The indie change: from the underground festival to the mainstream overload!

The indie change: from the underground festival to the mainstream overload!

Neustrelitz, Deutschland - The Immergut Festival, a highlight of the indie music scene, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. From May 29 to 31, 2025, Neustrelitz will again become a melting pot for music lovers from all over Europe in the heart of the Mecklenburg Seenland. Since its first edition in 2000, when the term "indie" was still rather unknown, the festival has been on independence and creativity, far away from the large record labels. At that time, indie was not just a music genre, but rather a attitude to life for independent artists and musicians.

In the past two decades, the term “indie” has changed a lot. What the independence of large labels once meant is often used by the majors for marketing strategies today. Daniel "Kemper" Kempf, co-founder of the Immergut Festival, criticizes this process. It describes the conversion of indie into a pure marketing instrument that originally stood for the DIY spirit and subculture. A good example of this development is Zartmann, an artist who once started in the indie area and has now become capable of mainstream. Friday reports.

The festival highlight

The INTERGUST FESTIVAL has established itself over the years as one of the oldest and most popular festivals in Germany. It is known not only because of its diverse line-up, which presents both established artists and aspiring talents, but also because of the unique atmosphere that radiates it. Surrounded by forests and lakes, the event often feels like a small paradise for music lovers. The festival also attaches great importance to environmentally friendly initiatives and promotes a strong sense of community among the visitors. Europeanbookings describes the festival as a very special event.

In 2023, bands such as isolation Berlin, picture book and international music provided a rousing mood. There will also be an exciting selection at this year's line-up. However, the Immergut Festival has never submitted to the big labels, but remains true to its original philosophy. The intimate atmosphere and the numerous secondary events such as art installations, film screenings and workshops create a completely unique festival experience.

the indie culture in change

Although "indie" is often associated with a certain look and feeling, the roots of the movement are still anchored in independence. Bands and artists at the Immergut Festival often remain active for a long time without the support of major labels, thus contribute to the authentic character of the festival. Despite the challenges that this independence brings, the indie idea remains alive. Myrockshows has the festival at a glance.

The development of the term "indie" and the associated problem of brand identity ensure that the INTERGUST Festival is not only a place of music, but also a platform for thinking about today's musical culture. It remains exciting what the future has for this special festival location and indie music in general. Music lovers who are looking for a real, genuine experience should paint the appointment in the calendar in red!