Define The Indie Meaning

The term: Short for independent rock. In terms of music it would be independent of major labels/mainstream stuff.

History: grew out from 60s garage, 70s punk, and 80s post punk it started in the mid 80s as alternative/college radio music. Once nirvana hit big the alternative genre split: the popular side was just alternative(Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, No Doubt, etc.) and the other half that wasn't mainstream(by choice or not) became indie rock(Pavement, Sebadoh, Built To Spill, etc).

Some bands have signed to major labels but are still considered indie(Modest Mouse, etc.). Go figure.

Sound: In the begining indie sounded like alternative(because it was) but it grew more experimental and weird. In Britain indie has more of a typical sound like Radiohead, Muse, etc. rather than a definition based on 'the scene.'

The scene: if you really think all indie kids do is try to be cooler than other people then... well.. you're mostly right. The main point is, don't take the scene and the whole hipster attitude seriously. No one does. And if you do, well, then I'm cooler than you.

According to the dictionary, 'indie' is an informal version of the word independent.

Although this definition is accurate, the word has come to mean more. For many, it has come to symbolize originality and forward-thinking, especially in music and design.

By this definition, indie is any business or designer that is not associated with a large company. Indie can also define the consumer who chooses to support small business, independent record labels and handmade items rather than shopping at big-box stores.

Indi's are funny, sweet, pretty and popular. They are giving and loving and have the biggest hearts! They are very social, yet intelligent. Indi's are straight A students and still make time for friends. Indi's are loyal to their friends and always have the perfect solution to cheer someone up. They are friends with everyone. Even if Indi doesn't know you, she wilk come to cheer you up. GO INDI!

Usually late teens to mid twenties. A name often used for an artistic individual who thinks, and sincerely cares about issues one wouldn't find in the mind of most adolescents. A rare breed.

Political junkies.
Bargain hunters.
All for organic (food, beauty and hygiene products, etc.)
A very thorough knowledge of independent music, but most enjoy a variety of genres.
Artistic and independent film buffs.
A deep love for all forms of art.
Most tend to be very witty, but this can come off as sarcastic and snobby.

In high school, Indie kids were/are a bit awkward, because they find it hard to communicate with those who don't have the same ideals. This doesn't mean that they won't talk to you. Conversation is well liked among the Indie, but their ever churning minds are rarely understood. This is where humor comes in, and Indie kids tend to be very clever individuals who can come up with a funny little quip almost instantly. A lot tend to pursue stand up comedy. Also, an Indie kid will talk your ear off, sew it back on, then talk some more if music comes in to the conversation.
Art is rooted deep within the heart of any Indie kid, and probably has been their entire life. Whether it be music, photography, writing, cinematography, painting, or any other art form that wasn't mentioned. Many become pretty successful artists later in life. The Green movement is also supported by almost all Indie kids. If art isn't their first passion, the earth is.

The Indie style:

It's not uncommon to see Indie kids haunting antique shops and thrift stores, for they love all things vintage. Earthy colors, buttons, plain t-shirts, torn fabric, knitted items, denim jeans, and comfortable shoes are all seen in the Indie style of both sexes. Vintage looking jewelry is also popular among females, but something handmade or of sentimental value is often preferred. Indie kids do care about their appearance, they just don't obsess over it.

The Difference between Indie and Emo:

Many have described these differences as a "war". This is not the case. If there's one thing an Indie hates, it's complete stupidity. Unrighteous self pity, and closed mindedness are all seen as stupid. Indie kids do like their style/music, but don't criticize other's for not liking it as well. They accept people of all colors, shapes, sizes, and styles. Though, once someone does show a decent amount of shallow emotion, an Indie kid will stop speaking instantly (this is bad.) There is no war, just a frustration with the traits that often come with the Emo style.

All in all, an Indie kid doesn't need much to be happy. Good friends, good music, good food, good conversation, and good laughs. True bliss. A simplicity that this world seems to lack.

The act of drawing images on your skin with a pen. This is commonly done in primary and middle school, sometimes it can happen in high school. This act is mostly done by artsy people who weren't allowed to bring a sketchbook to class.
The images are usually drawn on the arms and sometimes legs. Depictions of mandalas and flowers are a pretty common sight.

independent music. The anti-"emo". (well, maybe like emo's second cousin twice-removed with more talent, skill, and IQ)

the state of being "indie":

1)being unable to talk to anyone about your music.

2)but knowing that, in the process, you're way cooler than the kids you try to talk to about it.

A gloriously vague term for Independant Music. Basically unsigned or more obscure bands (It's odd that Radiohead and REM are considered indie...). While the indie scene is known for it's jackass elitism, this doesn't spill over and hurt what's most important....the music. One of the few generas left that can at least carry a fucking tune without screaming like a retard or crying.

(Examples of Indie music)

80's- Joy Division, Sonic Youth, The Smiths

90's- Pavement, Radiohead, The Pixies, Happy Mondays (Are they considered dance music or indie rock?).

Now- The Shins, Bright Eyes, Death Cab For Cutie/The Postal Service, Rilo Kelly, Modest Mouse.

It's so hard to be truely 'indie' these days, isn't it? Its seems every time you try not to conform, you're conforming to something else - the non-conformists! Confusing!
But the only way to be indie in a small way is to just do what YOU want, dress how you want, listen to the music you like and everybody else can bugger off. The world doesn't have to see you as cool, there are always some people who think you are.
Nothing to do with scene kids, emos or whatever the hell constitutes as 'indie' these days.

Used to describe 'individual' or unsigned bands, but also, strangely, a genre (usually rock n roll or similar) that may or may not be mainstream.

Indie, short for independant, applies to independant media, usually film or documentary and is also, more commonly, applied to a sub-culture (not a label) which involves generally music, behaviour (and in a few cases, style of dress). These people are also referd to as Indie Kids or Indie Rockers, of which most dislike these terms as it labels them in a certian group, which the the opposite object of independant! Most dislike the mainstream and the 'in-trend' and wear, listen to and do what they feel like without following fasions and rules (and im not talking about the law, Indies are just as likely to break the law as anyone else) and will always be themselvs and not put on an act for popularities sake. Obviously Indie is also a type of music which is generally soft-style rock without screaming or moshing sometime mixed with synthisised music and electronic, and is also generally on a independant record label and not well known. Altough indie is not a label it does have all sorts of connections to other groups and indie is commonly assocatied as a type of rocker, Indies, along with most other rockers, are at a long lasting 'social war' with chavs and scallies and contrary to popular belief are not in a long lasting rivalary towards Emo or sometimes Metalheads. There are also Indie wanabees and posers which are not themselvs and just act it!
Just remember people... Indie is not a label, group or class!

indie is cooler than emo.