It’s been happening for as long as I can remember, a plague of so-called “musicians” making uninspired, unoriginal, and boring music. Music under the also uninspired, unoriginal, and boring title of “indie-rock”, or sometimes even just “indie”. An undescriptive title that has been used to describe some of the best musicians, but also some of the very worst… 

The title “indie” used to mean something, independent, it was a very vague term that referred to artists that weren’t signed to labels, or signed to very small, independent labels. Over time, the term indie morphed into a genre. Sure it meant independent artists, but it also meant a sound, particular aspects that unified many of these artists. It started in the late 70’s and it actually meant something. It was a term used by artists that always started small, and either stayed unnoticed (except in very specific circles), or grew to mainstream success. Bands that belong to the latter, often lost the label “indie” because they were now mainstream, and signed to big labels, anything but independent at this point. 

If this meaning remained consistent, I would have no problem with it, a genre being vague isn’t bad. A lot of music doesn’t really fit into a specific genre very easily so genres like “post-rock” “proto-punk” and “hardcore” have bridged that gap. They helped differentiate a plethora of different genres, and in the 70’s and 80’s indie was another one of those terms. But nowadays, it means absolutely nothing, and if it does, it isn’t associated with the greatest music.

Pretty recently the term indie has been used to describe so many different things, and instead of it being a tool it has become this over-utilized sticker that is plastered all over. If for example we take a look at an artist that has become synonymous with indie, Clairo, we quickly realize that she’s anything but that. She signed to Atlantic Records, one of the biggest labels of all time. Huge bands like Led Zeppelin, Coldplay, ABBA and AC/DC belong to this label, and Clairo claims to be indie. Something’s not quite adding up. And even worse, acts that have never been called indie are now being labeled as such, like Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Wire, Talking Heads, and The Cure.

An interesting and common theme between modern indie artists is that none of them are very technically proficient at their instrument, and that’s if they even play an instrument at all. This causes more and more artists to become lazy, and lose much of their creativity. But they think the label they put on it seems to make up for that, and that’s really damaging to the industry. Music isn’t being made for music’s sake but rather for the vibe or image. Musicians used to be popular because they were great musicians and worked tirelessly at their craft. Artists and bands like Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Eddie Van Halen, and Prince were praised for their music and their technical ability. But nowadays anyone with a laptop can make an album. In some lights this is good, anyone can make their art, but it’s also dangerous.

It’s dangerous because the barrier of entry to become a musician is so low that just about anyone can release their music. This leads to a lot of subjectively “bad” music is getting put out. Bands that were so passionate about their craft made sacrifices and pinched pennies just to get a single out and the result is passionate and amazing music. They didn’t make music because they could, they made music because they had to. But in Utah, and in Provo specifically, that sentiment no longer rings true for so many bands.

Of course there are exceptions, there are some phenomenal and talented bands here. Some newer acts like Over Under and Ferrin have amazed me with songwriting, musicianship, and overall talent, but not many people know about them. Also, if we look at older bands that began before “the rot” really started, we can find so many good artists. Some of my favorite music, like Sunfall Festivals’ delicate rock and Pushing up Daisies’ brutal screamo/metalcore, was made about 20-25 years ago. These bands are sadly the exception. The Utah scene has been plagued and over saturated by boring bands lacking passion. Many of these guys do it for solely attention or just so they can say “yeah, I’m in a band”. And all of this music just sounds the same, the same few chords, the simplest drum groove you can play, bouncy bass-lines, and the vaguest and most “relatable” lyrics written by man. Lyrics complaining about how she left him, and how he can’t get over it 2 years later.

But not all hope is lost. Pretty recently, some more talented and passionate musicians have been making their way onto the scene. Provo is starting to thrive in terms of shoegaze, punk, emo, heavy rock, metal and post-hardcore; genres that haven’t been getting enough traction in Provo. I really don’t blame these indie bands though. For years, it has worked and is a pretty surefire way to make it, quite a few people enjoy this music and it’s very easy to get behind. The problem I have with it is that people aren’t stepping outside of their comfort zone. I think David Bowie puts it best: 

“If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.”

Sticking to indie rock is safe, and one of the most beautiful things about music is that you take risks, and you can find beauty when uncomfortable. I also think that artists in this scene don’t care about musicianship like they should. Yes, music isn’t only about how fast you can play, and all the scales you can wrap your head around, but you should take pride in your craft and keep pushing yourself to become the best you can be. Just knowing how to play a barre chord isn’t enough to get all of those ideas out of your head.

All in all, I think that Provo is finally starting to get the music scene that we musicians, and music appreciators deserve. Events like Slop-Fest, and All Saints are really rejuvenating Provo’s starving scene. Some great shows are being played in places like 3hive Record Lounge, Thrift RX, and Velour. Go see some shows and support bands that don’t care much about image and popularity, but passion, musicianship, and love of their craft. Maybe even buy a t-shirt or a CD, and most importantly, support the arts!