THIS IS NOT MY MYTH, BUT IT IS MINE TO USE: THE EXPRESSION OF MYTH AND CULTURAL IDENTITY IN AMERICAN INDIE ALBUMS DURING THE GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENCY

Abstract

This thesis sets out to explore how myths and cultural are expressed in twelve American indie albums released during the Bush Jr. presidency. Indie, short for independent, is an alternative music genre defined primarily by its attitude. Originally, indie artists released their records through independent record labels and distributors. The term indie has become rather vague, as many indie artists are not wholly independent anymore; yet, a spirit of independence is still present. This spirit exists in the artists’ distaste for commercialized music and the presence of experimental elements in the music. Contemporary American indie has an ability to move freely between popular culture and high art, this ability has had a distinct influence on indie’s cultural identity.