What is Indie Pop music?

Origin of Indie Pop

UK, early 1980s. Orange Juice, Josef K, and the Postcard Records label in Glasgow pioneered a jangly, melodic, deliberately unmacho reaction to post-punk's severity. The C86 NME cassette (1986) codified the sound. Belle and Sebastian and Camera Obscura kept it alive through the 1990s-2000s.

Era: 1980--present

Defining sound of Indie Pop

Jangly clean guitar, prominent melody, often wistful or bittersweet lyrics. Production is bright and airy rather than dense or distorted. BPM typically 100-140. Aesthetic is approachable and melodic above all else. Related to indie rock but prioritises pop craft over attitude.

Pioneers of Indie Pop

• Orange Juice
• The Go-Betweens
• The Pastels
• Belle and Sebastian
• Talulah Gosh

Key Indie Pop artists

• Alvvays
• Alex G
• Japanese Breakfast
• Snail Mail
• Carly Rae Jepsen
• Clairo

Related genres

Frequently asked questions about Indie Pop

When did Indie Pop start?

Indie Pop originated 1980--present. UK, early 1980s.

Who invented Indie Pop?

Indie Pop was pioneered by Orange Juice, The Go-Betweens, The Pastels, Belle and Sebastian, Talulah Gosh. UK, early 1980s. Orange Juice, Josef K, and the Postcard Records label in Glasgow pioneered a jangly, melodic, deliberately unmacho reaction to post-punk's severity. The C86 NME cassette (1986) codified the sound. Belle and Sebastian and Camera Obscura kept it alive through the 1990s-2000s.

Is Indie Pop still popular?

Indie Pop continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Alvvays, Alex G, Japanese Breakfast, Snail Mail.

What does Indie Pop sound like?

Jangly clean guitar, prominent melody, often wistful or bittersweet lyrics. Production is bright and airy rather than dense or distorted. BPM typically 100-140. Aesthetic is approachable and melodic above all else. Related to indie rock but prioritises pop craft over attitude.

What is the difference between Indie Pop and indie-rock?

Indie Pop and indie-rock are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the indie-rock definition page for a full comparison.