インディーズ
いんでぃーず
noun
indie; independent (music, film, games)
1.
indie; independent
Independent productions or creators not affiliated with major labels or studios. Used primarily for music, film, and games. Can refer to both the works themselves and the scene or community.
インディーズバンドが好きだ。
I like indie bands.
インディーズから活動を始めた。
They started out as an indie act.
あのバンドはインディーズ時代の方が良い曲が多かったと言われている。
It's said that band had better songs during their indie days.
From English "indies" (short for "independents"). In Japanese, this word is used as both a noun and a modifier, most commonly in the music industry to distinguish independent artists from those on major labels.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- インディーズバンド: indie band
- インディーズレーベル: indie label
- インディーズ映画: indie film
- インディーズゲーム: indie game
- インディーズ時代: indie era/days (before signing with a major label)
- インディーズデビュー: indie debut
USAGE:
In the Japanese music industry, the distinction between インディーズ and メジャー (major label) is significant. Many well-known bands started as インディーズ before being "picked up" by major labels. The term carries connotations of artistic freedom, grassroots appeal, and DIY spirit.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- メジャー: major (label) — the opposite of indie in the music industry
- 自主制作: self-produced — a more formal Japanese equivalent, though less commonly used