How To

How to Fake Being an Indie Rock Expert

Contributor
By Stephen Schneider
eHow Contributing Writer
Rate: (11 Ratings)

If you're sick of digesting mainstream, overproduced drivel from the local "be-caller-100" pop station, you might like to be edgier and more "underground"--or at least you'd like to pretend you're both of those things. The trouble is knowing where to begin. Being in-the-know about independent rock music--a.k.a. "indie rock"--can seem like an overwhelming task. Indie fans often come across as if they belong to some sort of secret society, frowning upon all those poor, ignorant souls who just don't "get it" when it comes to music. But by learning the basics of what the indie phenomenon is all about, you'll be well on your way to passing yourself off as a die-hard fan.

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Instructions

    Look the Part

  1. To begin your indie rock education, you might think you should go buy some indie rock records. But there are several personal actions you must undertake before bothering with the music itself. After all, part of being an indie rock expert is having the image that goes along with it.

    First, alter your grooming habits. The "bedhead" look is too obvious, but a modified bedhead with a greasy sheen to it will have you blending right in with the crowd at the indie rock show.

    Next, think about your clothes. An old, undersized T-shirt is a safe bet, but it should be some vibrant color--green, orange and yellow are all good choices--never white or black. White is gauche, and black is too glamorous. Generally speaking, the shirt should look like something you would find at a thrift store.

Comments  

jamitout said

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on 10/28/2009 Wow. I think I just saw "cool" melt before my eyes.

gueneveve said

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on 10/28/2009 The most daft, annoying article I have ever read.

Faking anything is asinine, and it makes a complete mockery of any desperate boob who flagrantly emulates trends -- and not to mention, of indie itself.

Indie spawned from independent thought. Go wear your thrift store tshirts, and download VU mp3s, but regurgitating tripe like this will not make you appear anything but transparent and hollow.

And despite this, thank you.
Bumbling louts like you are the reason indie rock exists.

kyoruiko said

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on 10/6/2009 Hilarious article, but a good one. What's wrong with introducing people to indie music, pissdagger? I think that was whole point of the article (proof being that the majority of the article focused on the music, not the fashion--of which there is none).

For the uninitiated, let me suggest some great indie bands, who stand out for their musicality and longevity.

Polvo (Merge & Touch & Go),
Stereolab (Duphonic Records)
Sebadoh ( Sub Pop)
The Sea & Cake ( Thrill Jockey)

The 25 to 30+ crowd should appreciate that. The under 25 crowd...well, rep your own ****.

pissdagger said

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on 4/20/2009 I am a non-violent person, and I pay my convictions a disservice when I admit to myself and to you that you deserve physical punishment for publishing this.

pissdagger said

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on 4/20/2009 http://www.ehow.com/how-to_4845452_1_fake-being-indie-rock-expert.html

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