The difference between Indie Rock and Alternative Rock
 

A friend posed this question to me the other day (who isn't into either genre), and I was stuck for words as to what answer to give.

I mean, I can easily tell the two apart when I hear them, but can't for the life of me describe the contrast between these two genres that I love.

How would you describe it?

Indie Rock is rock music on an independent label.
Alternative Rock wishes it was.

I tend to think of Indie Rock as chick rock.

indie rock is more underground

it's like Urban Said

"Indie Rock is rock music on an independent label."

That's what Indie truly means 'independent' but ppl use it as a general term to define an alternative to popular music
There is indie rap, Indie metal, it's not just alternative.. the term indie by itself it's not supposed to be tied to any specific genre but ppl still do it anyway lol

Nobody knows so it doesn't matter.

"Alternative" rock is a meaningless blanket term used to describe rock music that isn't metal or REO Speedwagon, whereas "indie" is music made by skinny men and occasionally their girlfriends.

Alternative rock is basically whiny emo music. Indie Rock is more mellow and acoustic. These days a lot of "indie rock" bands aren't on indie labels.