Indie Music Festivals

Indie artists filter into almost every festival lineup due to it being such a broad yet beloved genre, so you can expect to see indie music in some shape or form at most major festivals throughout the world.

Originating from the term ‘independent’, indie generally referred to underground music communities or artists that took a DIY-approach to both recording and releasing music without any influence from mainstream labels. Historically significant scenes like ‘Madchester’ in the 90’s, and the Seattle grunge phenomenon derived from the opposition to mainstream culture.

In terms of musicality, indie is often used in conjunction with rock and pop. The Smiths became one of the most revered indie rock artists that were recognised in wider audiences, popularising that style of music that evolved into a genre of music unto itself, with Sonic Youth and Pixies making waves in the USA at a similar time.

After Britpop, in the UK came the indie revolution. The Libertines, Kings Of Leon, The Strokes, The White Stripes, and Arctic Monkeys came to dominate the music charts as well as music festivals throughout Europe.

Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds Festivals, Latitude, All Points East, Sziget, TRNSMT, Isle Of Wight Festival, Parklife, Primavera Sound, NOS Alive, Benicassim, Best Kept Secret, Osheaga, INMusic; pretty much every major music festival will have a plethora of indie artists on the bill.

For those avid indie enthusiasts amongst you, some festivals are almost exclusively indie-orientated; the likes of Community Festival, Kendal Calling, Neighbourhood Weekender, Truck Festival and Sunday Sessions Norwich in the UK will no doubt be music to your ears.