Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tackles “Indie Rock”

 

     Artificial Intelligence is currently under the microscope. It has performed well in taking college exams, portions of medical exams, and sections of attorney bar exams. So, we tested the open source AI capability ChatGPT in writing blog posts for a music site.
 
     Not surprisingly, ChatGPT did not do well with emerging bands and recently released songs. There isn’t enough on-line content for AI to extract knowledge. But ChatGPT was interesting and informative when asked to showcase its skills in generating content about subject matter that has had a longer shelf life.
 
     Below are ChatGPT responses to the following four inputs:
1. In an essay, explain the Indie Rock genre
      a. The response was well written.
2.  What advantages does Indie music have over mainstream music?
     a. This response was interesting, but lacked insight.
3.  Identify the 25 most influential indie bands
     a.  ChatGPT started the way we all do – by noting that the ranking is very subjective.
4.  Write a blog post about Indie Obsessive
     a. We are flattered, but we would be more so if the article did not include errors. For example, Indie Obsessive does not interview bands.

Our first input instruction: In an essay, explain the Indie Rock genre
     Indie Rock is a genre of alternative Rock that originated in the 1980s and has since evolved into a diverse and influential musical style. The term “Indie Rock” is a contraction of “Independent Rock” and refers to Rock Music that is produced and distributed independently of major record labels.

     Indie Rock has its roots in the Punk and Post-Punk scenes of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Early Indie Rock bands, such as The Smiths and The Jesus and Mary Chain, were characterized by their DIY ethos and rejection of the commercialization and mainstream popularity of mainstream Rock music.

     One of the defining characteristics of Indie Rock is its focus on artistic independence and experimentation. Indie Rock musicians often reject the conventions and formulas of commercial music and instead prioritize creative expression and experimentation. This has led to a wide range of musical styles within the genre, from lo-fi and folk-influenced singer-songwriters to abrasive Noise Rock and avant-garde experiments.

     Another defining characteristic of Indie Rock is its close relationship with underground and alternative subcultures. Indie Rock has been associated with various subcultural movements, such as College Rock, alternative dance, and the so-called “Indie Nation” of the 1990s. This close relationship between music and subculture has helped to create a sense of community and identity among Indie Rock fans, who often view themselves as part of a larger cultural movement.

     Despite its independence from major record labels, Indie Rock has had a significant impact on the wider world of popular music. Indie Rock musicians have influenced mainstream popular music and brought new sounds, styles, and ideas to the forefront of the music industry. The genre has also inspired numerous subgenres and influenced countless musicians, from alternative and underground scenes to mainstream and Pop culture.

     In conclusion, Indie Rock is a genre of alternative rock that values artistic independence and experimentation. Its DIY ethos and close relationship with underground subcultures have helped to create a sense of community and identity among its fans, and its influence on popular music has been significant. From its roots in the Punk and Post-Punk scenes of the 1980s to its diverse and evolving present-day incarnation, Indie Rock continues to challenge conventional wisdom and inspire new sounds and styles.

Our second input instruction: What advantages does Indie music have over mainstream music?
Indie music has several advantages over mainstream music, including:

1. Creative freedom: Indie artists have more control over their artistic vision and can produce music that is unique and less commercially driven.
2. Authenticity: Indie music often has a raw, authentic quality that appeals to listeners who are looking for a genuine musical experience.
3. Niche appeal: Indie music often caters to niche audiences, which can result in a more dedicated and passionate fan base.
4. Diversity: Indie music scenes often foster a diverse range of genres and styles, allowing for a greater variety of musical expression.
5. Innovation: Indie artists are often at the forefront of new and innovative musical trends, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music.

     Note from Indie Obsessive: To illustrate the justification of the ChatGPT responses, here is the song “South of Center” by Haunted Weirdo, which is a band based in Maine. The members are Tom Patrick (vocals, guitar), Shaun Bolduc (upright bass) and D.j. Moore (drums). The trumpet was contributed by Kwabena Owusu. The song is from the band’s album “Soul Tremors,” which is available via Bandcamp - CLICK HERE.

     “South of Center” by Haunted Weirdo

Our third input instruction: Identify the 25 most influential indie bands
It is difficult to narrow down the 25 most influential indie bands of all time as the definition of "indie" and what constitutes an influential band is subjective. However, here is a list of 25 bands that have had a significant impact on the indie music scene and have been widely recognized as influential:

1. The Smiths
2. Radiohead
3. Arcade Fire
4. The Strokes
5. The White Stripes
6. The National
7. Fleet Foxes
8. Vampire Weekend
9. Arctic Monkeys
10. Tame Impala
11. Pavement
12. The Shins
13. Modest Mouse
14. Neutral Milk Hotel
15. Interpol
16. The Killers
17. Franz Ferdinand
18. The Libertines
19. Belle & Sebastian
20. The Kooks
21. The Fray
22. The Black Keys
23. The xx
24. Foals
25. LCD Soundsystem

Our final input instruction: Write a blog post about Indie Obsessive

     Indie Obsessive is a popular music blog that covers the independent music scene, with a focus on new and emerging artists. The blog was created with the goal of providing exposure to talented and unique artists who may not receive the recognition they deserve from traditional media outlets.
 

    Indie Obsessive offers a wide range of content, including album reviews, artist interviews, concert reviews, and more. The blog’s writers are passionate about independent music and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their writing.

     One of the unique features of Indie Obsessive is its commitment to promoting lesser-known artists. The blog frequently features emerging artists who are just starting to make a name for themselves, providing them with a platform to reach a wider audience. This focus on new and upcoming talent has made Indie Obsessive a valuable resource for music fans looking for fresh and exciting sounds.

     In addition to its focus on independent music, Indie Obsessive also covers a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to hip-hop and electronic. This broad coverage makes it an ideal resource for music fans with diverse tastes.

     Overall, Indie Obsessive is an excellent resource for music fans who are passionate about independent music and want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the scene. Whether you’re looking for new music to discover or are simply a fan of independent artists, Indie Obsessive is a must-visit destination.