What is “Indie Sleaze” and why is it making a comeback?

The late 2000’s to early 2010’s was a time riddled with new beginnings in music, technology and pop culture. Lady Gaga was breaking out among other stars like Katy Perry and Rihanna, Apple was steadily becoming the staple for tech and everyone was learning what Twitter was and how to use Instagram. However, out of the mainstream eye was a growing subculture of maximalist fashion, dance music and partying called Indie Sleaze.

Indie Sleaze was everything mainstream media couldn’t be, and that was the appeal. Artists like M.I.A, Crystal Castles, Justice and Grimes just to name a few, were pioneers in this era of history, defining the sound of this unapologetic and exciting new aesthetic. Abrasive loud beats, confronting lyrics and melodies that would get stuck in your head for days are what drove the above mentioned artist to success, and catapulted them into stardom landing them where they are today.

Fashion also played a huge part in what made Indie Sleaze look the way it did. Skinny jeans that look as though the person wearing them is losing circulation to their legs, paired with clashing colour combos and graphics tees with distressing and crazy colourful branding were go to’s at the time. It was almost a spin-off of the Hipster style with less composure and more edge and grunge to it, with popular pairings of lace and vintage dresses combined with ripped rights and statement shoes to give a disconnected look.

Visual style is also what many look back on and try to replicate. With most photos being taken at clubs in the dark, flash was a must and became the go to look for anyone trying to create their own Indie Sleaze pictures. One popular photographer at the time is The Cobrasnake, who was one of the first photographers to capture this era as it was and sharing it out into the world on social media.

Now that it’s 2025, times have changed. With social media being so prevalent in day to day life, finding out about new aesthetics and subcultures is just a search away, and involving yourself in these communities is just as easy. Which is why it’s brought back a wave of artists trying to recapture the magic of the early years of social media, music and Indie Sleaze as a whole.

People who weren’t aware or were too young to participate are getting their chance today. Artists like Bassvictim, Frost Children, Snowstrippers and Charli xcx (even thought she was popular at the time) have all gained traction over the last few years to bring back this aesthetic. These artists carry on the chaos, fashion and vibes of the early 2010’s like in this recent interview with music duo Bassvictim including a frantic search for a vape, mid argument.

There has never been a better time to start listening and involving yourself in this genre of music and aesthetic.

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