Nowadays there’s so much music out there it can be difficult to keep up. One genre that has caught many people’s interest is alternative music.
Genre has evolved beyond being simply music genre; it provides students with new melodies they can enjoy as well as helping them find their voice while providing an escape from academic stress.
Definition
Alternative music is an expansive genre that encompasses a range of subgenres and styles. It is typically defined by its artistic freedom and lack of mainstream influence, often using lyrics and themes to advocate for political or social activism – popular examples being Radiohead, Arcade Fire and Kendrick Lamar as modern indie artists.
In the 1980s, indie was synonymous with independent record labels that released avant-garde music due to advances in consumer recording equipment. These independent record labels gave rise to bands that defied conventional musical boundaries like The Pastels, The Shop Assistants and Primal Scream – these helped establish what came to be known as C86 rock style combining elements of punk with dream pop elements as well as jangly guitars – eventually inspiring future bands such as Coldplay and Snow Patrol.
Nirvana became one of the most celebrated bands of the mid 1990s and gained widespread fame, making an impactful entry onto top 40 charts and becoming mainstream. Unfortunately, indie music became less distinct over time until more mainstream artists such as Arctic Monkeys, Mac DeMarco and Tame Impala emerged; these new artists are heavily influenced by traditional genres of rock and folk but incorporate other influences.
Indie bands typically fall under this classification, though their definition can differ depending on who you ask. They work hard to promote themselves independently by handling all booking, merchandising and marketing processes themselves as well as writing songs and recording music of their own accord. Many independent indie bands have even found great success without signing to major record labels proving that independent indie acts can still achieve great success!
Origins
Indie music’s origins can be traced to the late 1970s when independent UK record labels like Tony Wilson’s Factory Records, Daniel Miller’s Mute Records, Chris Parry Fictions and Geoff Travis Rough Trade released post-punk and new wave music that later came to be known as alternative. At that time many bands that weren’t satisfied with mainstream pop, rock or country were finding an audience through word of mouth, local radio stations, zines or underground press.
Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden spearheaded a dramatic indie music revival during the 1990s thanks to their participation in grunge movement. While these bands achieved mainstream success through massive fame and mainstream success alone, their indie roots remained undiminished by continuing production and touring under DIY conditions despite mainstream success. Their success catalyzed renaissance of indie rock that continues today through acts like The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys.
At the same time, indie electronic music began its evolution with artists like Stereolab and Disco Inferno using samplers, synthesizers, drum machines and computer programs to produce experimental electronic tracks that were more experimental and abstract than alternative rock but still had roots in post-punk and punk genres.
Noise rock and shoegaze music genres that have emerged as part of the indie scene include noise rock (characterized by harsh guitars and loud, distorted vocals that creates an immersive sonic wall of sound) and shoegaze (featuring dreamlike melodies with washed out guitars, chorusing, and dreamlike qualities) are popular examples; sometimes referred to as ambient, it was popularized by bands such as The Cocteau Twins and Flaming Lips.
Subgenres
Alternative music is an expansive genre with multiple subgenres, such as jangle pop, funk metal, post-hardcore punk and alternative dance. All these subgenres have been heavily influenced by punk movement but remain alternative music genres despite mainstream success.
Indie music first emerged during the ’70s and ’80s with bands like The Smiths and R.E.M, signed to Rough Trade Records. Indie music gained greater mainstream appeal during the 1990s due to bands such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam; its rise also due to affordable home recording equipment which enabled more artists to produce and release their music without going through major record labels.
Shogazing was one of the most beloved indie rock subgenres during this era, featuring ambient sounds, acoustic guitar and vocal effects; it gave rise to bands such as My Bloody Valentine, Ride and Slowdive. Meanwhile, indie folk featured acoustic instruments with lyrics about nature or rural areas – this genre would later inspire modern bands such as Beck, Sigur Ros and Neutral Milk Hotel.
At the turn of the 21st century, indie music saw a return into mainstream consciousness with Coldplay and Snow Patrol becoming immensely popular and pushing boundaries of what people consider indie music. Since then, indie has continued its upward trajectory, as many artists work to break genre barriers to create their own style that’s unique, creative and innovative; something which makes alternative music truly fascinating; not only as genre but as an approach that celebrates independence and individualism.
Popularity
Alternative music encompasses many subgenres and can be hard to categorize, yet has remained popular over time. Many artists who began as independent acts have found mainstream success while remaining true to their roots or original fan bases; many also use music as a platform to express political beliefs or address important social issues in their lyrics.
Nirvana, REM and Green Day were three of the biggest names in alternative music at one time or another, selling millions of records while simultaneously inspiring millions of young people worldwide. Their influence can still be felt today through various contemporary artists who continue the legacy these bands established.
Alternative artists have established themselves by writing original songs with an authentic sound distinct from mainstream music. Through music, alternative artists are also able to express their emotions and experiences – whether dealing with depression or addiction issues; their musicians’ songs can touch many lives.
Alternative music has grown increasingly popular over time. Listening to it can help ease stress and ease daily worries; its vast variety of genres ranges from rock to electronica and all can be considered alternative music. Just because an artist becomes popular doesn’t mean they have sold out; many remain true to their roots while creating innovative work that speaks of our changing cultural climate.
Indie artists strive to craft something truly original and personal. They wish to buck labels and develop their own sound that distinguishes themselves from other artists – which explains their success today.
Youth
Indie music’s roots began with bands like the Buzzcocks who weren’t signed to major record labels but still managed to build their own following and gain fame through playing music they loved; their extended play, Spiral Scratch, was an unexpected hit and helped launch alternative rock. Other influential indie bands like R.E.M and The Smiths took indie music to new levels by reaching mainstream success without signing with any label; during this decade the indie scene really blossomed due to grunge bands reaching top charts; recording equipment became more affordable so musicians could record themselves without renting studio space – plus musicians could record songs of their own composition without incurring studio charges!
The 1990s witnessed an emergence of several new artists to the indie music scene. Bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden became hugely successful thanks to indie rock genre. Additionally, indie pop genre flourished and expanded further. Arctic Monkeys and Tame Impala became household names while “indie music” came to encompass any non-mainstream form of musical expression.
Indie music today often refers to an aesthetic and attitude more than any particular genre or label. Indie bands typically do not receive support from major record labels and tend not to pursue commercial success as much as other artists; thus providing more freedom for creating personal songs that reflect who they are as artists and reflect individual personalities and interests. Neutral Milk Hotel and Beck have both used the label “indie” when describing their sound despite not having been among the first artists to release records under that moniker.