Dare to be different, dare to be indie

Dare to be different, dare to be indie

By DEMETRIUS HARRISON

News Editor

The term “indie” is shortened for independent art, which refers to the arts, music, film and literature culture. At its core, this means allowing yourself to discover your personal pleasures. What makes you happy? Anything can be classified as independent art: a hike, blogging and journalism, cooking, even creative craftwork. An independent lifestyle absorbs an inner concept of what is now being referred to as a hippie lifestyle: not following trends, projecting your inner creativity. What makes you feel at peace?

The interesting abstraction with an indie fate is there are no guidelines or restrictions. Converting into “indieism” means you are inheriting rituals such as being a patron of local arts, businesses and vendors, purchasing vintage or second-hand clothing and products for your wardrobe and residence and spending your money on what you consider things of value, not on fads.

A primary benefit of expressing an indie lifestyle is that you will have some individuality, which goes a long way in physical and personal attractiveness. It is almost similar to involving yourself in a lifestyle of minimalism: is your closet stuffed with Ralph Lauren logos or fabrics that carry memories? What makes you different?

However, diving into the indie lifestyle isn’t something you can drown yourself in overnight. It takes time to collect a lifestyle of things that you truly see a story behind and things you see worth in physically and emotionally: collect memories that aren’t captured digitally. Leave your phone at the campsite and go hiking or go out on the boat for a day. Go on a night walk: a breath of fresh air is an energy boost you never knew you needed. Have a heart-to-heart with someone about personal or controversial topics. It’s the simple things that matter.

Regarding music, the indie lifestyle comes with its own unique sound. Sure, that may cause you to generalize yourself which is contradictory to an independent lifestyle; however, indie music is about the art and passion behind it. While the genre is multi-faceted (indie pop, indie rock, branching out into folk), it is extremely unique and personal. Most indie music tells a story, similar to country, but has a very relaxing feel to it. You will find that indie music gets you through struggles, extends your happiness and even connects you with yourself.

Indie music is not only different with sound by incorporating a lot of acoustics and string instruments, but it is appreciated more due to the artist putting more effort into it than mainstream talents. For example, indie artists typically produce their own music and write majority of their own lyrics. You do not find this in mainstream artists pushed behind major record labels like Sony, Universal or Warner. Indie serves a purpose and projects the time and effort spent making it through its quality, which resonates with each listener.

Even if you do not enjoy indie music, take the time to transition into an independent lifestyle because it caters to everyone! Find what makes you happy and start living for yourself.