Indie Pop

Child of: Pop

Description

A style characterised by incorporating the accessible, light-hearted melodies and catchy structures of Pop music, whilst using general Rock instrumentation

Artists generally use typical Rock instrumentation (drums, guitar, bass, vocals), although some artists deviate from this, sometimes including electronics, piano, strings, or even eschewing guitar altogether.
Does not confine itself strictly to Rock idioms
Often incorporates a ‘DIY’ ethos and an ‘authentic’ approach originating from Punk

History

Developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1980s alongside the rise of Post-Punk, describing bands on indie labels that retained the DIY and stripped-back authenticity of Punk whilst having a more melodic and less abrasive sound. These overtly melodic early branches were labelled Twee Pop and C86.

Subsequent development

As Twee Pop continued to thrive though the 1980s and early 1990s, bands began to combine its aesthetic with a noisier approach, giving rise to Noise Pop.

In the 1990s, the rise of Alternative Rock and its subgenres (e.g.: Dream Pop) would greatly influence the Indie Pop sound, deviating it from its initial Post-Punk influences. Some artists though some would resist this and instead draw from 1960s genres like Sunshine Pop and Baroque Pop, creating Chamber Pop.

In the 2000s, Indie Pop would peak in mainstream success, with artists heavily influenced by Indietronica, whilst in the 2010s, many online-based artists would record outside of traditional studios, spawning the Bedroom Pop genre and subculture.