I stumbled upon this brainy intrigue on the nature of labeling, an of co-opting labels such as “indie” and found it well worth the read.
As far as the music scene in Des Moines, I’m not sure if “indie” ever really took off, but I do know of many truly independent bands who are making brilliant sonic waves.
Do your homework on:
Canby
Jacob Tyler Wolfgang
The Envy Corps
Cashes Rivers
The Seedlings
Dustin Smith
Tyke