Alternative music or indie is a genre that draws upon various styles and influences. This could include anything from folk to experimental rock.
Alternative music has its roots in the 1970s, formed by punk bands and underground artists. Although still popular today, it has undergone significant transformations.
Post-punk
Post-punk is a genre of music that draws influences from numerous genres, such as punk rock, dub, funk and free jazz. It could also be classified as an offshoot of alternative rock or indie rock music.
This style of music is popular both within the United States and beyond, distinguished by distorted guitars, drums, and bass. It can be described as rock that draws influence from punk rock and metal music.
Post-punk musicians such as Joy Division, Public Image Limited and The Fall have had a profound effect on music throughout its evolution. Drawing inspiration from literature, modern art and cinema, these groups created unique sounds with modern sensibilities.
Post-punk music often has a dark and gloomy sound, but it also has the potential for beauty and serenity. One of the best songs in this genre is ‘Twitchin’ In The Kitchen’ by Warmduscher – an absolutely captivating track.
This song showcases a cheerleader-esque backing vocalist and is an excellent example of the genre’s music. It also has an infectious beat and funky bass lines.
The vocals on this track are stunning – definitely some of the best vocals in post-punk! Anyone who appreciates melodic vocals should check it out.
Post-punk music has had a tremendous impact on the music industry, spawning various subgenres such as emo, horror punk, skate punk and alternative rock. Furthermore, it paved the way for other genres like new wave and shoegaze – all of which have had an immense effect on artists over time and helped shape our society in profound ways.
Synthpop
Synth pop is an alternative music genre or indie rock that utilizes synthesizers to craft songs. It has been around since the 1980s, drawing influences from various styles such as post-punk and industrial.
Synth pop can be traced back to the invention of electronic devices that could generate various tones and repetitive figures without ending. Initially designed for film and television use, these machines soon started being utilized in creating new forms of music.
Synthesizers became an increasingly popular instrument in the early 1980s, drawing inspiration from musicians and producers alike. Groups such as Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Tubeway Army, and Gary Numan all utilized synthesizers on their recordings.
These bands created music that was both innovative and enjoyable to listen to. Utilizing instruments, they created futuristic themes, making for music that not only entertained in the club, but was also enjoyable to dance to.
Some music critics mistakenly assume synth pop is a subgenre of alternative rock, however it truly stands as its own genre. With heavy influences from the 1980s, some artists even blend it with Detroit techno or other dance music styles for added effect.
Synth pop is best represented by Kraftwerk’s “The Telephone Call.” This 1986 track embodies all of its hallmark characteristics, such as rigid rhythmic elements, minimal production values and partially spoken vocal delivery.
Other early pioneers of synth pop include Human League, Depeche Mode and Soft Cell. These groups combined elements of post-punk and industrial music into their electronic pop songs, creating an original blend from these two genres.
Alternative rock
Alternative rock, also known as indie rock, emerged from the underground music scene of the 1980s and has since gained widespread recognition. Initially a subgenre of punk rock, today it encompasses more eclectic and experimental genres than its mainstream counterpart.
Rock music is typically composed of rock bands that aren’t heavily influenced by pop or dance anthems. Instead, they emphasize lyrical content and music that’s less mainstream than other genres. This can be an attractive prospect for music industry executives looking to license songs for commercials, streaming ads, or other forms of media.
In the 1980s, alternative rock was mostly an unsigned movement on small record labels. While not as mainstream as punk rock or new wave, it did have its supporters; one major one being American television show Late Night with David Letterman which often invited early alternative bands to appear as guests on its show.
Alternative rock was heavily supported by BBC DJ John Peel, who played an influential role in its promotion. He personally selected the music he played on his radio show and his long tenure on airwaves meant his approval had great weight in the UK.
In the 1990s, alternative rock became immensely popular due to Nirvana’s iconic hit “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” This song introduced an entirely new audience to this genre with its gritty vocal style and loud guitar riffs. Furthermore, it addressed social issues head-on, making it one of the most influential alternative rock songs ever written.
Alternative artists such as Veruca Salt, Belly, Sleater-Kinney, Hole, Garbage and No Doubt all achieved success and their songs remain relevant in today’s world. All these acts drew inspiration from punk rock and other musical styles but also used strong voices to tell their stories and advocate for social causes. Their success continues to inspire modern day listeners with their timeless melodies.
Electronic pop
Electronic pop is a genre of music that blends synthesizers and drum machines with other musical elements like lyrics. It draws influence from various styles such as rock, pop, R&B and hip-hop.
Electropop music was born in the 1980s when musicians began experimenting with using electronic equipment. Notable pioneers included Human League and Madonna.
Electropop enjoyed a brief rise to fame in the 1980s, but eventually faded away due to recordings by Madonna and Pet Shop Boys.
Other artists also adopted this genre, such as Britney Spears and Robyn. While some used acoustic instruments and other traditional musical instruments in their electropop songs, most relied heavily on synthesizers for most of their sound.
Electropop draws inspiration from a wide range of musical genres, such as rock and metal. It also borrows elements from R&B and hip-hop, particularly in terms of its melodic and lyrical content.
Musicians working in this genre typically create songs with an upbeat tempo that’s easy to dance to. It has become a popular choice among modern pop artists, who often incorporate drum machines and synthesizers into their recordings for an infectious, funky vibe.
Electropop is a favorite among DJs due to its strong, addictive rhythms that make it ideal for dance parties and festivals.
The genre’s influence and appeal have grown over time, incorporating more contemporary sounds into its repertoire. Artists such as Charli XCX, CHVRCHES, Lorde, and Grimes are some of the notable acts to have adopted this genre.
Alternative metal
Alternative metal is a style of heavy music which emerged in the 1980s and gained popularity in the 1990s. It is a genre that combines heavy metal with influences from genres like alternative rock and sometimes hardcore punk. It can also include other genres that are not typically associated with metal, such as rap and funk.
The first wave of alternative metal bands fused heavy metal with a variety of styles, including prog-rock (Jane’s Addiction, Primus), garage punk (Soundgarden, Corrosion of Conformity), noise-rock (the Jesus Lizard, Helmet), funk (Faith No More, Living Colour), rap (Faith No More, Biohazard), industrial (Ministry, Nine Inch Nails), psychedelia (Soundgarden, Monster Magnet), and world music.
Many of the bands who came out of this first wave of alternative metal eventually became influential in a second, more aggressive wave that would be known as nu metal, which expanded upon the sounds of the first wave of alternative metal by incorporating elements from other genres such as thrash metal and hip hop. The nu metal movement was popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and spawned numerous mainstream alternatives to traditional heavy metal bands such as Korn, Limp Bizkit, System of a Down, Linkin Park, and Deftones.
In addition to its mainstream appeal, alternative metal is widely recognized as a form of expression that can explore dark themes and shows the complexity of human emotions. It can be a source of hope and healing for people who feel they have been left out of the mainstream culture or who are angry about their situation in life.
The popularity of alternative metal declined in the late 2000s, but it has re-emerged as a popular genre in recent years. It is a more mature and technical style of metal that focuses on the songwriting instead of the guitar riffs. Its lyrics are more serious and mature, and its songs are often longer than those in other genres.