Indie artists, artists who independently produce and release their own music, have been a large part of American music history, and throughout the years, creativity has shown through these groups, as well as their contributions to music. This style allows for unique takes on genres and gives singers more freedom with releases and branding. It is a genre that isn’t talked about enough, solely because it doesn’t have large record companies releasing its music. If it weren’t for indie artists, the music scene in America would look vastly less eccentric. This style of music allows singers and songwriters to be creative and experiment with their ideas and lyrics without overbearing record companies shutting down ideas.
There are many examples of indie artists and indie bands that have reached national and even global acclaim, including Oasis, who have given the world hits such as “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back In Anger,” and more modern artists such as the Arctic Monkeys and Hozier, also showing mass success. This shows that indie artists can have appeal, and although many of these groups or singers are very well known, there are a myriad of other artists who haven’t had the same luxury.
What makes indie music different is that one person can show initiative, as well as some creative spark, and run with it. They don’t need a large record deal or an expensive advertisement, as many popular artists have proven; they just need their voice and their instrument of choice. It shows that true talent can prevail over riches, and determination can help you make a name for yourself.
Indie music doesn’t fall under one specific genre; any artist who works independently can be considered an indie artist. Some of the most talented people are pushed into the shadows because they don’t have a large record label behind them, no matter the genre. It’s difficult to start anything, and making your songs a hit takes hard work, and that is why it is so important to acknowledge these artists’ songs. Some of these artists don’t have the resources to receive that sort of advertisement or aid, so they have to work hard to even get their songs on streaming services. Just because someone hasn’t heard of an artist or hasn’t listened to one of their songs doesn’t mean that the music is poor; it just means that they aren’t well known. Good things take time, and sometimes it will take years for someone to get recognized.
With the rise of music streaming, with Spotify having around 751 million users, acknowledging itself as the most used music streaming service. Indie music is now more accessible than ever, and although music is still being listened to by millions upon millions of people daily, there is always work that can be done in regards to indie music being streamed. Everyone has their own tastes, so it is difficult for one genre to gain recognition.
The resilience of these artists shouldn’t go unnoticed, and there is a lot that can be learned from the many musicians and artists who release music because they love it, and sometimes that’s all that matters. Sure, making money and winning awards is notable, but the reason these artists want to make music is solely because they enjoy the process. They want to devote this much time and work this hard, and the music really shows the work they put in. The music world wouldn’t be the same without the people who make up this category of music, and more people should recognize how much work they do for the creative world of music and lyricism. Many artists are just trying to show you what they have, and it doesn’t hurt to give them a shot.
