A Brief History of Indie Music: From Garage Bands to Global Phenomenon

Indie music, short for “independent music,” has always been a bit of a rebel. Unlike the polished pop stars and manufactured boy bands, indie artists often embraced a DIY ethos, creating music on their own terms, with little to no support from major record labels.

The origins of indie music can be traced back to the garage rock scene of the 1960s. Bands like The Velvet Underground, The Seeds, and The Stooges were pushing boundaries, blending rock ‘n’ roll with experimental sounds and subversive lyrics. Their music was raw, unpolished, and sometimes downright chaotic – a stark contrast to the slick pop music dominating the airwaves.

The rise of punk rock in the mid-1970s further fuelled the independent spirit. Bands like The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, and The Clash rejected mainstream conventions, creating their own DIY ethic and inspiring countless other bands to follow suit. This spirit of independence would continue to define indie music throughout the 1980s and 90s.

The 1980s saw the emergence of independent record labels like SST, Dischord, and Sub Pop. These labels provided a platform for bands that didn’t fit the mold of mainstream music. The Pixies, Sonic Youth, and Nirvana are just a few examples of iconic indie bands that emerged from this era.

Nirvana’s explosive success in the early 1990s pushed indie music into the mainstream, proving that independent music could achieve commercial success without compromising artistic integrity. This paved the way for other indie bands like R.E.M., Pavement, and Radiohead to gain mainstream recognition.

Funny Facts

• The Pixies’ Kim Deal: Kim Deal, bassist for The Pixies, was once arrested for stealing a hotdog from a street vendor in New York City. She pleaded guilty and paid a fine, proving even indie rock icons have their off moments.
• The Velvet Underground’s Banana: The infamous banana on the cover of The Velvet Underground’s debut album was actually a real banana that was meant to be peeled off by the listener. It’s a testament to the band’s experimental and often bizarre approach to music.
• Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus: Stephen Malkmus, frontman of Pavement, once wrote a song called “Range Life” that mocked the band’s own fame. The song’s lyrics even poke fun at Kurt Cobain, admitting they couldn’t stand Nirvana.
• Radiohead’s Thom Yorke: Thom Yorke, lead singer of Radiohead, is known for his unconventional stage presence. He once accidentally knocked over a microphone stand while performing, causing the entire sound system to shut down. He later joked, “I think I might have broken something.”
• The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas: Julian Casablancas, frontman of The Strokes, once claimed to have “invented” the word “indie” during an interview. While this is obviously false, it’s a funny example of how indie rock stars can be both talented and somewhat oblivious.

From the underground garages to the global stage, indie music has always been a force to be reckoned with. With its DIY ethos, raw energy, and unapologetic creativity, indie music continues to challenge conventions and inspire new generations of artists.