LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — The phrase “The revival of indie sleaze” is circulating the internet, but what is it, and why is it being resurrected? “Indie sleaze” is a gritty fashion and electric music subculture that dominated the early 2010s. The original name for this aesthetic is hard to pinpoint: some party goers during this time called it blog rock while others called it hipster. 

Bands like Crystal Castles, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Daft Punk owned this era of music. Songs like “Heads will Roll” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs and “Not in Love” by Crystal Castles boomed in popularity for their edgy dynamic that proved to be a refreshing change from popular artists at the time like Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift. With their alternative and electronic music, fans crowded concerts and parties for a chance to enjoy a fun night out and let loose with this genre.

“When it came time to start performing…it was like a volcano…When I got to the platform of the stage, it came just erupting out,” Karen O, the lead singer in Yeah Yeah Yeahs said to Electronic Beats. 

Kate Moss, Sky Ferreira, Alexa Chung and other celebrities sported attire from brands like American Apparel and Doc Martens. Their studded accessories and skinny jeans fostered a new wave of fashion in 2010. 

“Everyone was wasted and having the best time ever, so I just hope everyone’s still having a great time,” Alexa Chung said in an interview with W Magazine. 

As the clean girl aesthetic and slicked back hairstyles were born in late 2021, indie sleaze began to make a comeback. During this time, teens and young adults began to retaliate against social norms and overconsumption by presenting themselves in their most authentic and messy form.

Chartmetric shows that less than 40 thousand people followed Spotify’s “Indie Sleaze” playlist in April 2022, and now the playlist is reaching more than 170 thousand followers in Oct. 2024.

What’s different about indie sleaze in 2025 than in 2010? New artists and bands like The Dare, The Hellp and Snow Strippers are making a huge hit in the indie scene, with a large increase of streams on Spotify and hits on other social media platforms. 

In August of 2022, Harrison Smith, who is professionally known as The Dare, released the hit song “Girls” which has 49.3 million streams since its release. The Dare also produced the song “Guess” by Charli XCX, which became a huge hit on the western charts, hitting No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Electronic Songs on August 17, 2024.

“I want people to get joy from the music and experience — have a positive reaction if possible,” Smith said in an interview with Office Magazine. 

The flashy and grungy aesthetic of indie sleaze doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon. As fashion trends continue to evolve, this subculture will remain true to its core: carefree and rebellious. New artists are going platinum with songs that encapsulate the moody essence of indie sleaze, fostering a new love for this lifestyle by many across the globe.