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= = Indie music is defined by the fact that it is not mainstream and bands/artists in it are unsigned or signed by an independent record label. This is where the name comes from. Bands characterized under indie music aren't often played on the radio, unless it is a station specifically indie oriented, and do not have an expansive fan base. Indie music often features acoustic guitar and a solo vocalist. Sometimes though indie music features some sort of percussion whether it be the commonly used drum or something else.

** What are the origins of indie music?  ** Indie music is a somewhat new way to classify music. It supposedly started in the 1960's, when notions of peace were surging through the youth and potential music artists but hasn't become a distinct genre until relatively recently. Bands that fall under this category are generally unsigned or signed by independent record labels. Indie music is truly about self-expression. It is unaffected by trends in the mainstream music world.

** How big are the indie groups genreally? (Music Artists/Bands) What does this say about indie music? Many indie group have only one or two members. This is due to the fact that indie is mostly about self-expression and an individual's take on music. It is about telling a story more than anything. People sometimes want to tell their own stories so that is why indie artists are also usually solo artists; even though this genre isn't exclusively for solo artists.

 What other instruments are used to keep beats when drums aren't present? What does this say about indie music? **  Many times acoustic guitar is used to lay down a steady beat but sometimes, as seen the third music sample, other methods are used as well. This is because indie music is used so people can tell a story and the instruments aren't the main focus of the song. If the instruments were to over power the words then the song might lose meaning.

In a way Indie music relates to all six of the social institutions because it allows people to voice their opinions about any one of these topics, only in song. People can have a song that is about all or any of these institutions that would be classified into indie. But in particular it has a part in the economic, domestic, and government social institutions.
 * Social Institutions:

Economic: Trends in trends in the music industry are based around what the public wants and what makes the most profit. Indie music is unaffected by these changes and in no way lets corporate record labels interfere with their music.

Indie music is centered around self-expression, telling stories, and sharing opinions, just in song form. It is about being yourself. It is about who you are ** personally without looking at it from the view of the government or religion.
 * Domestic:

The opinions within indie music are often pushing a liberal agenda to the government. Many songs speak against war, racism, sexism etc. **
 * Governmental:**

 **Samples:**  media type="file" key="01 Tire Swing.mp3" width="240" height="20" Kimya Dawson - Tire Swing Indie Album: Remember That I Love You (Released May 9, 2006)

media type="file" key="06 Put A Penny In The Slot.mp3" width="240" height="20" Fionn Regan - Put A Penny In The Slot Indie 2007

media type="file" key="03 Citizens Of Tomorrow.mp3" width="240" height="20" Tokyo Police Club - Citizens of Tomorrow Indie-Rock Album: A Lesson In Crime (Released April 27, 2006) Notes: This song is different than the other two example but it's still indie. It uses more instruments including clapping. This song is also an example of polyrhythm.

Even though some indie music doesn't include drums, artists still tend to use the guitar to keep a strong steady beat which relates to the strong beats of African music.

Bibliography:

Mitch,. "History of Indie Music." //Indie Update// (2007): n. pag. Web. 31 May 2010. .

"History." //Indie Music// n. pag. Web. 31 May 2010. .

Tippets, Cher. "Indie Music: A Brief History." //Helium// n. pag. Web. 31 May 2010. .