Indie meaning "not major-label"

One of the most common and widely recognized definitions of "indie" is the description of not being connected with a major or corporate recording label (currently one of the "Big Four" recording companies: Warner, Universal, Sony BMG and EMI). This is the definition used by NME's indie music charts in the UK, among others. It also means guitar-based slow rock music.

Many artists choose to release their music on independent record labels, as they're generally able to retain more creative freedom and control than is usually allowed by major labels to the artists they sign. (Major labels often do not want artists' political, social, or moral ideas and values to conflict with their own for fear that it may reflect negatively on the company and cause public controversy and therefore negatively influence profits.) Independent labels still mainly provide support in the business aspects of music, similar to the way a major label might, though on a much smaller and less demanding scale. The downside of independent labels is the fact they often lack the finances to compete with corporate labels in terms of promotion and initial financial support a major might provide an artist with.