The Revival of Indie Sleaze

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Running Man Press Vol. 2 No. 3

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What is indie sleaze?

Is it an aesthetic? A movement? A scene?

The answer is all of the above and more. In the interview I conducted with The Cribs, they described the movement as “a few garage rock bands and a few electroclash bands” all tied together by a DIY sound. Distorted guitars mixed with buzzy synths were accompanied by raw lyrics that touched upon hedonism, youth culture, and freedom. Lyrics were used to create atmospheres and feelings. Music was the environment for the stories to come to life.

The term was popularized in 2021 by the indie sleaze Instagram account created by Torontonian Olivia V. Currently at 291k followers, the account is dedicated to “[d]ocumenting the decadence of the mid-late aughts and the indie sleaze party scene that died in 2012.” A diverse array of artists is covered, from Daft Punk and Justice to Arctic Monkeys and LCD Soundsystem. The page is filled with photographs and footage of popular figures, along with style markers that capture the complete aesthetic.

Why is the indie sleaze scene relevant today? Why is there a revival of a scene that died over a decade ago? The answer may lie in the current direction music and technology are headed. In an age where surveillance and generative AI are ubiquitous, it’s increasingly difficult to know what to trust and what is real. The search for realism in art and fashion may be the reason for this revival of a scene so steeped in authenticity.

The freedom to be young and messy. The freedom to make mistakes without forever being documented online. The freedom of self-expression, pure and unfiltered. That is the true heart of indie sleaze: sticky dance floors, ripped jeans, and live music all oversaturated with brutal flash photography.

A clear indicator of the indie sleaze revival has been the return of some of the scene’s most prominent artists. Reality Awaits by The Strokes tackles loneliness in the digital age, consumer culture, and regret. Selling a Vibe by The Cribs covers artistic integrity, authenticity, and maturity. Romanticize the Dive by Metric looks back at their story to stardom, serving as a reflection on the growth and acceptance they needed to evolve. A common theme shared by each project is the rejection of nostalgia and the critical reflection on legacy. By tossing away the rose-tinted lenses, an introspective approach is followed to continue forward. An effort is taken to contextualize each of their pasts to better understand their presents and inform their futures. Above all, authenticity shines through on each record. We hear each of their unique perspectives on navigating through a performative world, all while never lacking each of their characteristic indie sleaze qualities.

Current artists from the revival movement, like The Dare, The Hellp, and Snow Strippers, mark a modern approach to indie sleaze. The revival tends to borrow elements from hyperpop and indietronica. Glitchy effects and abrasive sound designs are wrapped in the thrifty, chic aesthetic that originally defined the era. With its growing popularity, the movement has firmly established itself in the mainstream.

In a recent interview conducted by The Canadian Press with Metric’s Emily Haines, when asked about Gen Z’s obsession with indie sleaze, she remarked, “I think it makes sense that the indie sleaze love would blossom right now, because it was fun.” That simple answer can be used to succinctly explain the underlying reason for the revival: because it was fun. People wanting to party. People wanting to belong. People wanting to be people.

Indie sleaze is a term that can’t be described by a single band or a single style–a testament to its diversity. It’s a melting pot of different styles, genres, and aesthetics. The essence of indie sleaze is the reason why it still resonates with people today. Indie sleaze, forever.

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