How Many Indie Genres Do People Need

Okay, indie is definitely a broad term for people to use but are you comfortable with calling bands by this large generic term or do you like to get more in-depth? One person's definition of an indie band may be vastly different to another person's opinion so if you are trying to describe a song or band, it could be worthwhile being able to use more expressive terms.
Have a look at the following genres and think about how many you recognize or can spot: Shoegazing, Britpop,Grunge, Noise rock, Lo fi, Indie pop, Math rock, Garage rock, Post rock, New Wave of New Wave, Post Punk Revival, Nu-Rave, Folk rock.
And if you were so inclined you could probably list many more. Are these genres genuine or have they been created by magazine editors in order to create a buzz and help some more copies of their publications?
Historical Terms are Easily DefinableThere is no doubt that some terms are used to define an era or particular style, with Shoegazing, Britpop and Grunge being largely historical terms now but you will have an idea in your head of what this genre is like. Some of the more recent names are a lot more confusing and harder to place which sort of makes the genre pointless.
The idea of a "scene" or "genre" is to ensure that bands are easily identifiable and can be pinpointed quickly. If you like one band who plays a particular style of music then there is every chance you will like a band that plays a similar sort of music. An example of this would be the crossover between fans of The Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev. Some bands can gain a lot of new fans and publicity from being linked to a style of music with many other bands.
Bands Want to be Seen as IndividualsYou will find that many bands are not happy at being pigeonholed into one particular style or genre. When you think about it, it is not a compliment to have your entire musical output summed up in a couple of words. Every band would hope that they have some originality and that they are not instantly recognizable to many other acts.
There are strong commercial reasons to allow your music to be defined with a few easy definitions.
It may open up support slots or festival appearances alongside other bands that play a particular style.
It may allow your music to be placed in record stores / online stores alongside other similar bands ensuring you can tap into other groups fan bases.
It will make it easier for magazines and online sites to write about a band if there are easy points of references to be made.
There are Commercial Reasons for GenresAll of these reasons would appeal to a manager as they would increase the chances of a band being recognized by more consumers which should lead to the possibility of more sales. Deep down performing music should be about the love of the art and doing something worthwhile but bills will always have to be paid and bands need to earn money to stay alive.
It may go against your purist beliefs for being in a band and making music but creating noticeable links between yourself and other acts may generate awareness in your act that could not have been created elsewhere.

Author: Ian Dougherty