Although the history of independent music is complex and lengthy, it can be dated to the United Kingdom’s late 1970s. Several independent record labels, including Rough Trade, Factory Records, and Creation Records, were established at the time.

          These record companies disseminated music created by bands who preferred to preserve creative control over their output over signing to major record companies.

          A DIY mentality defined the formative years of indie music, with bands frequently producing and releasing their own music on cassette tapes.

          This made indie musicians feel more connected to one another and made it possible for them to reach a larger audience without the assistance of major record labels.

          Indie music started to become more popular in the 1980s. Successful bands like The Smiths, R.E.M., and Sonic Youth contributed to the development of indie rock’s distinctive sound.

          Since college radio stations frequently played music by independent bands, the expansion of indie music was also influenced by the advent of campus radio in the United States.

          Indie music continued to expand throughout the 1990s, and new subgenres including grunge, lo-fi, and shoegaze appeared. These genres were popularized by bands like Nirvana, Pavement, and My Bloody Valentine, who also contributed to the growth of indie music.

          With the emergence of new genres like indie pop, indie folk, and indietronica in the 2000s and 2010s, independent music continued to develop.

        These genres were popularized by bands like Arcade Fire, The xx, and Alt-J, who also contributed to the ongoing innovation and excitement of indie music. Today’s independent music scene is booming, with new bands appearing frequently.

          Indie music now has a particular attitude and a particular sound in addition to being free of major record labels.  Independent music is about being original, trying new things, and making music that represents who you are.