a pop group not affiliated with a major record company
"The indie band released their new album on a small local label instead of signing with a major record company."
an independent film company not associated with an established studio
"The indie filmmaker secured funding to produce a gritty drama without backing from any major Hollywood studio."
An independent publisher.
"The indie released her debut novel after traditional publishers rejected it twice."
(of pop groups) not affiliated with a major recording company
"The indie band released their new album on a small local label instead of signing with a major record company."
Independent; from outside the mainstream.
"The indie film festival showcased movies created by artists operating completely outside the mainstream industry."
In plain English: Indie describes something made independently without help from big corporations, often by artists who want to keep full creative control.
"Many people prefer listening to indie music instead of mainstream pop hits."
Usage: Use "indie" to describe music, films, or books created independently of major commercial studios or labels rather than those produced by big corporations. This term often implies a distinct style that differs from mainstream trends while highlighting an artist's autonomy in production and distribution.
The word indie is a shortened form of independent with an added suffix. It was first used to describe films in the early 20th century but became widely known as a label for popular music starting in the 1980s.