It’s necessary to emphasize that indie music is not only a genre. It is a musical style that encompasses several sub-genres whose sounds can be considered “electronic”, “folk” or “garage rock”. However, here are some of the quirkiest, rarest indie music subgenres out there.

Post Rock

Most are based only on instruments, but some may have voices in their songs. They are commonly used as alternative ambient music and have songs that can last up to ten minutes.

Some of the most representative bands of this subgenre are SigurRós, Mogwai, and Explosions in the Sky.

Shoegaze

Shoegaze melodies tend to be strong, as the effects of the heavy guitar predominate, creating distortion. Some of the most representative bands are My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Lush.

Chillwave

It’s electronic music that creates nostalgic sounds. Many experts consider this style to be dead, but its influence still lingers on new generations. Some of the most representative bands are Toro Y Moi, Neon Indian, and Washed Out.

8-Bit/Nintendocore

It uses an 8-bit sound chip similar to the sounds of Nintendo and some old-school video games. These sounds are often combined with hardcore punk and metal. Crystal Castles and Horse the Band are some of the bands that represent this subgenre.

Exponents

Pixies

The influence they had on the alternative scene during the 1990s was immense. They are the creators of songs like “Where is my mind” that became a world anthem and a must musical reference for indie label artists.

SigurRós

The success SigurRós has achieved worldwide is impressive. Their shows are usually sold out. With seven albums, its four members from Iceland have reaffirmed the post-rock sub-genre.

My Bloody Valentine

With only two albums, they managed to become a cult band. Their 1991 album “Loveless” is one of the most critically acclaimed albums. The songs on this album made a whole generation fall in love. Unique on the scene, they are the top representatives of shoegazing.

The Smiths

The Smiths are one of the most influential bands in the UK. They became known in the ‘80s and their success was unstoppable. Their four albums became instant hits, inspiring entire generations around the world.

Indie music has grown exponentially over the years thanks to great exponents who have known how to grab people’s attention, regardless of how conventional or not they are.

The creation of these odd indie music subgenres has helped legendary bands to become the genre to be one of the most listened in the world. This proves that indie music is not just a music genre but a lifestyle in itself.