Indie music originally referred to music created independently from major record labels in the 1950s. It allowed artists to create and distribute their own music without interference. Over time, indie evolved from just meaning independent to becoming a genre in its own right, like indie rock and indie pop. Indie rock emerged in the 1980s in the UK and tends to have an angsty, guitar-driven sound. Indie pop also originated in the UK and lacks angst, being more melodic in style.

1. Indie Music

2. Independent Music
At its formation during the 1950s ‘indie music’ was used to deem music
which had been created independently from a large music producer
rather than a genre.
The term was to give voice and representation to those artists that
chose to separate themselves from large music companies, and gave
them a unique brand by which to sell their music.
The idea was to essentially be able to create music or other forms of
media without interference from big budget companies such as Sony,
and therefore allowing artists to ‘immortalise’ their music, etc. to their
own standards.

3. Record Labels for Early ‘Independent’ Music:
• Sun Records
• King Records
• Stax
• Herald Records
• Ember Records

4. Indie Music Genre
‘Indie music’ has since developed from its early 1950s interpretation of
‘independent’ music. The term ‘indie’ is now used more broadly,
describing genre rather than an artist’s distance from a big producer.
The indie genre in its different forms (indie rock, indie pop, etc.) is used
to determine music with a particular sound, unique to different artists
who create rock, pop, etc.
Indie Rock:
• Emerged in the 1980’s
• Originated in the UK
• Instruments: guitar, bass, drums, keyboard,
vocals
• Musicians: Amber Smith, Bad Books, Power
Pirate, Young Knives, etc.
• Music tends to hold a heavy beat and angst
Indie Pop:
• Emerged mid 1980s
• Originated in UK
• Musicians: Josef K, The Smiths, Orange
Juice, etc.
• Lacks angst and is very melodic