History Quote by John Niven
““With the indie kids you have to remember this: they really think that what they do matters in some way. They reckon that history will care. (They don’t know that history will have other shit to be getting on with.) The indie kids figure that they’re passing on the torch or some fucking thing. That, just as they were influenced by someone—the Velvet Underground, Jonathan Richman, the Stooges, whoever—then, in the future, young bands will be influenced by them. Maybe so. Maybe a few thousand malnourished cockless freaks scattered around the globe will give a shit. So what? Real people don’t..””
About This Quote
Indie musicians think their work matters historically, hoping to influence future artists, yet they may be unaware of broader cultural shifts that diminish their impact.
In simple terms: Indie artists feel their music matters, but may be overestimating its lasting influence.
Key Takeaway
Balance artistic ambition with realistic expectations of cultural impact.
Themes
art
culture
legacy
humility
influence
Mood
reflective
critical
realistic
Type
artistic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- songwriting
- career planning
- public engagement
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
artistic legacy
cultural relevance
generational transmission
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel your creative work will endure?
- How can you measure meaningful impact beyond fame?
A Different Perspective
The music industry’s rapid change can render influence fleeting.
