Indie Rock/Alternative Scene
How the powerhouse genre came to be
Artists
Indie rock originated as a sub genre of alternative rock in the United Kingdom around the 1980s. But eventually became it's own its own identity with further sub genres spanning from it such as indie pop, noise rock, post rock, lo-fi and many others.
Deriving many of the characteristics from alternative rock such as rejection of the commercialism of mainstream culture, indie rock is like the modern day child of alternative rock. Arguably the term indie no longer applies, as it used to mean 'underground' because today it is anything but. With artists landing major deals with mainstream record companies and indie rock being more popular than ever, but with good reason. It rocks.
Drowners
Royal Blood
The Vaccines
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Cage the Elephant
The Virginmarys
Early Influences
'The Smiths' were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982. The band consisted of vocalist Morrisey, guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mick Joyce. Critics have called them the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s.
The Smiths have been widely influential. Marr's guitar playing was a huge building block for more Manchester legends that followed 'The Smiths'. Bands such as 'The Stone Roses', whose guitarist John Squire stated Marr was a huge influence. 'Oasis' lead guitarist Noel Gallagher also quoted the 'The Smiths' as an influence, especially Johnny Marr. Gallagher has said that "When 'The Jam' split, The Smiths started, and I totally went for them." The BBC described 'The Smiths' as "the band that inspired deeper devotion than any British group since The Beatles."
Fashion
indie fashion is an easy look to pull of, simply because it means being independent. Choosing clothes that express individuality, avoiding mainstream brands and shops, but above all else packaging it in a nonchalant attitude. A key ingredient is layering and an abundance of accessories such as bracelets, scarfs, jewellery etc. Some even go as far as to make their own clothes.
Below are some retailers that target and advertise an indie rock/alternative look...