Representation Issues - Ideology of "Indie Rock" Music

Indie Rock, originating in the United Kingdom and the United States (1980’s), is a sub-genre of alternative rock. The term is challenged today by many musicians, fans and commentators as no one is entirely sure whether musicians/bands using the genre of “indie rock” really deserve to become successful.

It is used to describe any rock music produced by artists working within a network of independent record labels and underground music venues or by artists that are unsigned and wished to class themselves within a specific genre. Others see indie rock as a distinct genre of rock music with a specific artistic set of principles, and care less about the context in which it is made. Many believe that both re intertwined; that the art and the meaning behind the music production are paired.

Indie rock artists are known for making it a priority to maintain complete control of their music and careers, releasing albums on independent record labels and relying on touring, word-of-mouth, airplay, independent radios and, in more recent years, the internet for promotion and fame. However, in recent years, many acts with a musical style identified as “indie” have signed themselves us with major record labels or their subsidiaries and began promoting themselves through more traditional media outlets, ones used by famous bands/musicians within other genres.

This has led to the confusion of the meaning of the term, resulting in the ideologies of “indie rock” being something of a more personal opinion rather than a stated, factual meaning. After reading multiple forums and personal views from others, the true ideology of indie rock music is inconclusive. Some people don’t agree that indie rock should be considered a genre altogether, whilst others believe that the greatest indie rock artists were created in the 1980’s during the time that indie rock began with many following on in their footsteps today.

I personally believe that the creation of indie rock music has allowed many more artists to be discovered, opening new opportunities and musical cultures. For example, a new band may not be “rocky” enough by rock music fans, or “poppy” enough by pop music fans, so wouldn’t have been promoted enough if classed in either of those genres. But if their songs were a mix of the two then the introduction of “indie rock” music would allow their music to be listened by people who would really appreciate their style.