Quote:
Originally Posted by RedHot25
Ok, I don't know much about the split between non-indie and indie. And maybe this is a sign that either a) these bands are becoming more popular, or b) I know more about music then I think I do.
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The way I see it, 'indie' is just a label bands get when their music isn't of the type to get much airplay on mainstream commercial radio; in terms of overall musical difference, perhaps a little less production value on 'indie' records. Truly independent artists aren't going to show up on very many people's musical radars. In terms of record labels, well, as far as I can tell a lot of the 'indie' labels are just subsidiaries, in one way or another, of the big name companies.
The Shins have benefitted from a lot of exposure, special thanks going to the film "Garden State" which made a point of not only playing several of the band's songs, but mentioning them by name throughout the film. Modest Mouse owes a fair bit of their amped notoriety to car commercials; Arcade Fire are probably the biggest indie band (what a paradox!) in recent memory. A slew of positive press and some ingenue in their own marketing (playing a busker-style set on the streets of New York) has made them almost a household name. Of the list provided by nfotiu, Of Montreal is probably the closest thing to an authentic 'indie' band, though I am sure their time in the sun is at hand. Going off the beaten track - in Calgary, I guess you could check out a store like Sloth or Megatunes - will help you find artists that fit appropriately enough under the heading, but if you want real, genuine indie sh-t you'll have to hit up a gig at a pub and buy some of the band's homemade audio merch.
Calgary sometimes emulates a decent 'indie' culture, but in my experience if you want to see or hear bands that aren't going to make the cut for CJAY02 or Vibe you need to head to Vancouver. Vancouver also gets the cream of the crop when it comes to artists who are somewhere in between garage bands and stadium rockers. With Bloc Party on the rise I could see them doing a show here to promote the new album, but prior to that Vancouver is the only city in western Canada I'd bet they'd ever play.
Oh yeah, and I agree - Interpol is fantastic. They'll never play Calgary.