What is Indie Rock music?

Origin of Indie Rock

USA and UK, early 1980s. Emerged from post-punk as bands began releasing records on independent labels outside the major label system. R.E.M., The Replacements, and Husker Du in the US; The Smiths and The Fall in the UK. By the 1990s Pavement and Guided by Voices codified a lo-fi aesthetic.

Era: 1980--present

Defining sound of Indie Rock

Guitar-driven rock with emphasis on songwriting craft over production sheen. Often lo-fi or deliberately rough-sounding. Vocal style ranges from deadpan to earnest. BPM typically 90-160. The genre is definitionally loose -- indie originally described business model, not sound.

Pioneers of Indie Rock

• R.E.M.
• The Replacements
• Husker Du
• The Smiths
• Pixies

Key Indie Rock artists

• Pavement
• Arcade Fire
• The National
• Wilco
• Yo La Tengo
• Vampire Weekend

Related genres

Frequently asked questions about Indie Rock

When did Indie Rock start?

Indie Rock originated 1980--present. USA and UK, early 1980s.

Who invented Indie Rock?

Indie Rock was pioneered by R.E.M., The Replacements, Husker Du, The Smiths, Pixies. USA and UK, early 1980s. Emerged from post-punk as bands began releasing records on independent labels outside the major label system. R.E.M., The Replacements, and Husker Du in the US; The Smiths and The Fall in the UK. By the 1990s Pavement and Guided by Voices codified a lo-fi aesthetic.

Is Indie Rock still popular?

Indie Rock continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Pavement, Arcade Fire, The National, Wilco.

What does Indie Rock sound like?

Guitar-driven rock with emphasis on songwriting craft over production sheen. Often lo-fi or deliberately rough-sounding. Vocal style ranges from deadpan to earnest. BPM typically 90-160. The genre is definitionally loose -- indie originally described business model, not sound.

What is the difference between Indie Rock and alternative-rock?

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