Hello, I am doing a thesis on Indie music and Identity...Can you answer some questions for me? It's completely anonymous.Thanks for helping!

1. How important is music to you?
2. How do you use music...as entertainment, comfort, mood setting, other?
3. Do you listen to Indie music exclusively?
4. Do your friends listen to the same music as you?
5. Why do you like Indie music?
6. What do you like about Death Cab, other than their music?

Thanks again for your help. You can either reply to this post or email me with your responses at beejoyrunnr@socal.rr.com

Here goes Nothin'...

1. - It's my life, and i do mean that...some people say that just because they "like" music and listen to it alot. But for me, it hepls me deal with lifes many problems and i feel like i can connect with the song...
2. - I use music as whatever I need it to be at the particular moment Im listening to it...
3. - About 95% of the time i listen to Indie or related genres...to me it just seems like real music (unlike alot of music nowadays)...
4. - Not really...they think they do but they really don't because they can't ditinguish TRUE indie music from punk/emo/alternatve crap(not saying that all those genres are always crap)...
5. - As afore mentioned its Real music, with talented musicians. Bands who play and sing their hearts out...
6. - I think one of the biggest reasons I'm drawn SO much to Death Cab other than their music is that they just seem like regular guys. Even with their fame they aren't cocky and stuck-up like some bands are when they're famous. They just seam like real people...


Well I hope that helped you...

I'm a bit older, so I have a different perspective I think. Given that I've heard many different genres and great artists, throughout my life I think I can give some pretty good insight. As for your questions.
1. Music is very important. I know for me, a lot of things in my life can be put into context by what I was listening to at the time. Music reminds you of friends, activities, relationships (especially) throughout life, so it is very important to me.
2. I use music for mood setting, calming, and entertainment in some cases. But usually it set the mood for whatever I'm doing.
3. Not exclusively, but I've found that the indie scene really has more to say at this point than any of the "radio" music that's out now.
4. LOL - NO! Most of them listen to rap and some rock. They listen to what's on the radio.
5. Again, better lyrics, better musicians, hold on - REAL musicians.
6. I like that they're just regular guys who love and in some ways are just thankful to HAVE fans. They're so humble about all their success and that's a refreshing change from most artists who have had some success.

1. How important is music to you?
Very important. It is my life. Without it I don't know what i Would do.

2. How do you use music...as entertainment, comfort, mood setting, other?
as enjoyment. almost as a drug. When i look at nice scenery its nice but the perfect music really sets a mood and to me its just like slipping into a certain emotion. Cause thats all music is. Emotions.

3. Do you listen to Indie music exclusively?
no. im open to anything. i like really angry music when im angry. sad when im sad. i love hip hop.

4. Do your friends listen to the same music as you?
Some do. i probably have the most diverse taste out of all my friends so theres atleast something i can agree on with my friends.

5. Why do you like Indie music?
i dont like categorizign stuff as indie cause people label them quickly and dont give people enough of a chance. i do like the sterotypical indie person though. something about them make me feel very at home and comforting. but i like anything that soudns good and i dont like everything that people call indie. but i do like a lot of indie.

6. What do you like about Death Cab, other than their music?
i liked them more before plans broke out. not because they sold out and they're not cool anymore. just cause know everyone knows them by Soul Meets Body and i don't think that's a good judgment. They also dont play smaller shows anymore which i like a lot more than larger shows. And I don't feel as original when i say i like them because now everyone likes them and it feels as though people took my identity a little if that makes sense.

1. Extremely important. I couldn't live without music. I'd rather be blind than deaf because if I was deaf then I couldn't listen to music, and that would totally suck.
2. All of the above. I use music for everything. It makes life seem easier.
3. No. I listen to certain music depending on my moods.
4. NO!!! I wish. But there tastes are like totally different than mine. We can never decide on what to listen to when we get together. It's really sad. I wish we all liked the same stuff so we could go to concerts together. Unfortunatly, we don't.
5. I like it because it's well produced. It doesn't sound "cheap" like pop music sometimes does. I give American Idol as an example. There may be a great rock singer that comes out of it, and he or she gets a record contract from this big record company, and his or her style entirely changes. He or she goes from being rock to pop. All it takes are a bunch of crappy backup singers and a generic band in the background. It's not like that in indie music. Because they aren't as well known, and don't have as many materials to work with, it's usually just a group of people getting together and making good music.
6. They're real people. They don't think they're better than everyone else because they're famous.

1. A lot. Anytime I'd like to escape and go to another place I listen to some music that fits this moment and walk away...I mean that I describe my own world with music.
2. It used to be an entertainment only and a something that made me stick with my friends and have common likes; but nowadays it has turned more to a thing to set my mood, and I search for wellness through music.
And a thing that seems weird to me but I can't avoid is that I associate every girl I like or I used to like with a song. I always find something in a lyric that reminds one of her. Mellancoly hits me hard.
3. Definitely not. In Spain it's not so rigid and people who like indie music also like things that at least I don't consider indie (such as Audioslave or music like that, some people like hip-hop, punk, some techno-electro music...it depends on the fashion thing also) and I grow listening to a lot of punk...
4. Sadly not. I feel so lonely sometimes because I can't share it with anyone and I go to some concerts alone, something I find sad. Being an example, I've found some people laughing at me when I've said I like Death Cab. Only because they have seen two chapters of The o.c. They called me nothing less that snobby emokid.
5. I don't see it like a pose or an attitude or because it is SO IN FASHION in Spain. Actually I find that it sucks (being trendy). The whole cool music concept makes me feel pitty (and Ben laughed ironically while saying it at the Barcelona concert). Maybe I like it more than others kinds of music because I discover these band by going to concerts, surfing the Internet or though some friends; not because the bombard me all the day through radio and tv. It doesn't make me feel special, but I think that I listen to what I like and not to what is given to me.
6. Mostly because I discovered it in the worst time of my life and it has become like a guide or an escape way. Maybe I shouldn't be proud of that... Also the sensibility I find on eveything they do (like the Directions initiative)

1. How important is music to you? It's my life. Because of listening and playing.

2. How do you use music...as entertainment, comfort, mood setting, other? Listening, as all 3 of those, playing as all 3 of those and more.

3. Do you listen to Indie music exclusively? I listen to good hip hop(common, mos def, talib kweli, k-os, the roots, etc) I listen to standup comedians, Jazz, stuff like django reinhardt, classical guitar. Never country, never radio.

4. Do your friends listen to the same music as you? Few...most people start listening to what I do after they hang out with me for a while. I'm the information guy.

5. Why do you like Indie music? It's the equivelant of what groups like the beatles, simon and garfunkle, led zeppelin were. It's good music by people who seem to have been influenced by good music and it's not manufactured, for the most part. I like hearing bands that use different instruments and effects in different ways, avril just doesn't cut it.

6. What do you like about Death Cab, other than their music? They're down to earth people and their dedicated fans reflect that. You can run into them on the street or after a show and have a conversation and not feel like you're talking to some kind orange sunglasses lens wearing, hair streaked back, look at me I'm gunna get involved in your countries politics because mine is fucked up and I'll get shot douch bag. BONO!!!!!! They also have an awesome work ethic.

1. How important is music to you? It ranks as one of the most important things in my life. next only to friends and family maybe.

2. How do you use music...as entertainment, comfort, mood setting, other? generally as both entertainment and comfort. sometimes as mood setting. I basically have music on 24/7 so, that should give some indication i guess.

3. Do you listen to Indie music exclusively? No, I like just about anything, Indie music just happens to be my favorite.

4. Do your friends listen to the same music as you? Some do, most don't.

5. Why do you like Indie music? I feel like the lyrics and music are more sincere. They aren't mass produced to fit the generic population. Indie bands have much less pressure to make money for their label and instead most write music for the sake of music. It's not artificial. It's real emotion.

6. What do you like about Death Cab, other than their music? I think they're smart guys. They have their priorities straight and so even though they're signed to a major label, they still have real feeling in their music. They're all very nice and generally willing to take time for their fans. They aren't above all of us who enjoy their music so much.

1. How important is music to you?
Very. I have to listen to music every day, and whenever i have free time i pop in my earbuds. Most importantly music makes me whole, changes the way i feel.

2. How do you use music...as entertainment, comfort, mood setting, other?
All of the above. Life with music just makes the day goes smoother. I love walking around with my ipod and just looking around, thinking, it just makes everything more placid and thought provoking

3. Do you listen to Indie music exclusively?
Absolutely not. I really dislike this whole "indie" trend. I mean, there are a lot of so called "indie" hipsters are extraordinarly hyped up. Its like, people think I like Death Cab, so they think I must also be in loved with The Decemberist, the Shins, Bright Eyes, Coldplay and Clap your hands and say yeah!. I dont happen to like any of the above, or the so called "indie" band. I dont really care much about what others think. I like a lot of electronic music, even dance music. Like "streamline" by newton is the damnest catchiest song, but totally dance. I like some rap, such as Move.meant, but not much else. I even like some pop, I mean, i admit, im a huge fan of hoku, and i could even sing along to her songs, even if it has been years since i've heard it. I completely adore bjork, and i guess im more into similar music to bjork rather than the typical "if you like death cab.. you must like the following recommendations".

4. Do your friends listen to the same music as you?
No, of course not. I mean, the "indie" kids are all pretty hardcore into everything thats labeled so called indie. And everyone else just listens to the radio and worst off, nickelback and james blunt.

5. Why do you like Indie music?
Other than death cab, the only other truely "indie" band i like is Say Hi to your mom.

6. What do you like about Death Cab, other than their music?
I love how they seem very genuine, down to earth, and real. Plus, not to mention, staring at Ben's cheeks, they make him seem like a cute little genius of a kid with a teddy bear... lol wow i am so random.

1. How important is music to you? It is one of the most improtant things in life to me. Songs are associated with memories and i am addicted to buying new cds.

2. How do you use music...as entertainment, comfort, mood setting, other? i would say as entertainment but also as background music to work and play...

3. Do you listen to Indie music exclusively? No i like jazz, rock, some dance/electronica e.g. lemon jelly and air, and some classical.

4. Do your friends listen to the same music as you? Many do or slightly different. Less listen to death cab although i am slowly spreading the word.

5. Why do you like Indie music? It just feels well made. I like songs with meaning and indie songs more than others seem to translate that meaning and intention to me the listener. I also like the fact that it is not overplayed.

6. What do you like about Death Cab, other than their music? They seem really down to earth and supportive of their fans. They appear to really apprieciate both their fame and their fan base.

1. How important is music to you?
I wouldn't say it is my life, but it's a part of my life.

2. How do you use music...as entertainment, comfort, mood setting, other?
All of the above.

3. Do you listen to Indie music exclusively?
No, not at all. A good song is a good song, no matter it's genre.

4. Do your friends listen to the same music as you?
Not really. Some of our musical preferences are similar, but never the same.

5. Why do you like Indie music?
It's just sounds good.

6. What do you like about Death Cab, other than their music?
I think the better question is, what don't I like about Death Cab?
They're fun, seem nice, humble and they're entertaining.

1. How important is music to you?
very important. my life next to art.
2. How do you use music...as entertainment, comfort, mood setting, other?
everything.
3. Do you listen to Indie music exclusively?
nope, i listen to death cab don't i?
4. Do your friends listen to the same music as you?
like, 3 do. lol. the ones i see alot, don't
5. Why do you like Indie music?
cause it's more artistic. it's more creative, and free. and, i dunno... it's unique. i dunno how to explain it.
6. What do you like about Death Cab, other than their music?
ummm. mostly what everyone else said. and i love them P

1.How important is music to you?
Music is vital to my life. It cna express my feelings. It cna be a friend. It cna be my mood stter. It can be my motivation. Music means everything.
2.How do you use msuic?
All of the above.
3.Do you listen to Indie music exclusively?
For the most part I don't try to judge msuic by whether its indie or not. Yet, it seems that good music to me is indie. But, there is some great major label music out there.

4.Do your friends listen tot he same music as you?
Not at all. only my old teacher.

5.Why do you like indie music?
Indie music is so great because it is very abstract and musical. It allows personal interpretation more than major-label does. Also, I respect the indie artists because they don't just ahve it made. They ahve to work so hard. Thye didn't just start out in planes and jets, but rather in beat up old vans barely having enough cash to eat. Indie music always has a moment. There are some songs that i don't like, but they have this one part that I am attracted to.

6.What do you like about Death Cab(other than music)?
They work hard. They are on time. They are obvious intelligent and just nice guys. They are the kind of people you'd wnat your daughter to date. They were raised well and just ahve this deep understanding of life. They are polite and just ahve this good vibe that comes off. They justa re humble and love their fans because they know that the fans are what got them to where they are.

1. How important is music to you?
- Music is my life. I'm a guitarist/songwriter.

2. How do you use music...as entertainment, comfort, mood setting, other?
- All 3 when playing or just listening.

3. Do you listen to Indie music exclusively?
- About 90% of what I listen to can be probaly be considered "Indie" but I also listen to lots of Alternative, Rock, and classic rock stuff such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, etc.

4. Do your friends listen to the same music as you?
- Not at all. Most of my friends are into Hardcore or Metal. It's frustrating.

5. Why do you like Indie music?
- It takes actual TALENT to play indie music. It's different from everything else that is on MTV and the radio. It's straight-up authentic music by down-to-earth musicians who I consider the working-class of Rock N' Roll.

6. What do you like about Death Cab, other than their music?
- They are very down-to-earth guys who I would never call "Rockstars" because they are too much like their fans. They are very intelligent and very in touch with their emotions. They work very hard and record their own music, which makes them the ultimate "independent" band because everything they do is "do-it-yourself." They absolutely love what they do and tour relentlessly just so the fans can see them play.

P.S. I just bought an original Something About Airplanes vinyl LP that is out-of-print and super rare for 81 dollars to give you an idea of how much I love Death Cab.

1. How important is music to you? Music is my life, I think without music I'd be at a loss for what to do. I've been around music all my life (my dad is a musician, I started playing instruments at a really young age) I just cannot picture myself without it anymore.

2. How do you use music...as entertainment, comfort, mood setting, other? I use it as all of the above, I don't think I ever don't have some sort of music playing.

3. Do you listen to Indie music exclusively? Sort of, I don't like alot of the mainstream stuff.

4. Do your friends listen to the same music as you? Most of them

5. Why do you like Indie music? Because it's diffrent from the rest of the stuff that is out there I guess. I mean have you ever listend to the lyrics from a britney spears song? Yuck! I guess the music speaks to me more than alot of the mainstream stuff that is out there.

6. What do you like about Death Cab, other than their music? I think that I'm just sort of drawn to the fact that they are regulair guys. I mean they aren't huge celebritys or anything like that, same with alot of indie artists, they are really just like their fans, they aren't overly rich or anything like that, so I guess I just find it easier to relate to them.