Using this and this, oh and this as conclusive evidence, can we sheepishly proclaim that indie has gone mainstream?
Failing that, can we at least admit that repackaging the aesthetic of city-dwelling, latte swilling young people is making someone, somewhere a shit load of money?. Let’s be real people, it is. And though marketeers may not understand your brake-less transportation, nut-hugging denim, or dissonant music they definitely understand how to sell you shit, or at the very least, they understand how to sell shit to your little brother.
This of course, is not a new concept and before we get into a semantic battle royale “indie” in this context refers to the aesthetic, not “independent” as the purists define it. And by mainstream we mean Mothers all over the world are watching romantic comedies that reference Henry Miller and Joy Division.
“New Moon” the Twilight sequel and cinematic wet dream of tweens everywhere joins the fray with a recently unveiled soundtrack featuring new tracks from Death Cab For Cutie, Thom Yorke, Grizzly Bear, Lykke Li, Bon Iver and St. Vincent. The indie cavalcade continues with The Killers, Muse, Sea Wolf, Editors, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and the guys who made that treadmill video also contributing cuts to the soundtrack. In contrast, 2008’s Twilight soundtrack boasted Linkin Park and Paramore – the disparity could not be wider. That’s like Robert Pattinson’s endless puppy dog eyes wide.
It’s funny. The term “Hipster” still brings to mind snobs with esoteric interests and elitist attitudes but the prevailing aesthetic of the arbiters of cool now align with the prevailing aesthetic of the masses. So how do you differentiate yourself from the herd when High Street has repackaged your style and tween films have repackaged your music taste? Get into acid-tribal-future-bot-S&M? Maybe. But be prepared to change – in twelve months you Mum will be into that too.
“New Moon” Tracklist is as follows…
1. Death Cab for Cutie: “Meet Me on the Equinox”
2. Band of Skulls: “Friends”
3. Thom Yorke: “Hearing Damage”
4. Lykke Li: “Possibility”
5. The Killers: “A White Demon Love Song”
6. Anya Marina: “Satellite Heart”
7. Muse: “I Belong to You (New Moon Remix)”
8. Bon Iver and St. Vincent: “Rosyln”
9. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club: “Done All Wrong”
10. Hurricane Bells: “Monsters”
11. Sea Wolf: “The Violet Hour”
12. OK Go: “Shooting the Moon”
13. Grizzly Bear: “Slow Life”
14. Editors: “No Sound But the Wind”
15. Alexandre Desplat: “New Moon (The Meadow)”
