Words: Ruby Corrigan
The music gods have spoken, it is time for a genre revival, and this year’s choice of the cool girls? Why it’s Indie Sleaze of course. But what IS Indie Sleaze? How did it come about? Why is it popular now all these years later? How can I engage with it? All of these are very valid questions that are on the lips and minds of many people. Alas, fear not, our handy-dandy comprehensive guide to the ‘Indie Sleaze’ genre is here to talk you through everything from music to fashion choices — you’ll be the coolest person at the gentrified area of a city’s loft party in no time.
Where did the movement originate?
Indie Sleaze traces its origins back to a movement of ‘post grunge’ indie rock bands in New York in the early 2000s, and quickly spread further afield, reaching the north (and eventually the south of England) snowballing into one of the most popular styles of the early 21st century.
Key bands of the original era
Bands such as The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol and LCD Soundsystem are seen as the founding fathers of the Indie Sleaze movement. Moving into the UK scene, bands such as Arctic Monkeys, The Libertines and Gorillaz were big hitters in this era. The music was messy, fast paced and gritty, all of which are key characteristics of the Indie Sleaze genre.
Fashion Choices
As mentioned above, the Indize Sleaze era was characterised by messy, gritty and hedonistic lifestyle choices, and that was certainly reflected in the style. For men, Indie Sleaze style conssited of an eclectic mix – with most choosing to don either an extreme skinny fit suit or, if they were trying to be more casual, a flannel shirt and tight fit black skinny jeans. Both outfit choices would be topped off with either a pair of Ray-Ban ‘wayfarers’ a trilby hat, or a beanie revealing an obscenely swooping fringe. For women, outfit choices were far more varied, as long as some sort of animal print and leather was involved then you were pretty much spot on. Other features of the Indie Sleaze style fo women included heavy amounts of chunky jewellery, disco pants (plain or patterned) and on special occasions a barely there mini dress.
Why Have We Seen A Resurgence?
This seems to be the question on everyone’s lips when we see a revival of an older style/genre of music. In short, there is no DEFINITE factor to a resurgence, but in my opinion it has a lot to do with the social and political climate the world is in. While trends are cyclcial and everything will EVENTUALLY come back into fashion, the resurgence of Indie Sleaze in 2024 feels a lot more intentional than just eventualism. Post covid, if you don’t mind me saying, the world has been a bit of a shit storm and between corrupt governments, increased gender and racial violence, wars and genocides, it seems that the younger generation is looking for some respite. As arguably one of the most politically active and socially aware generations, Indie Sleaze offers a way for Gen Z to (briefly) escape the horrors of the world, kick back, and actually be carefree and youthful.
How is it different from before?
In many ways, Indie Sleaze then and now both have the same principles: hedonism, subversion and fun. Musically however, the current resurgence has seen a shift towards the electronic, with artists and musicians fusing classic ‘indie’ tropes such as heavy guitars and crashing drums, with ‘floor filling’ dance rhythms that are perfect for the booming 21st century club scene.
Key Players in The Indie Sleaze Resurgence
Charli XCX: Her deep, introspective lyrics surprisingly mixed with undeniably infectious electronic rhythms has really catapulted her to super-stardom, inspiring a ‘brat’ summer full of partying, hedonism and most centrally, powerful friendships.
The Dare: The Dare seems to have suddenly appeared from nowhere, spreading his strangely captivating ego across everyone’s for you pages, pushing his subversive, electro-punk style songs into the eardrums of the world. Some may say, an industry plant? that’s so not Indie Sleaze, but real ones know that he had a key role in the production of many hit songs, including Charli XCX’s ‘Guess’. The Dare’s music unequivocally fits the ‘new’ Indie Sleaze era: it promotes a party lifestyle, it’s good to dance to, and the creator has a slightly off putting Je ne sais quoi that seems to be a prerequisite for any Indie Sleaze music icon.
Master Peace: If you want an artist that truly embodies the Indie Sleaze resurgence, then look no further than up and coming artist Master Peace. Releasing his first album ‘How To Make A Master Peace’ earlier this year, the musician has made real waves in the music industry. His infectiously upbeat online presence, along with his addictive, genre-fusing musical style makes him a perfect cotnender to lead the Indie Sleaze revival.
NOISY: If The Prodigy and Yard Act had a baby, it would be NOISY. Their music is loud, it is vibrant, it digs into your soul, and most importantlyit would be perfect played at a rwody house party full of your best friends. If you don’t already know this band, I highly suggest jumping on their bandwagon.
Indie Sleaze Hall Of Fame
Are you STILL a bit lost? Perhaps you’re a visual learner. If so, check out these Indie Sleaze icons to truly get the feel of the movement.
Alexa Chung: The O.G cool girl. Known for her relationship with front man of the Arctic Monkeys Alex Turner Alexa Chung, with her killer style and laid back persona is hailed as the PINNACLE of Indie Sleaze.
Henry Holland: Proud Mancunian fashion designer Henry Holland is aeguably one of the major factors of Indie Sleaze fashion breaking into the UK scene. you know those kinda corny, but somehow kind of cool 80s style t shirts with catchy slogans on? Yeah, those were him.
Kate Moss: Love her or hate her, I couldn’t write a piece on the Indie Sleaze movement without mentioning Kate Moss. Forever a controversial character in the early 2000s (and while we don’t condone the use of *substances*, and any potential rumours of her engagement with them), it is undeniable that her shabby chic style of fur coats, feminine slip dresses and messy smudged eye liner is the absolute blue print for any wannabe Indie Sleaze girl’s night out.
Skins UK: Yes, it’s a tv show, yes not technically an ‘icon’, but it sure is iconic. If anything is going to give you a REAL and raw insight into the Indie Sleaze genre, it is Skins. From the soundtrack and style choices, to the storylines of hedonistic lifestyles and the dangers they pose is a real one stop shop to truly undersand Indie Sleaze.
So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to the subculture that is absolutely dominating 2024. Now, brethren, go forth and be sleazy.
Rockstars HQ 
Leave a comment