Sometimes, you have to be different to stand out. Indie music fits into that category, and there’s a day set aside to celebrate Strange Music.

On August 24, National Strange Music Day, people are encouraged to listen to a type of music that they wouldn’t typically listen to, and Indie music puts that opportunity out for many people.

By listening to Indie music, people are able to see and listen to music in different perspectives,listening without being prejudiced.

National Strange Music Day was established in 1998 by Patrick Grant, a professional musician from New York City. He’s a Juilliard graduate and the founder of Strange Music Inc. Grant believes in broadening people’s musical spectrums and helping people. Studies have shown different genres of music affect the mind and body in different ways.

Indie music doesn’t necessarily need to be “strange” but that word is used to describe music someone might not be familiar with. You don’t have to wait to celebrate the opportunity. You can go on the internet and search for bizarre music or music you might not be very familiar with and just listen around. You can even create your own “strange” music.

If you want to be reminded when the new school year starts, take advantage of National Strange Music Day and mark your calendar. Then you can take advantage of this opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and listen to different genres of music.