IndieQuisition

An inquisition is an inquiry or investigation into a matter. The Inquisition was a historical religious movement of tyranny to suppress heresy. The heretics were those brave, but unfortunate individuals who bucked the traditional belief system and stood up for their own ideas, and were subsequently silenced. The Indie Times does not pretend to argue which side was right or wrong in that case. We only use the word inquisition to illustrate our message. In that spirit, the “indiequisition” is an inquiry into the word “indie” and also a movement to cheer on and give a voice to instead of silence the artistic rebels who are making their own way, and defining their own existence, in spite of the traditional expectations.

A few months ago, I began to casually inquire how people defined “indie.” The answers were as diverse and interesting as indie artists themselves. You see, indie means a lot of things.

“independence is defined by the people who live it”
Kaya Oakes

“Independent” is the most obvious when putting a meaning to the term “indie”, as it is its very source, but it is not altogether a complete definition. Regarded by some as a philosophy and others as a genre, it is easy to see why the word is almost indefinable. We, at The Indie Times, realize that the line between mainstream and indie is sometimes blurred, and even crossed over. We don’t pretend to adhere to a strict definition of “indie.” We celebrate the ongoing, ever-changing, self-defining nature of the indie culture. We have also chosen to champion a variety of indie arts because we all share the same philosophy (or genre), however it might be described.

It might be argued that even the potentially wide range of terms used to define “indie” might still be boxing it in, as one might actually be a suburban indie artist, but the word suburban isn’t the first word on the tongue when one thinks of “indie.” While “indie” fits in no box, it is an evolving amalgam of interpretations. On that note, I will let the following list speak for us in helping to illustrate “indie” to the world.

We would love to hear what you think. Please leave your comments below as to what “indie” means to you!!!

urban

revolutionary

counter-cultural

anti-corporate

not kowtowing to Hollywood vanilla

grunge

creative freedom

an original

a copy of nothing

non-traditional

obscure

unaffiliated

not backed financially by a large studio or producer

freedom

an ethos

a community

a style

an aesthetic

a sound

Self-sufficiency

DIY

retain majority control of their copyrights and other assets

alternative

subculture

eclectic

open-minded

underground

backlash

a philosophy

a genre

decentralized

self defining

self actualization via creativity

empowerment

cutting edge

introspective

for art’s sake

individuality

creativity above profits

grassroots

skinny-pants-wearing hipsters

undercurrent

rebellion

risk

tenacity

resistance to convention

ahead of its time

Which words speak to you? Why? Which don’t? Why not?  Please let us know in the comments!

Michele Jennae: Editor-in-Chief and contributor, The Indie Times;
Host of The Michele Jennae Show on HotMix106.com and blogstress at www.michelejennae.com

Posted by Michele Jennae on June 26, 2012. Filed under Michele Jennae,This Indie Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry