Representation

Representation of Indie Pop:

Male Artists:

Ed Sheeran

Costume

• Casual and 'dressed down'. 
• Look as if they've just chucked any clothes on and haven't been styled.

Props:

• Usually play an instrument - most often acoustic guitar. 

Poses:

• Natural poses ('unposed'). 
• Often on location or during live gigs (snapshots) rather than in a studio. 
• Look relaxed. 
• Usually don't smile, but not in an aggressive/intimidating way.
• If smile is used, this portrays their casual nature. The smile must be natural, not forced. 

Tracy Chapman

Gabrielle Aplin

Female Artists:

Costume:

• Girly - e.g. floaty dresses, light colours
• Vintage
• Often 'hippie' style - e.g. headbands, flower wreaths
• Long hair
• Individual, unique style - don't follow trends

Props:

• Usually play an instrument - popularly piano or acoustic guitar.

Gabrielle Aplin

Poses:

• Comfortable poses (look natural, whilst still looking posed).
• Can be similar to editorial modelling shoots.
• Don't smile, but not in an angsty way.
• If smile is used, this portrays their casual nature. The smile must be natural, not forced. 
• On location (often in nature)

Birdy

Bands:

Arctic Monkeys

• Male dominated - exclusively female bands are very rare. Generally all male members or predominantly male with one girl. 
• One of the only genres where duos work. Bands in other genres rarely include only 2 members. 
• Most if not all members play instruments. 
• Members have a uniqueness about them - don't follow trends. 

Of Monsters & Men

The White Stripes

Snow Patrol

Overall Representation & Attitudes:

• They care more about the music than the fame (sometimes shown to dislike the fame). 
• Write their own music.
• Neither gender sexualised - genre appeals to both men and women (fan base not dominated by either gender). 
• Though the indie genre can be associated with individualists, its increasing popularity has brought it into the mainstream. 
• The message supported by the genre tends to be "it's cool to be different". 
• Focus is heavily on the music. However, as indie music is becoming increasingly popular with mainstreamers, mimicking their style has become important and has contributed to the start of certain fashion trends (e.g. retro/vintage).