Alternative music is an expansive genre that emphasizes creativity. More than just an individual musical style, alternative music represents an entire movement which celebrates independence and individualism.
Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became an iconic hit that defined a decade of grunge music. With its complex guitar layers and lyrics focused around social issues, this alternative genre stands as one of the definitive examples of its kind.
Definition
Alternative indie music encompasses an expansive and eclectic genre. This can include anything from acoustic folk and electronic dance music, garage rock to psychedelic pop and even hip hop. What sets this genre apart from others, however, is the creative spirit behind its songs: these artists don’t shy away from challenging traditional forms and creating something original; rather they pursue art for its own sake rather than for money or recognition – giving the alternative scene its unique flavor and allure.
Traditional alternative indie music refers to bands who operate independent from major record labels, meaning their music doesn’t receive mainstream radio airplay or distribution by larger companies. This subgenre stems back to the alternative movement begun during the ’70s by bands like Velvet Underground and Joy Division who rejected mainstream rock with their dark soundscape and poetic lyrics.
As the movement grew, bands like Nirvana made alternative rock more widely popularized during the 1990s with hits like Smells Like Teen Spirit from their album Nevermind and other music that signalled a shift from hair metal and glam rock towards grunge genre music – as well as inspiring future waves of iterations of this movement.
Indie music refers to any non-mainstream form of music such as indie rock, pop or experimental noise that does not fall under mainstream classifications.
At one time, alternative music was easier to define by its sound than by any specific politics or messages. Today, however, any song which stands out creatively and differently from other artists’ work is considered alternative music – such as Vampire Weekend’s “Diane Young”, which explores mortality while featuring fast beats and layers vocals to create an alternative anthem which still gets listeners dancing today.
Alternative indie music can also be politically and socially conscious. Many artists in this genre advocate against war, injustices, or encourage people to stand up for their beliefs through song; creating a more diverse society by challenging norms and making people think.
Origins
Alternative indie is often used to refer to an array of musical styles and influences, though its definition remains vague. It usually refers to music which does not fall under mainstream or popular categories and exhibits experimental or eclectic characteristics; often this genre falls within rock genre but may also draw influences from pop and punk music genres.
Alternative indie music’s origins remain unclear, though most believe the term was first coined to describe music released by independent record labels founded by musicians seeking creative control over their own creation and release without major labels’ assistance. Their music had an original sound unlike mainstream production at that time.
In the 1980s, independent bands started popping up all around the globe. These groups became known as alternative indie because they did not fit into any mainstream rock or pop genres that were then popular. Many alternative indie musicians often donned jeans and t-shirts while their music featured edgier and experimental sounds.
By the 1990s, alternative indie music had grown increasingly popular and was featured across media platforms – from Volkswagen commercials and soundtracks for films like Twilight to being beloved among young people of that era. Its popularity skyrocketed quickly.
Alternative indie music stands apart from mainstream rock by using more complex musical instruments and a wider variety of rhythms than mainstream songs do. Furthermore, its lyrics tend to reflect more directly upon experiences shared by musicians; its themes often touch upon depression, relationships and death.
Alternative indie songs often feature more emotively driven compositions than other rock genres, with singers often speaking openly about their feelings and sharing personal experiences that help make this type of music more relatable to listeners.
Influences
Beginning in the ’70s and ’80s, independent musicians first produced music under independent labels. These included rock bands like Dinosaur Jr. and Jane’s Addiction which later became major influences in mainstream music industry. Other noteworthy indie rock artists from this era included Velvet Underground and Nick Drake whose melancholic songs and distinctive guitar style continue to inspire contemporary indie musicians like Elliott Smith, Bon Iver, and Iron & Wine.
By the mid ’90s, a new form of indie music called alt-pop had emerged. Influenced by lo-fi garage rock and punk genres as well as homemade elements such as acoustic instruments and recording techniques that are less digital and more “raw”, this type of genre boasts artists like The Strokes and Franz Ferdinand as prime examples of alt-pop.
Indie music’s main trend is songwriting. Independent artists have become famous for their clever lyrics and memorable melodies, often drawing upon personal experiences to craft emotive and honest tunes that resonate with listeners – this authentic lyrical expression has helped grow its millennial-centric following.
Indie rock has long provided musicians a platform to experiment with new sounds and musical styles. Bands such as The Kinks and White Stripes were notable pioneers in pushing beyond garage rock boundaries by mixing blues, country, and other genres with garage rock; other indie rock groups are well-known for experimenting with pop, funk and electronic genres.
Although indie music encompasses any music that does not fall into commercially popular or mainstream categories, its primary goal is experimenting with new sounds and styles while maintaining an independent identity. Indie music tends to attract younger listeners looking for an escape from overly commercialized cultural phenomena.
Alternative indie music remains highly esteemed by both critics and fans, and continues to play an integral part of today’s musical scene, particularly as more and more young people embrace this style of music.
Top Artists
Many people use the term alternative indie to refer to a certain sound or independent bands, which isn’t necessarily bad but can cause issues for bands that don’t use this style as a way to distinguish themselves from mainstream counterparts. Fans could misunderstand and mislabel these artists which lead to them being overlooked or ignored altogether by music enthusiasts.
Alternative indie music encompasses many diverse genres and styles. A band may use jangly guitars with soft vocal tones for an ethereal atmosphere; alternatively it could also lean more rock-oriented with heavy synths and power chords.
Alternative indie music began as a subculture within independent music in the 1970s. Small bands produced this style of music with a do-it-yourself attitude; several became enormously influential bands within this scene: Velvet Underground, Nirvana and The Pixies are considered founders of this subgenre while other noteworthy groups include Jane’s Addiction, Dinosaur Jr. and Red Hot Chili Peppers as examples of such acts.
Some of the most beloved alternative indie songs are ballads with deeply personal lyrics, making them an effective way to release tension or express difficult emotions. One such ballad by PJ Harvey entitled “This Is Love” serves as an outstanding example – both bluntly straightforward yet provocatively direct!
Folktronica falls under the alternative indie genre and combines electronic with folk and acoustic styles, often created by artists such as Bibio or Boards of Canada – artists that help push beyond conventional musical boundaries with innovative sounds such as folktronica.
Alternative indie music remains popular today. Many new bands are finding inspiration from its pioneers and creating their own take on it. Alternative indie is an excellent way for artists to stand out from a sea of similar songs that don’t really go anywhere; so if you’re ready to try something different, check out some of today’s finest musicians performing some fantastic alternative indie tunes.