Alternative music is well known for creating tight-knit communities around its artists, often mixing elements from multiple genres into their unique sound.
Indie music once meant a specific style; today it encompasses music with more experimental tendencies and artist’s who strive to break free from genre limitations when creating their music.
Jane’s Addiction
Jane’s Addiction burst onto the LA music scene in 1985 and quickly established themselves as an influential group. While musical trends shifted around them, they stayed true to their vision by remaining alternative-minded. They defied easy categorization as hair metal or goth even after reaching #1 on Billboard with their hit song, “Been Caught Stealing.” Their signature swirling psychedelia and unique studio alchemy set them apart; their impact on modern rock music cannot be denied. They inspired bands such as the Smashing Pumpkins with their jumpy syncopation, while their riff-heavy rock laid the groundwork for fierce funk metal acts such as Rage Against the Machine. Perry Farrell’s scratchy falsetto continues to sound modern even today and can be heard on albums by Band of Horses like Ben Bridwell.
Nothing’s Shocking remains an influential classic of the genre today, while making no concessions to mainstream culture despite signing with major label. Their live album Triple X Records remains independent despite being signed up with major label (a sure sign they understood things were changing but wanted to maintain their alternative credentials).
Dave Navarro had previously played in a speed metal band before joining Jane’s Addiction, and his skills can be heard throughout their discography as an intriguing blend of psychedelia, heavy metal and modern rock music. Their unique sound shocked audiences everywhere while helping bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden break through into mainstream popularity and introduce alternative into mainstream audiences. Furthermore, Jane’s Addiction also helped usher in modern rock festival culture via founding Lollapalooza festival every year – thus ushering in modern age American rock festivals!
The Strokes
In 1998, five New York friends came together to form The Strokes. Members included singer Julian Casablancas, guitarists Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr., bassist Nikolai Fraiture and drummer Fabrizio Moretti. Is This It was released by the band in 2001 to rave reviews – many considered it one of the best albums of that decade – with many crediting it with kickstarting garage rock’s revival early 21st century revival movement.
Room on Fire was released in October 2003 and proved less successful than its predecessor but still did well in the charts. While its sound maintained some signature Strokes elements such as those heard on its predecessor album, it also integrated elements from groups such as The Cars and Blondie into its sound.
Following the release of their second album, the band embarked on an extensive world tour, performing in cities such as London, Berlin and Paris as well as festivals like Lollapalooza and Coachella. They also released a limited-edition vinyl-only live album titled Live in London that recorded at Alexandra Palace in North London; at that time they also announced they were working on another record which unfortunately never materialised.
Over the years, The Strokes’ popularity declined and their members pursued other projects: Casablancas launched his own record label, Cult; Hammond and Valensi joined an underground hip hop collective called Voidz; while bassist Fraiture collaborated in Summer Moon alongside Jane’s Addiction drummer Tim Armstrong. Furthermore, Casablancas married Juliet Joslin.
Arctic Monkeys
The Arctic Monkeys, from Sheffield, combine Britpop bounce and garage rock swagger into irreverent street-smart charm. Led by Alex Turner as charismatic frontman, their four-piece avoids formulaic music and playfully push boundaries with songs such as “Who the F**k Are Arctic Monkeys?” and “Arctic Monkeys.” Their first album Humbug followed by Suck It and See in 2011 and AM in 2013 propelled them into stardom.
Arctic Monkeys took an unconventional step following AM, by taking four years to craft their follow up album Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino (2022). They deviated from their guitar-driven indie rock roots towards piano-based music – a move which proved risky but ultimately paid off spectacularly, creating a classic album which showcased all their incredible talent.
Arctic Monkeys draw their musical inspiration from The Strokes as well as other genres, making them must-listens for fans of alternative music. Their distinctive sound has quickly become an industry mainstay and their songs will sure to bring smiles.
Foals is another band similar to Arctic Monkeys with their own distinct sound, fusing math rock, funk and post-punk with fun beats and intelligent lyrics. Another similar act would be The Black Keys who feature angular guitar riffs and complex rhythms similar to Arctic Monkeys; similarly Gardenia from America features Ryan Zakin on vocals/bass with Tamir Malik on drums for an up and coming indie duo featuring layers of intentionally harsh vocals along with distortion bass guitar distorted bass guitar snare staccato from Tamir Malik creating an authentic alternative sound that offers something special for fans of alternative rock!
Sufjan Stevens
Indie music encompasses many subgenres, but they all share one trait in common: their creators are independent bands not signed to major labels and can express themselves creatively without restrictions or templates imposed upon their music. Indie has broad appeal and listening can be extremely euphoric!
Sufjan Stevens is an American multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter who first gained widespread acclaim during the 2000s. Known for his exquisite yet arresting musical arrangements and poetic lyrics, Stevens is often compared to folk musicians like Bob Dylan. Additionally, Stevens draws influence from genres as diverse as electronic music, jazz by Vince Guaraldi, academic minimalism and minimalism – among many others.
He has released ten albums and collaborated with various other artists, his music appearing in several films and TV shows such as Driving Lessons featuring Julie Walters and Rupert Grint and “All the Trees Will Clap Their Hands” appearing in Weeds episodes 202-315 of Showtime dark comedy Weeds on Showtime.
Alternative indie music is an expansive genre that encompasses everything from post-punk to experimental rock. Its fans are passionate about its sounds and form close-knit communities surrounding this style of music; such groups provide support and inspiration to its members, often inspiring creativity and innovation in them.
Indie music emerged during the early 1980s in response to mainstream rock and pop music scenes, first popularised by American musicians from Athens, Georgia who established underground music scenes across various American cities. These scenes featured bands producing their own recordings while marketing/promoting/booking themselves and hosting concerts themselves.
Tame Impala
Kevin Parker and Tame Impala have made waves within rock music over their short careers to date, becoming one of the most influential bands of recent times. Boasting washy, colourful psychedelic soundscapes reminiscent of 60’s psychedelia, their hazy psych rock has helped transport listeners back through time and out into space. From their debut Innerspeaker album to 2012 mainstream breakthrough Lonerism album they have earned their place as modern guitar heroes who can break out into mainstream consciousness while making the leap from supporting act to festival headliners.
Currents cemented their standing as rock’s premier mainstream representatives and broken several chart records and garnering numerous accolades, such as being nominated for a Grammy Award as Best Alternative Music Album. Furthermore, Currents set the foundation for larger, more extensive tours in subsequent years.
But it is clear that The Slow Rush marks a departure from their signature sound. Where their prior album featured acid distortion combined with psychedelic ecstasy, The Slow Rush instead features synth-driven pop melodies and electronic beats.
While not necessarily bad news, The Slow Rush may disappoint those hoping for the same energetic rock sound from previous albums like Crashing Through or No Signal. Don’t despair though: this band are no stranger to working with artists from varying genres and composing pop, R&B and EDM-influenced songs of their own accord; Parker’s prolific production work with Lady Gaga and Yasiin Bey has played an enormous role in shaping their shift into more of a pop-oriented rock band on this latest record.