, and Touch and Go were founded throughout the decade.

Noise rock and shoegaze were popularized in the mid-80s by indie bands such as Sonic Youth, Big Black, and Butthole Surfers. This genre was an abrasive and dissonant sounding outgrowth of punk and post-punk music and the DIY indie esthetic.

Sonic Youth emerged from the experimental no wave art and music scene in New York. They are credited as having redefined what rock guitar can do – using weird tuning and preparing their guitars with objects like screwdrivers to achieve unique sounds.

The band brought heavily influenced major modern artists like Beck, Sigur Rós, My Bloody Valentine, and Cat Power – all of which feature heavy indie influence in their sound. Check out “Bull In The Heather”. You’ll hear the influence on Beck and CAKE.

Shoegazing was a movement popularized in the late 80s, which went on to inform the indie pop and dream pop sounds you hear on some of today’s most popular indie records.

The genre is so named after the artist’s tendencies to stare at their feet and use complicated guitar effects rather than engage with the audience.

The Cocteau Twins were pioneers of the dream pop sound that led to/was a part of the shoegaze movement. The band has an unmistakable sound that resonates through today’s indie scene – their sound is ethereal, the guitars are washy and chorused out, the vocals are high pitched, the melodies drifting like a lazy afternoon dream.

Check out their song “Heaven Or Las Vegas” and hear their influence on artists like Mac DeMarco.

The combination of noise rock and shoegaze led to the 90s indie music explosion.

The Impact of the Internet on Indie Music

The internet has had a profound impact on indie music, providing independent artists with new opportunities for exposure and recognition. 

In the past, independent artists had to rely on traditional methods of promotion such as touring and radio play to gain exposure. 

However, with the advent of the internet, independent artists have been able to promote their music on social media, streaming platforms, and music blogs, reaching a much larger audience than before.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter have become important tools for independent artists to build their brands and connect with their audiences. 

These platforms allow artists to engage with their fans on a personal level, sharing updates about their music, tours, and personal life.

This has helped independent artists to build a loyal following, which has translated into increased sales and revenue.

Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have also had a significant impact on indie music. 

These platforms have made it easier for independent artists to reach a wider audience, as users can discover new music based on their listening habits and recommendations. 

Streaming platforms also provide independent artists with valuable data on their listeners, allowing them to tailor their music and marketing to better connect with their audience.

Music blogs and websites have also emerged as important sources of exposure for independent artists.

Websites like Pitchfork and Stereogum have become influential voices in the music industry, and they often feature reviews and interviews with independent artists. 

These features can provide independent artists with valuable exposure and help to build their reputation within the industry.

See also: Ways to Promote Your Music

Definitions of «indie»

Broken Social Scene in concert on February 14, 2006, at the Academy 2 in Manchester, England. From left to right; Brendan Canning, Ohad Benchetrit, Torquil Campbell, Kevin Drew, Andrew Whiteman, Julie Penner, Lisa Lobsinger

«Indie» was first used to differentiate between pop music and independent artists. It is based on the fact that indie artists were on independent record labels; it did not refer to the stylistic qualities of the music. «Indie» as a musical term grew from the confusion that emerged as certain sounds became associated with the term. The musical stylings of the bands overshadowed Indie’s original connotation. The term «Indie» would be most effective when used as a descriptive add-on to a musical genre term, making distinctions between the musical and business aspects of music. For example: indie-rock, indie-pop, indie-rap, indie-metal, etc. Yet, indie is still widely used as a stand-alone term, resulting in a term that is broad and vague. The use of this term in America differs from its use in Britain because, in each respective region, there are completely different histories and, thus, different connotations.

«Indie» music charts have existed in the United Kingdom since the early 80s. As in America, where there are charts for Pop, R&B, Adult Contemporary, etc., Britain has the similar categories plus an independent music section. The sounds that dominated the charts, during the time of their conception in the early 80s, were guitar-based alternative music from the C86 movement, the Sarah Records’ twee pop sound, and other indie pop artists. So, the sounds of the first indie artists were mistakenly understood to be the sound of indie. Yet, beyond those initial indie influences, the sounds of indie music became as wide and varied as those of the commercial market and beyond, only linked in terminology by their independent record label affiliation.

In America, indie has quite a different history. «Indie» and «alternative» were synonymous outgrowths of the post-punk and new-wave movements, which derived from the 70s punk movement. The genre that resulted was an alternative to commercial radio music and was deemed «College Rock» because of its prevalent exposure on college radio stations. When alternative rock broke out of the underground scene into the general market in the early 90s, a split occurred in the alternative scene. Two factions emerged: The artists who went to major labels and those that stayed underground. Nirvana and similar grunge bands became the commercial face of alternative rock and bands like Pavement created the aesthetic and stylistic blueprint for 90s indie rock. The artists who remained underground were called «indie» while «alternative» became the catch-all phrase to describe popular music. Once again the sound, not the commercial stance, of bands like Pavement became associated with «indie» and confusion of the term persists.

Yet, a thread that remains constant in every underground music scene is its value system. Where punk has a sound associated with its values, indie differs in that it applies punk values to every musical style imaginable.

Indie values

A do-it-yourself (DIY) sensibility, which originated with punk in the 1970s, is often associated with indie. From its beginning, punk was a movement that was created with, if not from, a set of ideals and values. There are a number of cultural and philosophical traits which could be more useful in pinpointing what «indie» means than could any specific musical or commercial trait. The concept of a «sell-out» is a value of punk rock: If an indie artist changes his or her musical style to a commercially viable sound to make more money or become famous, they are considered «sell-outs,» meaning they changed their values for money. Such an indie artist would be rejected from the indie community. Issues of sincerity, authenticity, and independence are addressed in such situations.

The term «indie» represents the culture of separation from the commercial music scene. The culture of indie is what makes it distinct. Creative freedom and the DIY attitude, inherited from punk rock, make up the culture that will always stand in contrast to popular trends. Genre and label status both fail to encompass the definition of «indie.» «Indie» is short for «Independent» and that attitude of independence, more than anything, determines if an artist is indie or not.

Difference Between Record Labels and Indie Labels

What are artists getting themselves into by creating indie music? Major record labels supposedly offer more security and better chances, but they come with their share of limitations.

Here’s a brief comparison between major record labels and indie labels.

Major Record Labels

The word ‘major labels’ refers to the record labels who’ve been in the business long enough—at least more than two decades. These labels produce music through their own distribution companies, and they aim at making music for commercial success.

That’s why passionate artists prefer to create their music on their own without being burdened by commercial purposes.

A lot of artists don’t have the luxury to choose, though. Major labels provide the thing most new artists need to start their journey: financial backing.

Without adequate financial support, some artists may not have seen the light of the day. If they don’t have alternative solutions, their only way to fame is to sign with a major label.

The most famous record labels currently include Sony, The Universal, and The Warner Music Groups.

Indie Labels

While major labels focus solely on success, fame, and money, indie labels’ only concern is the music itself. They’re unable to offer significant financial assistance, and they don’t provide large-scale opportunities in terms of fame.

Their sole purpose is to produce music without restrictions.

From an artistic point of view, indie labels give chances that major labels don’t offer. They give artists the creative freedom to create anything, which lets them express their passions without limitations.

The Emergence of New Online Platforms for Independent Artists

In addition to the traditional music distribution channels like iTunes and Spotify, new online platforms have emerged that cater specifically to independent artists. 

These platforms provide independent artists with a space to showcase their music and connect with fans, often offering more control over the distribution of their music and allowing them to keep a larger share of the revenue.

One such platform is Bandcamp, a music distribution and sales platform that has become popular among independent artists. 

Bandcamp allows artists to upload their music and sell it directly to fans, either as a digital download or as physical merchandise like vinyl records or CDs. 

Bandcamp also provides artists with valuable data on their listeners, including demographics and purchase history, allowing artists to better understand their audience and tailor their marketing accordingly.

Another emerging platform is Patreon, a subscription-based crowdfunding platform that allows fans to directly support their favorite independent artists. 

Artists can offer exclusive content, such as early access to new music or behind-the-scenes footage, in exchange for recurring monthly payments from fans. 

This can provide independent artists with a more stable and predictable source of income, allowing them to focus on their music without worrying about financial instability.

The emergence of these new online platforms has not only made it easier for independent artists to distribute their music but has also given them more control over their careers and revenue streams. 

Independent artists are no longer beholden to traditional music industry gatekeepers, and can now take more control over their own destinies.

Where Can I Find Indie Music?

It isn’t easy to find the ideal tune. The music library might appear to be a daunting task to tackle. In many respects, looking for new music is similar to going on a hunt – nothing is certain, and patience is required.

Below are some of the tips to find indie music:

Find out what shows are playing near you: We often discover new music and indie bands by listening to the recommended tracks on various streaming sites.

Speak with your friends: Talking to friends is the best method to find new music. Be sociable when it comes to music you enjoy, and listen to what others say about it.

Listen to music on Soundcloud and Spotify: SoundCloud is a significant player since musicians don’t have to pay for a distributor, and therefore they can distribute their music for free.

Invite your friends to listen to your Soundcloud: We normally learn about music from each other. We listen to music on Soundcloud, and because we share the account, we can see recommended artists based on previous listens.

The Difference Between Alternative and Indie Music

Most bands labeled as indies are also known for singing alternative music. Indie music doesn’t tie itself to major labels, and alternative music is the same. Both concepts are vague, and they have no rules. This begs the question: What is the difference between the two musical terms?

Some people like to believe it’s a difference of their origins. Both musical concepts are the same, except that indie music was born in the UK through British artists, while alternative music found its way to fame from the US.

Here are the most prominent differences between indie and alternative music.

Sound

After the ‘80s punk era, indie music was all about acoustics, thanks to bands like The Smiths and R.E.M, who adopted guitars as their main sounds. Back then, the term ‘indie’ didn’t ring any bells in the US; it was mostly used in the UK.

As for alternative music, it originated from the ‘80s punk music in the USA, and it had a rocky edge that wasn’t there in indie music. The music was all about electric guitars and rock sounds, and it had a harder edge than its counterpart.

The sound difference can’t be taken into account now since both styles went through diversity, and a single sound no longer defines them. However, when both music styles had a distinctive sound, indie went acoustic, while alternative was all about rock.

Diversity

Alternative music started off as hard rock, and it got its share of evolutions, including some subgenres, such as funk, hip hop, and pop. However, there wasn’t much diversity; most bands either created rock music or guitar-based pop music.

So, while alternative music mainly revolved around two genres, indie was expanding to include genres of all kinds. It was more an ‘experimental’ music style, so any artist could do whatever they liked. From pop to electronic to folk, indie music’s diversity became hard to match.

Definition

Back in the ‘90s, some bands opened the doors of fame to alternative music. A lot of bands like Nirvana gained commercial success, got places on the top 40 lists, and signed with major record labels.

As a result, alternative music got much closer to the mainstream than it was before, and people started using the term ‘indie’ for artists only if they were outside of the mainstream.

In the mid-’90s, bands that started as indies were no longer eligible for being called indies. Their commercial success and ties to major labels went against that, but their music could still be called ‘alternative.’ The best example of that is R.E.M.

The definitions got pretty fuzzy in the late ‘90s, when indie bands started getting close to the mainstream, as well. The line between the two musical terms got thinner, and people started using them interchangeably without being aware of their differences.

What is Indie Music?

Indie music, short for independent music, is a genre that emerged in the 1970s and is characterized by its DIY approach to music production, promotion, and distribution. 

The term “indie” originally referred to music that was produced and released by independent record labels, rather than major record labels.

However, over time, the term has come to encompass a wider range of music that is produced outside of the mainstream music industry, with a focus on originality and artistic expression.

Indie music is often associated with a DIY attitude, as artists and bands take control of their own creative process, from writing and recording to promoting and distributing their music.

This approach allows indie musicians to create music that is more personal and authentic, as they have complete control over their artistic vision.

One of the key features of indie music is its diversity. The music genre encompasses a wide range of styles, from folk and rock to electronic and experimental, with many artists and bands blending different genres to create a unique sound. 

This diversity is a reflection of the independent spirit that drives the genre, with musicians breaking away from the constraints of the mainstream music industry to create truly original music.

Is Indie A Music Genre?

Because of its affiliation with indie pop and indie rock, many people believe independent music to be a genre, and it isn’t a musical genre in and of itself.

Indie is often referred to as an attitude. Indie artists have more freedom to express themselves and produce music without the constraints and limits imposed by a record label. They also have the flexibility to create music videos and distribute their songs in whichever way they want.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnPmc1MimRgVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Is Indie Music a Genre? (feat. Quinn Christopherson) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnPmc1MimRg)

Is Indie Music a Genre?

Indie music is divided into subgenres, such as indie rock and indie pop, based on the music of individual artists. They’re similar to ordinary rock and pop, except that independent musicians perform them.

In the beginning, independent musicians were not interested in fame or money, they were passionate about music and played it to express themselves.

Things changed over time, and independent performers began to earn international acclaim. The Arctic Monkeys and Tame Impala are two excellent examples.

As a result, many individuals predict that indie music will eventually supplant ‘alternative music’ as the umbrella word for non-mainstream music.

Indie Music In The 90s

Indie music had a renaissance in the 90s. Indie-inspired grunge bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden experienced huge mainstream success, and this brought indie to the forefront.

The 90s were also when home recording became affordable. You could record albums on four- and eight-track cassette recording machines, and later in the 90s onto early digital recording systems. The democratization of recording gear has driven indie music and indie artists ever since.

It has also been said that the indie music ran into an existential crisis in the 90s, because the term “alternative” lost its counter-cultural sheen and began to refer to the new, commercially lighter form of music that was growing in popularity.

When grunge became co-opted by the mainstream, it proved that any niche movement could lose its status as radical and indie.

Elliot Smith was a massively influential product of indie music in the 90s. He became popular in Portland, Oregon (which has since birthed many successful indie bands) and wrote dreary folk-rock music that touched on themes of drugs and mental illness, and was inspired by Nick Drake and Bob Dylan.

Smith’s sound was influential, but so was his method. Two of his most popular albums, Elliot Smith and Either/Or were recorded by Smith himself, and he played most of the instruments as well.

This created an unique lo-fi sound that is sought after by indie artists today. Self-producing all his music also inspired hundreds of indie artists to self-produce in a similar style. Check out “Miss Misery” or anything off his album, Either/Or.

As the nineties progressed, indie music diversified. Many genres were merged under the indie title, because they had many of the same characteristics – released independently or by independent labels, lo-fi sounds, and influence from the punk, post-punk, and indie artists of the 80s.

Indie electronic acts like Stereolab and Disco Inferno emerged using samplers, synthesizers, drums machines and computer programs. Most of this music was released on independent labels like Sub Pop, Warp, and Ghostly International.

Lo-fi recording eschewed polished recording techniques in favor of a more raw, experimental sound. Beck, Sebadoh, and Pavement ushered in a new era of indie rock. Listen to Beck’s song “Loser” to hear influence from Sonic Youth and The Beatles. Listen for the talk singing for the Sonic Youth influence, and for the sitar and nonsense lyrics for The Beatles influence.

Neutral Milk Hotel is a great example of the indie-folk and indie-rock sound popular in the 90s. Listen to “In The Aeroplane Over The Sea” to hear the influence of Dylan, Elliot Smith, and the lo-fi sound distinctive of the period.

Finally, the late 1990s brought Emo music to the underground and eventually the mainstream. Emo became hugely influential in the late-90s and throughout the 2000s.

Bands like Weezer and American Football refined the sound of punk and the depressed sounds of grunge and created a pop-punk blend that became hugely popular. Check out “Never Meant” by American Football.