Indie music developed in North America and the UK during the 1980s out of alternative rock, although elements of indie rock can be found as early in the 60s in the music of bands such as The Kinks. What exactly constitutes indie rock is contested by musicians and critics, with some claiming that indie rock bands should be signed to independent record labels while others claim that the artistic aesthetic and sound is more important.
An important aspect of being an indie act was remaining in total creative control of records produced, and this was demonstrated by the bands that had success in the early days of the indie rock movement. In the 1980s bands such as The Pixies and REM achieved considerable success in America and abroad while The Smiths, who released their self-titled debut album in 1984, were considered the quintessential indie rock band in the UK.
The 90s saw indie grunge bands such as Pearl Jam and Nirvana becoming more popular than ever and they received widespread exposure. Success beckoned for artists such as Beck who was a part of the lo-fi movement which placed emphasis on not over-producing records and keeping true to artistic integrity rather than attempting to court mainstream opinion.
However, with the ever-increasing popularity of indie rock bands and the increased exposure that the internet provided, the new millennium saw bands such as Death Cab For Cutie and Modest Mouse signing for major labels. Nevertheless, other bands like Bright Eyes were able to acquire commercial and critical success while remaining signed to independent record labels.
Independent and alternative music scenes are popular in many countries now although as with any movement their impact fluctuates - Madchester developed in Manchester towards the end of the 80s and helped many bands such as The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and James. While for some people it may seem nave that indie rock bands be signed to independent record labels, the attitude associated with indie rock - not compromising with artistic vision - is not expendable.
An important aspect of being an indie act was remaining in total creative control of records produced, and this was demonstrated by the bands that had success in the early days of the indie rock movement. In the 1980s bands such as The Pixies and REM achieved considerable success in America and abroad while The Smiths, who released their self-titled debut album in 1984, were considered the quintessential indie rock band in the UK.
The 90s saw indie grunge bands such as Pearl Jam and Nirvana becoming more popular than ever and they received widespread exposure. Success beckoned for artists such as Beck who was a part of the lo-fi movement which placed emphasis on not over-producing records and keeping true to artistic integrity rather than attempting to court mainstream opinion.
However, with the ever-increasing popularity of indie rock bands and the increased exposure that the internet provided, the new millennium saw bands such as Death Cab For Cutie and Modest Mouse signing for major labels. Nevertheless, other bands like Bright Eyes were able to acquire commercial and critical success while remaining signed to independent record labels.
Independent and alternative music scenes are popular in many countries now although as with any movement their impact fluctuates - Madchester developed in Manchester towards the end of the 80s and helped many bands such as The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and James. While for some people it may seem nave that indie rock bands be signed to independent record labels, the attitude associated with indie rock - not compromising with artistic vision - is not expendable.
