An Indie Mindset

I attended a book launch in Ballina over the weekend and was in conversation with the bookshop owner, Ray, where we ended up chatting about books, records and more. I quipped we shared an 'indie' mindset and we agreed I should explore this theme in one of my blogs. So, here goes...

I have believed for many years that an 'indie' mindset exists; someone who loves rambling into an indie record store on a rainy day to look through hundreds of pre-loved vinyl, then grabs a coffee and heads into an indie bookstore to browse through the shelves of titles before completing the afternoon by heading to the coast for a sea walk or forest to attune oneself with the greens and browns of nature.

This 'indie' mindset encompasses a deep appreciation for independent, alternative experiences and a desire to connect with nature and authentic, non-commercialised spaces as much as this is possible in today's world. I would, for example, much rather spend time in the outdoor Galway Market on a Saturday morning looking through the stalls for interesting produce that is local than in an enclosed shopping centre full of multinational brands and rows and rows of 'sameness'. As a young teen, I spent hours walking around the now vanished Dandelion Market in Dublin. I found myself surrounded by like-minded souls and it was easy to strike up a conversation with what is now termed a 'randomer.' Of course, we had no mobile phones, and no laptops back in those days. We were reliant on other humans and we engaged with them.

I've found, as I get older, that this 'indie' mindset extends beyond cultural and social contexts to other aspects of life, including the way we approach our work, relationships, and personal growth. This 'indie' mindset values personal expression, creativity, and uniqueness, and rejects the conformity and mass production often associated with mainstream culture. The concept of an 'indie' mindset goes beyond simply being independent of external actors; it encompasses a set of values and ideals that prioritise personal expression. That is the true bravery in today's world, to be true to oneself.

This 'indie' mindset aligns with the concept of indie in various industries, including music, film, fashion and publishing where I've found a home since 2009. In these industries, 'indie' represents a departure from the mainstream and a focus on alternative, niche-oriented, and artistic creations which are close to my heart. In indie publishing, I can choose what manuscripts I want to develop with authors, and I can decide on design aspects without having to run these by a corporate board. I retain some measure of power over my/our products, which is becoming ever more difficult. I can ghostwrite in my style and I answer to...well...me.

An 'indie' mindset holds the potential to drive individuals towards pursuing their own passions and taking a more entrepreneurial approach to their endeavours. The 'indie' mindset encourages individuals to prioritise personal expression and authenticity in their work, relationships, and personal growth. This mindset values the artistic and creative process, often rejecting the influence of corporate and managerial demands. Instead, it embraces the idea of self-management and pursuing one's own unique path.

Finally, the 'indie' mindset encompasses a holistic approach to life. I'm now off to drop a Smiths record on my stereo while reading an 'indie' book we just published. Ah, the little things...