Our Indie

At Trakle, our love for music is personal, and the rich tapestry of 'indie' holds a special place in our hearts. While we've always been hesitant about boxing in such a diverse genre with definitions, we recognize the necessity to do so for the sake of our platform's clarity. As the musical landscape continually evolves, we've taken on the task of understanding and celebrating 'indie' in all its nuances. Though it's a challenge, we're dedicated to diving deep into every unique sound and story it presents. So, with a bit of reluctance but a lot of passion, here's our breakdown of what 'indie' means to us.

Historical Context: The Indie Genesis

Originally, "indie" denoted artists producing music independently from major commercial record labels. While the distinction has become less clear-cut, the spirit endures. We prioritize artists who began with or continue to maintain a significant degree of independence from major labels. Additionally, artists who have transitioned to major labels but retain their original indie ethos in their music are also considered.

Indie's roots are in the rejection of mainstream commercial aesthetics. Historically, indie had a distinct sound, often resulting from its unique creation process: constrained budgets, basement recordings, and a distance from high-end studios. This birthed a rawer, more organic sound, emblematic of indie. Pioneering bands like The Smiths, Sonic Youth, and Pavement in the 80s and 90s were instrumental in shaping the indie ethos and sound.

Sound Structure, Composition, Production, and Style

Conventional Subversion: The hallmark of indie music is its innate ability to challenge conventional norms. This is distinctly noticeable in its song structures. Unlike mainstream tracks that often rely on a predictable verse-chorus-verse layout, indie compositions might experiment with varying structures, non-standard time signatures, abstract introductions, and even the omission of recognizable choruses, making them distinctively refreshing.
Eclectic Instrumentation: Indie music's sound palette is richer than the standard array of instruments in other genres. From the soulful strumming of a ukulele to the mysterious hum of a theremin, the genre isn't afraid to step out of the conventional bounds. This broad spectrum of instruments not only adds layers to the sound but also imparts a unique texture to every track.
Raw Authenticity & Innovative Production: The indie sound embodies authenticity. Whether it's the imperfect, gravelly voice of a singer, the unexpected strumming patterns of a guitar, or the ambient noises captured during a recording session, it's the imperfections that make it perfect. This organic quality is enhanced further by innovative production techniques—be it the use of analog recording equipment in a digital age, embracing room acoustics, or experimenting with sound layering.
Emotional Resonance & Lyrical Depth: At its core, indie is raw emotion set to music. Unlike many chart-toppers that might prioritize catchy hooks, indie tracks emphasize genuine emotional connection. Vocals in indie music often sway between hauntingly whispered verses to passionate crescendos, each note dripping with emotion. This emotional depth is mirrored in the lyrics as well, often teetering between profound introspection, poetic musings, or a narrative that unfolds with every verse.
Genre Fusion: Indie is an umbrella term, encompassing a myriad of sounds. A single track can seamlessly blend elements of folk, jazz, electronica, rock, and more. This hybrid sound, often resulting from a fusion of genres, not only enriches the track but also makes it resistant to definitive categorization.
Ambient and Atmospheric Overtones: Many indie tracks carry a distinct atmospheric quality, immersing listeners in a soundscape that goes beyond mere song composition. This can manifest in the form of echoing vocals, reverb-laden instruments, or subtle background elements that elevate the track's mood.
Rhythmic Diversity: Diverging from the standardized rhythms of popular music, indie often experiments with varied rhythm patterns, unconventional drumming techniques, and syncopated beats, offering a refreshing break from the norm.

Integrity Over Commercialism

We value artists who prioritize musical integrity, authenticity, and creativity over commercial success. The focus is on the intention and spirit behind the music, not necessarily its commercial performance. However, it's recognized that many indie artists, after achieving a certain level of success, might sign with major labels or achieve commercial milestones. This evolution doesn't disqualify them from the indie category. An artist's journey to mainstream success, while maintaining their foundational indie spirit and authenticity, is a testament to their impact and the genre's flexibility.

DIY Ethic

Many indie artists manage multiple facets of their music career, from songwriting to production and promotion. This DIY spirit epitomizes indie. The rise of digital platforms and social media has further empowered indie artists, allowing them to reach global audiences without the need for traditional record labels. However, as artists grow, they might collaborate with larger teams while still retaining their core indie ethos.

Diverse and Inclusive

Indie is a global, diverse movement. We celebrate indie music from all cultural, ethnic, and geographical backgrounds. Moreover, the indie scene has been a space where marginalized voices, regardless of gender, sexuality, and other identities, often find a platform.

Flexibility and Evolution

The music landscape is ever-changing. Today's mainstream might have been yesterday's indie. Our definition of indie remains dynamic, ensuring we stay inclusive and true to indie's spirit. As indie has grown and evolved, there have been debates within the community about what "true indie" is, reflecting the genre's dynamic nature and the passion of its followers. This includes recognizing artists who might have started as indie and later transitioned to mainstream but still carry the indie spirit in their work. It's essential to note that the transition to mainstream doesn't necessarily negate an artist's indie roots or influence.

Note: We understand "indie" is subjective. Our guidelines aim to be as objective as possible, but they're not set in stone. If you believe an artist fits the indie spirit but doesn't strictly align with our criteria, please reach out. We're always listening and learning. Contact us at indie@trakle.com .