Definition

Short for 'independent,' referring to musicians or bands who produce and distribute their music without a major record label, maintaining creative and financial autonomy. Indie describes both the business model (independent release) and an aesthetic style marked by DIY ethos, experimental arrangements, and unconventional production.

Example Usage

Most of the festival's lineup consisted of indie artists who self-released their albums on Bandcamp.

Origin

Abbreviated from 'independent' in the 1980s, particularly in the UK independent music scene and with labels like 4AD, Creation Records, and Rough Trade that championed unsigned and non-mainstream artists.

Fun Fact

The rise of digital distribution platforms like Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and Spotify democratized indie music so thoroughly that major label backing became optional—today's most successful 'indie' artists often reach millions without ever signing contracts.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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