Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Independent in production or distribution: Used primarily to describe pop music groups, films, or other media that are created and distributed without the financial and administrative support of a major, established corporation.
   • Characteristic of independent culture: Pertaining to the aesthetic, ethos, or community associated with independent artistic creation, often implying a focus on artistic integrity over commercial appeal.

2. Noun:

   • An independent film company: A business entity that produces and/or distributes films without being owned by or affiliated with a major film studio.
   • An independent pop group: A musical group that operates without a contract from a major record label, often releasing music through smaller, independent labels or self-releasing.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • She prefers the raw sound of indie bands.
  • The festival showcases the best new indie cinema.
• Noun:
  • He started his career at a small indie that focused on documentaries.
  • The band was a successful indie for years before signing with a major label.

Advanced Usage

• "Indie" as a cultural descriptor: The term can describe a broader cultural scene or sensibility beyond just music and film, including publishing, video games, and fashion, characterized by a DIY (do-it-yourself) ethic and alternative tastes.
  • The city has a vibrant indie arts scene.
• "Go indie": A phrasal verb meaning to choose an independent path, often by leaving a major corporation to start one's own venture.
  • After her contract ended, the director decided to go indie.

Variants and Related Words

• Independently (adverb): In an independent manner.
  • The film was independently produced.
• Independence (noun): The state of being independent.
  • The movement fought for artistic independence.

Synonyms

• Independent: Not dependent on or controlled by others.
• Alternative: (As an adjective) Different from the usual or conventional, often used interchangeably with "indie" in musical contexts.
• Non-mainstream: Not part of the dominant commercial culture.

Related Phrases

• Indie rock: A genre of rock music associated with independent labels and a particular aesthetic.
  • Indie rock was hugely popular in the 2000s.
• Indie developer: A person or small team that creates software or video games without the backing of a large publisher.
  • That game was made by a talented indie developer.

Related Idioms

• Indie spirit: Refers to the attitude of valuing creative control and authenticity over commercial success.
  • Even after becoming famous, they never lost their indie spirit.

Adjective

1. (of pop groups) not affiliated with a major recording company

Noun

1. an independent film company not associated with an established studio
2. a pop group not affiliated with a major record company