The versus of the universe

So in Austin Texas, much to my absolute jealousy, is the SXSW festival. Originally planned to showcase independent (read UNSIGNED) bands in the area, it exploded and this year features 1,400 bands. Rolling Stone Mag in thier *ahem* view say that SXSW is going back to its roots, only its roots - namely indie bands - have been whisked away by major labels. So who do they get to play at thier fest this year? Well, The Chiz has informed us that three of SA's finest will be playing. Good luck kids! he also highlighted the visa issue. But that's not what my rant is about today.

Its about being an Indie artist.
Firstly, you need to distinguish between being Indie in sound or Indie in finances.
If you choose to go Indie in sound, please sign to a whoever signed Coldplay/Travis/The View etc etc as soon as possible.
If, however, you choose to go Indie in terms of finance, well, then, SXSW is the fest for you.
Being an independent artist means being in it for the music. To have the independence to take your music in whichever direction you want it. Granted, your audience may be small, but with the internet, it can be global and earn you a cult following (if you're good enough). Besides, being an underground, independent artist is what its all about!

As a fan, how can you tell the difference between and Indie and indie band?
Lets see:

Indie - clothes look as though they were bought from Oxfam/Cancer Research/Camden vintage market, when in fact, Stella McCartney designed and hand delivered the rags.

indie - clothes actually belonged to grandfather/great uncle/ were bought from charity shops. or more than likely stolen.

Indie - Sound like stoned emo kids. Lyrics try for something deep and meaningful, but end up being soliloques along the lines of - Edgars ran out of the Levis i liked, so I had to go to Foshini instead.

indie - Sound like whoever they want to. From Black Sabbath to Bob Dylan influences. After all, you're not trying to capture a niche market, you just want to jam. Also, most lyrics do have a few references to fighting the man, boycotting starbucks cos they don't offer a student discount, and wearing the same jeans for four days cos you sold the washign machine to buy new guitar strings.

Indie - public image of being the psuedo intellectual philosophers who question the universe and everything in it while being one of the lads swigging guinness at the local pub.

indie - working as a barman at said pub while trying to secure a gig slot next to the jukebox next Tuesday so you don't scare away the regulars.

I'm all for both the Indie and indie musicians. in fact, I'm for anyone who can deliver a solid tune and make me either want to walk with a swagger down the street with a smile on my face or get drunk and think deep dangerous thoughts.

So my point of this post?

If you're going to say you love indie bands, make sure you know who you're talking about and if the next guy you meets tells you he is in an indie band, just be sure which indie he means.

Next up: Download Fest. has metal as a genre gone soft? or should we have a word with the organisers behind The Fly with a lead pipe?