An independent music scene is a localized independent music-oriented (or, more specifically, indie rock/indie pop-oriented) community of bands and their audiences. Local scenes can play a key role in musical history and lead to the development of influential genres; for example, no wave from New York City, United States; Madchester from Manchester, England; and grunge from Seattle. Indie scenes are often created as a response to mainstream or popular music. These scenes are created in opposition of mainstream culture and music and often contribute to the formation of oppositional identities among individuals involved in the scene.

Notable scenes

Asia

Japan

The Japanese indie music scene began gaining mainstream success in the late 1990s with the so-called "indie boom". Musicians involved with this scene, referred to as "individual producer-composers," included Haruomi Hosono, Oyamada Keigo (also known as Cornelius), and Oda Tetsuro. Cornelius pioneered an indie music movement called Shibuya-kei and released songs that gained international success, such as the Pizzicato Five. Supercar's 1998 debut album, Three Out Change, has been described as having "almost foundational importance to 21st-century Japanese indie rock." A Japanese protectionist licensing policy prevents indie music from being sold via major media distribution networks. Indie records are only sold in small retail stores that import foreign records, which are not part of the industrial channels. This relegates Japanese indie music to the context of a global scene. Current Japanese indie bands include The Pillows, Asian Kung-Fu Generation ,Straightener, Sakanaction, Acidman, fujifabric, and Beat Crusaders.

South Korea

The indie scene in South Korea is sometimes referred to as "K-Indie", a neologism derived from K-pop. The center of the Korean indie scene is the Hongdae area. Korean indie has gained international exposure via YouTube. Bands and artists include The RockTigers, 10cm, Yozo, Jang Jae-in, Jang Jae-in, Hyukoh, and Jannabi.

Thailand

Thai indie music began to gain prominence in the 1990s, led by Moderndog, which debuted under the independent label Bakery Music. This marked a significant turning point in the industry. Although the label was later acquired, indie music continued to grow steadily, with new artists and bands forging their unique paths in the scene. Today, bands like Safeplanet and Yellow Fang have crafted distinctive sounds, such as indie pop and alternative, reflecting their artistic freedom. Their music has garnered international recognition. Additionally, Phum Viphurit, a renowned Thai indie artist, exemplifies global success in the indie folk and neo-soul genres. His hit song Lover Boy has gained worldwide popularity, celebrated for its soulful vocals and captivating storytelling Bangkok remains a hub for indie music, with live performance venues such as Parking Toys and Play Yard, which actively support both domestic and international indie acts

Malaysia

Malaysian indie music started in the mid-1980s with underground influences from Anglo-American sounds. Bands like OAG and Butterfingers led the way, with Butterfingers’ Selamat Tinggal Dunia blending Malay traditions with modern rock. The late 1990s saw growth with bands like Hujan, whose Pagi Yang Gelap became iconic, and Yuna, who gained international fame In recent years, bands like Bunkface and Kugiran Masdo have expanded the scene with punk and retro pop styles. Babychair, formed during the pandemic, brings dream pop and city pop influences, adding soothing, nostalgic vibes to the growing indie scene

Taiwan

Taiwanese indie music emerged in the 1980s, influenced by political and cultural shifts during the martial law era. Early movements, like "New Taiwanese Song," blended traditional elements with Western rock and folk. In the 1990s, labels like Crystal Records and events such as the Taipei New Music Festival helped indie music gain traction. By the 2000s, artists like Cheer Chen and Sodagreen achieved widespread success, inspiring a new generation of indie musicians. Today, the scene is supported by initiatives like the Golden Indie Music Awards and venues such as The Wall, making Taiwan a hub for unique, independent sounds

Indonesia

Indonesian indie music emerged in the 1990s, rooted in underground scenes in cities like Bandung and Jakarta. Bands like Puppen, Pure Saturday, and Koil were pioneers, heavily influenced by grunge, punk, and Britpop, reflecting a DIY ethos. The establishment of platforms like Ripple Magazine and small indie labels allowed the scene to thrive and gain visibility. By the 2000s, indie bands like Mocca and White Shoes & The Couples Company gained international recognition for their unique styles blending local influences with global genres. Mocca, for instance, drew on jazz and retro pop, while White Shoes embraced '70s film music aesthetics. The label Aksara Records became a cornerstone of the scene, producing successful compilations like Jakarta Sekarang and soundtracks for films that spotlighted indie music talent. Today, the indie music landscape in Indonesia is vibrant and diverse. Bands like Payung Teduh and Silampukau reflect folk influences, while acts such as The Adams and Goodnight Electric bring alternative and electronic flavors to the scene. Urban hubs like Jakarta and Bandung continue to serve as cultural epicenters, hosting gigs and nurturing new talent

Australasia

Australia

New Zealand

North America

Canada

United States

Europe

Hungary

The Hungarian indie scene is mainly active in the capital city, Budapest. In the early 2000s, Hungary's indie revival included Ligeti's The Puzzle from Kaposvár. In 2006 Amber Smith's album RePRINT was released by the German label Kalinkaland Records. In 2007, The Moog's Sold for Tomorrow was released by the US label MuSick Records. Other indie bands include EZ Basic, The KOLIN, Supersonic, The Poster Boy and Dawnstar.

Sweden

A number of Swedish indie musicians have become famous internationally, mostly singing in English. The Cardigans gained early success in the mid-1990s. Some notable acts include: The Sounds, Lykke Li, Robyn, The Tallest Man on Earth, The Hives, Eskobar, The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Kent, First Aid Kit, Air France, Jens Lekman, The Knife, Shout Out Louds, The Radio Dept., Fever Ray, The Tough Alliance, and Life on Earth.

United Kingdom