Indie music has long been the playground of creativity and boundary-pushing sound, and some indie musicians take it to the next level by incorporating truly bizarre instruments into their music.
These weird instruments in indie music are not only unconventional but also bring a distinctive edge to the genre, often creating unforgettable melodies and eerie soundscapes. Ready to meet the quirky instruments that make indie music even more eclectic?
Let’s dive into the world of unusual instruments used by indie artists.
1. Theremin: The Eerie Instrument That Doesn’t Touch You
The theremin might just be the weirdest of them all, making its way into indie music with its spooky, otherworldly sounds. Invented in the 1920s, it’s played without touching it! By manipulating electromagnetic fields, players control pitch and volume by moving their hands near two antennas. You’ve probably heard it in old sci-fi movies, but in the hands of indie artists, it creates dreamy, ethereal vibes, adding a touch of space-age mystery to any track.
2. Waterphone: An Instrument That Sounds Like It’s From Another Dimension
The waterphone is as odd as it sounds—literally. This strange instrument is a metal-framed, water-filled device that produces eerie, haunting sounds when struck or bowed. It’s often used in experimental and ambient music, and indie musicians love its haunting, atonal tones that bring a touch of the surreal to their songs. This unconventional instrument in indie music is definitely not your typical acoustic.
3. Glass Harmonica: Music From Crystal Glasses
If you thought a wine glass could only be for drinking, think again. The glass harmonica uses glass bowls of different sizes to produce notes when rubbed with a wet finger. The sound is delicate, haunting, and pure, making it perfect for indie music with unique instruments. It’s an unusual way to add elegance and a sense of ethereal beauty to a track, and it’s one of the most creative uses of glass in music.
4. Didgeridoo: The Deep, Resonant Sound of Australia
The didgeridoo, a wind instrument native to Australia, has made its way into indie music in recent years, adding deep, drone-like tones to tracks. While it’s often associated with traditional Aboriginal music, modern indie musicians are using this ancient instrument to add a weird instrument to indie musicians' vibe. Its hypnotic sound can create a powerful foundation in songs, bringing a sense of vastness and mysticism.
5. Sitar: The Quintessential Indie Music Sound
While the sitar might not be as "weird" as some of the other instruments on this list, its use in indie music is still unconventional. The sitar, known for its rich, resonant sound, has roots in Indian classical music. Indie musicians have embraced it to add a touch of the exotic and expand their sonic palette. Its intricate twangs are perfect for indie music creativity with instruments, providing a lush, psychedelic texture.
6. Shruti Box: The Drone Machine That Adds Ambience
The shruti box is an Indian instrument often used in traditional music for creating drone sounds. Similar to an accordion, it produces a continuous hum when air is pushed through it, creating a deep, meditative sound. For indie musicians using odd instruments, the shruti box is a perfect way to add ambiance to tracks without overwhelming the listener. Its subtle, peaceful tones provide a dreamy backdrop in many modern indie songs.
7. Hang Drum: A Steel Drum with a Soul
The hang drum, also known as a handpan, looks like a UFO and sounds like one too. Made of steel, the hang drum creates melodic, resonant sounds that blend percussion with a tonal quality similar to a steel drum. Its soothing, mystical tones have made it a favorite among indie artists looking for innovative instruments in indie music. Its unusual shape and sound make it perfect for artists exploring new textures.
8. Kalimba: The Thumb Piano of Indie Musicians
The kalimba, or thumb piano, might not be as weird as some of the other instruments on this list, but it certainly deserves a mention. Played by plucking metal tines on a wooden board, the kalimba has a bright, melodic sound that makes it a favorite among indie musicians. Its portability and ability to create calming melodies make it a go-to choice for creating unique textures in indie songs.
9. Singing Bowl: The Sound of Vibrational Healing
Singing bowls are often used in meditation and sound healing practices, but their rich, resonant tones are finding a home in indie music as well. These bowls are made of metal or crystal, and when struck or rubbed, they create deep, soothing vibrations. Indie musicians are using singing bowls to add a spiritual, almost hypnotic element to their tracks, incorporating calming tones into their melodies for a truly unconventional instrument in the indie music experience.
10. Stroh Violin: A Violin That Amplifies Through a Horn
The Stroh violin is a rare, modified version of the classical violin that uses a metal horn to amplify the sound instead of the traditional wooden body. It has a unique nasal tone that can sound almost metallic, giving it a strange, eerie quality. Indie artists have used the Stroh violin to bring a touch of vintage flair and strange instruments in music to their compositions, adding a sound that’s distinctly different from the standard violin.
From the mystical theremin to the hypnotic didgeridoo, indie music is full of weird instruments that push the boundaries of sound. These unusual instruments used by indie artists not only create one-of-a-kind sonic experiences but also reflect the genre’s dedication to creativity and experimentation.
If you’re looking to explore new sounds and get outside the box, these indie music instruments are the perfect place to start. Embrace the odd, the bizarre, and the beautiful—because in indie music, there are no rules.