The name “indie music” comes from the word independent, because in the past, that’s just what indie music has been limited to. The genre consists of smaller, independent artists, with a unique sound not quite fitting into the genre of “pop.” But some of the most iconic artists that have been the sound of indie for years have grown significantly in popularity in the past few years. While their music might be much more mainstream than it once was, still, the sound of indie does not quite fit into the “pop” category. What is emerging from this is a frankenstein genre, “indie pop.”
What has drawn me to Indie music in the past is its sound. I discovered what existed beyond the music of Taylor Swift by beginning my foray into the genre of indie music when I was around 16. The music I latched onto and the smaller artists that became my favorites were those with mellow lyricism that was uncannily relatable and a melancholic sound that made me feel like I was in an indie movie, crying – but in a cool way. Naturally, the first of many of my favorite indie artists was Phoebe Bridgers.
I soon branched out from strictly sad music, and I latched onto artists and bands with a distinctive vibe, like The 1975. While part of what makes The 1975 unique is Matty Healy’s affected singing, I became infatuated with the sound of their music. But both Bridgers and The 1975 are examples of artists that may have once been considered quintessential indie, but now with an incredibly significant growth in fan base and recognition, are quite popular. But does that make them “pop?” The 16-year-old who listened to their music would argue, no. It’s not how popular these artists eventually become, it’s the sound of their music.
But as these iconic indie artists have grown, so has the indie genre. New artists are debuting and their work is being dubbed “indie pop,” as they grow in fame. But those older artists listeners have loved for years are taking on new forms too, for example, BoyGenius. The group is composed of three iconic indie artists: Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus. They debuted in 2018 with their EP “BoyGenius,” but had not hinted at new music until the band released three songs and announced a new record on a random January morning. As a long-time fan myself, I nearly had a heart attack as I saw the announcement on my way out of class.
Artists who are newer to the indie scene are growing rapidly because of the way TikTok has changed the music industry. When a song goes viral on TikTok, artists peak in popularity no matter what genre their music is. Lizzy McAlpine is often considered a pop artist thanks to the virality she has attained on TikTok. However, her songs are featured on several Spotify-generated playlists among indie artists of all different levels of fame. Her music seems to fit in the lines between indie and pop, the space that is defining a new genre.
As I have continued to branch out to new indie artists, I still feel the same attachment to the sound of indie music being what truly makes it “indie.” My newer favorite artists like Ethel Cain and Soccer Mommy, to name a few, all inspire the same sort of moody feeling in me that I love about indie music. The lyrics and the sound make me think, and make me feel. While McAlpine’s “Ceilings,” is now a viral sensation on TikTok, the lyrics feel so personal that I cannot help but hold the song close to my heart – where I keep my favorite indie artists and songs.
It is the music that shapes the genre; all of the intricacies and elements that go into making a song. No genre has one quite distinctive sound, or is limited to certain artists or listeners. Some music fans think country is dead, and others cling on to the sense of pride that comes with liking an artist before they became popular. Regardless, I’m excitedly anticipating new music from my favorite artists, no matter how much they grow, or which subgenres emerge, as long as their music retains the power it has to speak to my emotions.