From NME · · 2m
The World Was a Mess But His Hair Was Perfect
A new book revisits the UK's chaotic 2000s indie scene, where hedonism and high ideals collided.
In brief
A new book revisits the UK's chaotic 2000s indie scene, where hedonism and high ideals collided. Janine Warren's book on the UK indie scene from 2000-2010 captures the era's hedonism, creative chaos, and fleeting digital revolution. Originally reported by NME.
Quick answers
- Can another wave happen?
- Warren believes a new indie wave could emerge through social media, but the digital landscape has shifted since the 2000s.
- What is the key takeaway from The World Was a Mess But His Hair Was Perfect?
- Janine Warren's book on the UK indie scene from 2000-2010 captures the era's hedonism, creative chaos, and fleeting digital revolution.
New book on UK indie scene
Janine Warren, former publicist for Johnny Marr, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, and The Libertines, published The World Was a Mess But His Hair Was Perfect: The Last Indie Music Scene 2000-2010.
The Strokes ignited UK indie scene
Warren recalls how The Strokes' 2001 gig at The Barfly in London sparked a UK indie wave, with bands like The Libertines and Franz Ferdinand emerging.
The Libertines' rise
The Libertines gained attention after their first NME cover in 2001, with Pete Doherty and Carl Barat forming a dynamic duo that connected with fans through pub culture.
UK indie scenes were fragmented
Unlike New York's unified scene, UK indie was disparate, with bands like Franz Ferdinand and Bloc Party drawing from dance music but maintaining distinct sounds.
Club nights united genres
UK club nights blended indie, dance, and hip-hop, creating a space where diverse audiences could experience music together.
The internet's early impact
Early internet platforms like MySpace and Friendster enabled fan connections, with The Cribs using Libertines.org to build their career through message boards.
Hedonism and high ideals
The era combined hedonistic club culture with ambitious artistic goals, where bands like The Rakes and Bloc Party wrote about urban anxiety and social change.
The bubble burst in 2006
Arctic Monkeys' rise in 2006 triggered label signings, leading to band breakups and mental health struggles across the scene.
Indie sleaze term criticized
Warren rejects the label 'indie sleaze', noting bands from the era didn't use it and it oversimplifies their creative diversity.
MySpace Records story
The Cribs nearly signed with MySpace Records in 2005, with Tom flying them to America for a label launch that they later declined.
The scene's natural end
By 2010, the UK indie scene had faded as bands like Bloc Party went on hiatus, The Rakes disbanded, and mental health issues emerged.
Can another wave happen?
Warren believes a new indie wave could emerge through social media, but the digital landscape has shifted since the 2000s.
The takeaway
Janine Warren's book on the UK indie scene from 2000-2010 captures the era's hedonism, creative chaos, and fleeting digital revolution.
