It is hard to decipher what the true definition of “independent” is in the music industry. As a mainstream genre, bands can be labeled “indie” even though they may have a record deal. While the underground music scene sees independent bands as those who embody the classification of “indie” completely they remain on their own without any record label contract. Also, there are the artists who are independent in the sense that they do not sign contracts with major record labels, but instead head their own label.
The mainstream indie music genre is highly generalized. Within that genre, there are a few subgenres. Indie folk and indie rock are probably the two most recognizable to label artists. Both of these can also be easily confused with alternative rock.
Indie folk music began in the 1990’s when singer-songwriters wanted to incorporate aspects of classical folk music from the 1950s-70s. An example of a popular band that is branded as an indie folk group is Mumford & Sons. At first, the English band was signed to Universal Music Group, but now their most recent album is under Island Records. So, Mumford & Sons is classified as indie folk even though they have had record label contracts.
Independent artists are put in that category because they are also able to fit into other genres of music. Again, using Mumford & Sons, some may not even consider the group to be an indie folk band, but rather a folk rock band. This statement expresses how sometimes genres of music do not have clear-cut lines and definitions. It can be up to the audience to decide how they believe artists embody music genres.
On the other hand, there is an underground indie music scene. The bands within this description are truly representing the definition of being independent. They make music, but without any label or record deal. The subgenres can still apply, but are usually ignored. This is because these artists and bands are actually more concerned with identifying their music in a more distinctive way, meaning that multiple genres can be used to describe their sound. A further reason for this could be that they do not want to be confused with the indie genre.
A prime example of a truly independent band is Zoogma. This four-piece jam band remains unsigned, yet they still have managers, agents and release music. But Zoogma is not indie folk or rock. They are a mix of electronic and rock.
These artists are a lot like Zoogma in that they are independently free from big record contracts and are not labeled as indie folk or rock, but they instead run their own record label. Some examples include, Pretty Lights (Pretty Lights Music) and STS9 (1320 Records). Pretty Lights and STS9 both run their own labels and have signed other artists on as well. While Bassnectar actually is signed under Om Records currently, but still is credited with head producing and founding Amorphous Music.
These three descriptions are detrimental to the multiple music scenes within the industry. Proof of this can be seen at festivals like Coachella and Austin City Limits, where all versions of independents are represented.