Now 24, years old, Bi Yin is in her second year of a Contemporary Music (Audio Technology) degree at Sunway University. Here, she explores modern music, including jazz, and delves into audio technology such as sound design, compositions, and arrangements.

 

Beyond classical music, Bi Yin is an EDM enthusiast. During the pandemic, she composed her own EDM tracks and mastered the art of DJing. Her ambition is to become a DJ producer, fusing her classical background with her love for electronic music. Additionally, she has started posting reels of her DJing on Instagram.

 

Bi Yin’s journey showcases her versatility and curiosity in exploring diverse genres. With a solid foundation in classical music and a growing fascination in contemporary sounds, she is poised to craft a unique music identity that merges tradition and innovation. Keep an eye on Bi Yin as she continues to leave her mark, driven by passion and a commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

According to Schnitker, an independent label is a type of record label that operates outside the control of major record companies, particularly in terms of distribution. Currently, independent labels claim approximately 25% of the global market share, with major companies such as Sony-BMG, Warner, and Universal controlling the other 75%.

In the writer's opinion, independent music is more akin to alternative music in terms of its unusual musical structure and tendency to break composition rules, making it less accessible to mainstream listeners. 

Additionally, the term "rock" implies the incorporation of rock elements into the music.

As for alternative rock, it typically incorporates heavier and noisier elements compared to indie rock.

(IndieSongMakers, 2023) 

Pop
(Nicole)

First song - Under the Weather
(Jeremy)

Second song - Remaja
(Kevin)

By implementing these techniques, one can effectively achieve the desired "blanketed" vocal sound, enhancing the overall production and creating a unique sonic experience. (Lapp, 2022)

When it comes to guitars, they hold a prominent position in Indie Rock music. Typically, two types of guitars are commonly utilised: the electric guitar and the acoustic guitar. In this context, the acoustic guitar is responsible for handling the strumming patterns, establishing the rhythmic foundation of the song. On the other hand, the electric guitar serves to enhance the song's appeal by introducing catchy riffs. Additionally, it can add layers by mirroring the acoustic guitar's parts within the arrangement. This combination of electric and acoustic guitars contributes to the overall texture and depth of the music.

In particular, Lapp gave an example of the recording technique for the electric guitar. For example, three takes can be recorded in different ways. The first take is centered, handling the strumming pattern. The second take is panned to the left, and the third take is panned to the right. Both the second and third takes play the riffs, but on different frets and with different presets and amp settings. This approach creates a wider and more dynamic guitar sound.
(Lapp, 2022)

By combining these techniques, a simple yet captivating guitar and bass arrangement can be achieved, adding depth and interest to the overall song.

 

Schnitker, L. B. (2013, July 25). Independent label. Grove Music Online. https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/display/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-1002241520#omo-9781561592630-e-1002241520 

 

Indie Song Makers. (2023, April 3). What instruments are used in indie music? - indie song makers. Indie Song Makers - Music guides for DIY singer-songwriters. https://indiesongmakers.com/what-instruments-are-used-in-indie-music/#:~:text=in%20the%20middle.-,Indie%20Rock,%2C%20Les%20Pauls%2C%20and%20Jazzmasters.

The Indie Music Lab. (2022). Produce an Indie Rock Song (A 5-Step Guide). Retrieved May 31, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1UBMkGBsJ0. 

 

The Indie Music Lab. (2022). Produce Indie Rock Vocals: My Top 5 Techniques. Retrieved May 31, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRkEGhGiDj0. 

 

Superchunk. (n.d.). Merge records - artists, news, music - shop vinyl, Merch, music and more. https://www.mergerecords.com/artist/superchunk 

 

Holland, G. (2023). Arctic Monkeys: Everything you need to know about the music legends. Absolute Radio. https://planetradio.co.uk/absolute-radio/music/news/arctic-monkeys/ 

 

Watsoo. (2023, January 9). What genre are the Arctic Monkeys?. Roll The Record. https://rolltherecord.com/blog/what-music-genre-is-arctic-monkeys/#:~:text=This%20was%20the%20debut%20studio,revival%2C%20and%20post%2DBritpop. 

 

王妍文. (2019, July 1). 獨立樂團茄子蛋：做喜歡的事 吃吐司也是爽的！ - smart自學網 - 財經好讀 - 輕理財 - 名人沒說的事 - (茄子蛋,浪子回頭,木曜4超玩,浪流連). Smart自學網. https://smart.businessweekly.com.tw/Reading/WebArticle.aspx?id=69654&p=1 

 

John, B. (2019, March 12). Spotlight on: Eggplantegg 茄子蛋. Taiwan Beats. https://taiwanbeats.tw/archives/10295

AMVIBES MUSIC SCHOOL. (2022, September 25). Pop Music Genre - Definition & History - (+10 EXAMPLES) [Review of Pop Music Genre - Definition & History - (+10 EXAMPLES)]. AMVIBES MUSIC SCHOOL. https://www.damvibes.com/music-theory/pop-music-genre-definition-history/#:~:text=Pop%20music%20is%20a%20very,a%20catchy%20melody%20and%20lyrics.

CalypsoRoom . (2023, May). Brief history of pop music [Review of Brief history of pop music]. CalypsoRoom . https://www.calypsoroom.com/Brief-History-of-Pop-Music.html

Hughes, E. (2022, September 2). The Top 9 Instruments Used in Pop Music. Musical Mum. https://www.musicalmum.com/instruments-used-in-pop-music/

‌

‌

‌

Other instruments: 

However, acoustic guitars are widely used for mellow songs, as in Sixpence None the Richer’s iconic songs There She Goes and Kiss Me. Peter Sarsted accompanies himself on the acoustic guitar in his song Where Do you Go to my Lovely?

An excellent example of the electric guitar is found in The Cranberries’ upbeat song Dreamsand their more serious song, Zombie, dealing with The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Queen is one of the most well-known pop bands of our time, and Brian May’s guitar solos in many of their songs are instantly recognizable, as you can hear in I Want to Break Free.

For example, Careless Whisper by George Michael uses the saxophone to give the song an emotional, almost melancholy, depth. In Baker Street, by George Rafferty, the saxophone provides the song with an edge that’s difficult to describe in words, but we can feel it moving us.