Indie ROck

Start here to grow your Indie Rock collection with some of the top records of the past 50 years. From College Rock classics to Indie Sleaze and Indie Folk there is something here for every listener to explore and add to their collection.

In the 80s Indie Rock emerged as a reaction against mainstream rock, characterized by a do-it-yourself ethic and a focus on independent record labels. It was not only an ideology but also a sound, which often featured jangly guitars, introspective lyrics, and a rejection of commercial pressures, laying the groundwork for the alternative rock explosion of the following decade.

In the 90s Indie Rock saw a surge in popularity, influenced by the rise of grunge and alternative rock, yet it maintained a diverse underground scene with a strong DIY ethic. This era produced a wide array of subgenres and scenes with distinct sounds, from Lo-Fi Indie Pop to Experimental Noise Rock and introspective Indie Folk.

The 2000s saw Indie Rock get even more commercial and is arguably the the era when Indie became a only a sound and no longer an ethos as Indie Rock bands exploded on major labels with increasing mainstream attention.

In the 2010s the sound of Indie continued blurring genre lines, with many bands incorporating elements of pure Pop, Electronic Music, and even R&B into their sound, leading to a more diverse and accessible indie landscape than ever before.

In the modern era Indie rock continues to showcase a wide range of sounds and influences, with some artists looking to the genre’s past for inspiration while others incorporate elements from Modern Pop and Electronic Music into their melting pot.

Shop our Discogs Selects collection of Indie Rock must-haves for sale on vinyl. From legendary groups like The Smiths, R.E.M., and Sonic Youth to modern masters like Phoebe Bridgers, LCD Soundsystem, and Big Thief, this collection aims to guide exploration for those just starting their collector’s journey as well as those already immersed in the music. Shop Discogs today to find the best Indie records to add to your record collection.