To Shannen Smith, being individual isn't just about looking different, but simply living in a world in which only she understands. "If it's my own world, it does not matter if others do not understand it". Growing up Shannen knew she was different from the boring humans around her, and this aspect of her life quickly took over. By the age of 10 she was shopping in thrift shops looking for vintage clothes that would take her look to the next level. Strange I know... but just bare with her! Her obsession then infested its way into her tastes in music and interests, and before she knew it she had created her own bubble. Her bubble consisted of vintage and rare items of clothing, and stretched to the extremes of shaving her hair all in aid of being 'DIFFERENT'. Now if someone walked past you on the street with bright pink hair, wearing a jacket from the 40's, you are more than likely going to stare, but for people like Shannen its all that unwanted attention that spurs her on to be even more unusual. "For me it was important to test my boundaries at a young age, that way you have no boundaries for when you get old!" Her life has been consumed by unusual tastes in fashion, music and media from the womb, and yet she has no regrets as she believe it was this ambition to be individual that drove her to write such successful music. Her music has been as influential all around the music, as her styling and aesthetics.
Shannen is also grateful for her support from social media sites such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook as they allowed her to spread her slightly bizarre image and music style. She was first recognised by producer Henry Stevens (Future Records) over the internet, and from then, her future was set. Her first hit 'Unorthodox Jukebox' reached number one in over 13 Countries, and still to this day her popularity grows, and there is no sign of it stopping. Her recent album 'The black and white rainbow' is due to be released in May 2014, but if her earlier hits are anything to go by, this album will be not exception to her success. "I am thankful for all of the support I have received.. but in all honesty I only started singing because I had nothing better to do". Her unique style is something that has not gone unnoticed.. but with that hair it's not bound to. She has been described as a 'Pioneer of music' and she continues to lead the way for 'Indie' music and fashion all over the world.
To be indie or not to be indie... that is the question
What is 'Indie'? This is a question that has been asked since the birth of Jesus, and is still asked quite a lot today. Wearing a fruit basket on your head does not make you indie.. so what does make a person indie? Is it their hair style? Is it their sense of fashion? or is it just generally their state of sanity? In fact all of these are contributions to what make a person individual. There is a broad spectrum to what we normal folk class as being indie, and the difference between being indie and a psychopath. To make it easier to understand, I have created my top 5 for what make a person individual.. and no a fruit basket on your head is not included. The list is as follows;
- Wear clothing that would not be classed as 'NORMAL' or 'EXPECTABLE' in public
- Make your hair look as though the hairdresser did it by accident..
- Not caring about what people think, except your mother.. as she is always right!
- Listening to unconventional music with unconventional instruments (Often includes the spoons and a banjo)
- Having a calm and cool approach to every situations (WITHOUT THE USE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS)
In fact, none of these have to be present for a person to be individual, as there is no stereotype to what makes a person indie. However the key to being indie is to not care about others opinions of you, and to be what you are without having to explain yourself. As the great William Shakespeare used to say 'To be indie, or not to be indie... that is the question.' Indie people have no specific image, they are just what they are... and most of them probably do have SILLY HAIRCUTS.
By Cameron Vear
(UNDOX Editor)
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