At least twice, I'd read that indie, at least the original intent & purpose of it in the 80s & 90s, is dead & that today, indie is the new mainstream.

I guess this is to suggest that major labels are now turning their sights to indie bands much in the same way they did when grunge was big. (though since major labels are quickly going the way of the dinosaur, I'd doubt it'll be on as big a scale)

So I had to chuckle when I read that the "new" indie is "indie indie". & that even some indie labels are showing signs of behavior of the majors.


Your thoughts?

well, you have to give some examples. obviously if a band is on mtv, they arent "indie". some indie bands that have become somewat mainstream are the white stripes, rilo kiley, and franz ferdinand. however, theres many bands that are still "indie". and just because a band starts getting on mtv doesnt mean they suck, although usually they end up changing their sound for the worse...o well, still have their old stuff

I used to be concerned about this shit. Fortunately, I learned to just enjoy the music no matter what is selling well, what is on the radio, and what is completely unknown.

The ultimate answer is that it's a cyclical process; sounds that were originally considered innovative or radical will ultimately be consumed and mass-produced until they are commonplace. This happens no matter what label is affixed, be it "indie" or "alternative" or what have you. It's not so much something that occurs at the drop of a hat, but a gradual process; personally, I don't think it's nearly run its course on "indie" yet.

I don't think indie is dead, though I will agree that it's gotten a lot more attention from the general public. As long as the artists don't change, is there really a problem with it? Isn't this what we've wanted all along? To hope that the same people who used to listen to Nsync and Godsmack start listening to good music.

I guess the traditional definition of "indie" being underground is not there anymore.

I loved a lot of indie bands over the years but I've never been part of a scene or a group. I'm basically a loner (in a musical sense!) because I can sit at home and just download and enjoy whatever the hell I want.

The internet has changed things for the better and I guess we're probably moving into an "indie" direction as the record labels take a long time to get their act together.

I think the fad of good looking artists without some talent is losing out to those with talent who may or may not be good looking. Good music will win out and that's all I care about.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Allan,

quote:

Originally posted by Allan:
I think the fad of good looking artists with some talent is losing out to those with talent who may or may not be good looking. Good music will win out and that's all I care about.

I call bullshit.

quote:

Originally posted by JGlass:

quote:

Originally posted by Allan:
I think the fad of good looking artists with some talent is losing out to those with talent who may or may not be good looking. Good music will win out and that's all I care about.

I call bullshit.

Ack typo. Meant without some talent.

I can't imagine much indie music getting courted by the major labels. Remember, for every Shins there's an Animal Collective, and for every Feist a Joanna Newsom. Besides, based on personal experience, I've noticed most people like their music spoonfed to them through radio, Starbucks, or MTV. I've made tons of mixtapes for friends that went into garbage bins, or lent CDs to people who might be interested. Most of the time, they don't even listen it and tell you that you've got bad taste. Music has become the equivalent of an accessory for people, just something to use as background music. It really is rare to find a person who loves music, and makes lists, and geeks out a little when they find a great band. So to get back on topic, some artists will land in a Zach Braff movie, but that represents a miniscule fraction of the indie scene. From here on out, a few bands might make it, but most of the good stuff will stay below ground and most people will just get what VH1 is endorsing. Music has been like that for the last 25 years, give or take some, and its probably going to continue that way.

The premise of the article is rather ironic. "Indie" is dead because it is becoming more mainstream.

To me, that sounds as if "indie" is alive and well, and getting the attention of the more established music industry.

I'll have to go with Billy Joel on this one: "Everybody's talking 'bout the new sound. Funny, but it's still rock 'n roll to me."

Well, in some ways I think indie has quite a ways to go. Remember how in the late 80's heavy metal started to become mainstream, and for a while, bands like Motley Crue and Def Leppard were topping the charts? I don't think indie's got to that point. Here's hoping they never will. These things go in waves obviously, and right now "indie" is riding a wave, but I don't think we are near the crest just yet. Of course, if you saw Cloverfield, you probably also heard Spoon, right? Sign of the Apocalypse?

i can see how you can think this, defintly.

but me being an optomist, im not sure indie will ever die? like one guy said earlier for every indie band that shows up on mtv after a long hard road there will be another band if not two to take its place.

indie has been going in a new direction, in my opinion, in the past few years anyways. music such as panda bear, battles, and animal collective are making very original music that might make vh1(battles) but wont ever make it to the mainstream public butwill be eaten up by us "indie" lovers.

This is where I saw some of what I'd mentioned. Anyone see this in full?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5rLLqdnGwqQ

Independent music can't be dead. Obviously, every artist or group out there isn't going major, so...I don't understand.

There's a huge difference between a band not going major because they just to stay with the independents and a band not going major because they can't get a deal.

And I doubt indie labels will die... it doesn't make sense, but it is pretty scary when a major label buys an indie label and keeps trying to keep up that "indie image" just for $$$ (but that says more about scenesters than the labels).

I like to think that Indie is just getting started. There are a lot of bands that aren't depending on the majors to get stuff done. I'm actually part of one. We did everything ourselves. Started our own label, wrote and recorded our own songs, printed our own CDs, and promoted ourselves. I'm from South Jersey and there are a bunch of people doing their own thing around here. Check my band out. http://www.whank.com and http://www.myspace.com/whank. We've been working on this for what seems like forever but we just officially released ourselves a week ago. I think we're a good example of where Indie music is going.

Shameless self-promotion is cute!

If you're gonna do it, do it like the rest of us. Throw it in your sig... it's at least subtle whoring.

quote:

Originally posted by JGlass:
Shameless self-promotion is cute!

I think I'm gonna pinch his cheeks.

Oh there is no shame in my game fellas...

Are you actually going to contribute something to the forums or are you just here to plug your band?

I'll be wondering around hitting you guys up randomly...