How To Be an Indie Music Snob

Thanks for the insider info, pullingpuzzles! — Sparkitors

I'll admit it: I'm a music snob. And because there have been a few articles mocking the indie-music-snob-hipster character, I thought I’d clear some things up about our lifestyle. This is the code I live by.

1. Search
The reason music snobs have the ability to say “I knew them first” is because they really did. For a music snob, discovering a new band is like being the first to comment on a Dan Bergstein post: it fills us up with excitement and joy. Music snobs will spend extravagant amounts of time reading online music magazines and blogs, as well as downloading countless podcasts, just for the elusive thrill of finding an awesome new band or song.

While searching, the music snob always keeps an eye out for free (and legal!) music downloads. Indie bands get recognition by releasing free tracks, and the music snob just can't resist free samplers, free singles, and free live albums full of brand new grooves. At least one-third of my iPod is filled with songs I got for free.

3. Buy
True music snobs buy their music— illegal downloading is shunned. We purchase full albums, and we enjoy collecting CDs, even if that means ordering them online because they can’t be found at a local store. Have I waited two months for a CD to be shipped from Germany? Yes, but that’s a story for another time.

4. Dress
The people who don every hipster trend on the market? Yeah, they're trying too hard.  You’re not indie if you’re selling out by wearing designer ripped skinny jeans and uber-expensive flannel shirts. Personally, I like thrift store finds and hand-me-downs, and I wear my mom’s old concert tees with pride. As long as you have confidence, though, you can dress however you want to. How much fashion credibility do you really need if you out-listen music store employees?

5. Share
Don't know what to do with all that cool new music you just found online? Make mix CDs to give out to your friends! It’s a fun and inexpensive way to give a personal gift and introduce your pals to the music you like. If you spread your music love around, you won't get so many weird glares next time you say your favorite band is “Fleet Foxes” instead of “Lady Gaga.”

Music snobs really just love for music, so if we come off as elitists, we’re sorry! We just want to share our music obsession with everyone!

Are you a music-snob-indie-hipster person? Have you ever heard of "The Fleet Foxes"?

Related post: How To Mess With a Music Snob, The Music Snob Vs. the Movie Snob