Alternative rock stands out from pop music by virtue of its DIY aesthetic, with roots in college radio and independent labels – this has propelled its rise among younger listeners.
Alternative music has much to offer – from the grungy guitars of grunge to the dark soundscapes of gothic rock. Even Kanye West has shown his appreciation of alternative genres with his experimental electronica album Yeezus.
R.E.M.
Alternative music may seem unfamiliar and daunting, yet its definition is easy enough for someone with little musical knowledge to grasp. Simply put, alternative is defined by music that’s more eclectic, original, and challenging than most popular rock. Independent labels tend to distribute this style of music instead of major ones; unlike its pop counterparts, alternative musicians typically don’t adhere to specific templates when crafting their songs.
Alternative music has its origins in punk rock, as well as earlier genres such as blues, folk, and garage rock. Many bands that fit this description predated punk by decades or more – such as The Velvet Underground, Hasil Adkins, Captain Beefheart, Can and Robert Wyatt; although these bands may not have been considered alternative at the time, their influence certainly contributed to what would eventually become known as alternative.
After punk, bands that adopted an alternative style became increasingly well-known and influential. They were promoted through college radio stations, mimeographed fanzines, independent record labels and even by television programs such as Late Night with David Letterman who often hosted some of its biggest stars as musical guests.
By the 1990s, alternative music had reached mainstream attention thanks to artists such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Grunge and Britpop became major hits as well; R.E.M., Jane’s Addiction, Dinosaur Jr. all became top 40 hits during this heyday of alternative rock. Bands experimented with sound and lyrics while pushing boundaries of traditional rock with themes of feminism, Gen X irony and intense emotions that would not fit the mold of Album-Oriented Radio.
At the close of the ’90s, alternative had reached its pinnacle. R.E.M. released their most successful album yet and alternative music had begun changing with Nirvana-influenced Nu Metal and Post-Grunge becoming more prevalent; some of this era’s finest work can still be heard today, such as Elliott Smith’s Either/Or and Stereolab’s Dots and Loops among many others. Today’s revival in indie music can largely be attributed to social media as record companies increasingly invest in streaming services rather than CD sales or releases from their artists.
The Smiths
The Smiths were one of the early alternative rock groups, yet their appeal did not fall strictly within that genre. Their timeless music remains popular even today thanks to Johnny Marr’s rousing guitar riffs and Morrissey’s keen wordsmithery; whether discussing an emotional experience from their past or describing another lonely night, Morrissey had an uncanny way with words that cut to the core of what was being discussed; truly an artist of words capable of creating worlds with his words alone.
Hatful of Hollow was released by The Smith in 1983 and became an instant classic. With its signature murkiness, sexual frankness and situational ambiguity – which directly addressed British pop music at that time – and signature debut songs on John Peel’s BBC Radio 1 show (leading to two anthologies: C86 and Louder Than Bombs), Hatful of Hollow quickly become an instant classic.
At first, “alternative music” wasn’t widely understood or appreciated in mainstream circles until after Kurt Cobain’s suicide in 1994 refocused attention from Gen Xers and music journalists onto an emerging underground scene, with bands like R.E.M., Twee English guitar-popsters The Primitives, C86 from Rough Trade Records becoming icons, while Yo La Tengo from Hoboken as well as Bob Mould-helmed Husker Du saw increased success as well.
Even as commercialization of the genre began to increase during the late ’90s, numerous indie acts such as The Flaming Lips and Built to Spill continued to thrive as well as folk-popsters Belle & Sebastian. At the same time, underground bands such as Pavement and Guided by Voices had managed to break out without selling out or abandoning their original musical vision – yet the genre was changing rapidly. Soon thereafter, The Spice Girls and Hanson became more successful than Nirvana members at selling albums; eventually leading to the decline of what once qualified as alternative music. Nowadays, “alternative” refers to any form of non-mainstream music which includes home production elements.
Fever 333
Fever 333, based out of South Los Angeles and featuring former Letlive vocalist Jason Aalon Butler as lead vocalist; guitarist Stephen Harrison; and Night Verses drummer Aric Improta have come together to form Fever 333. Since their formation on March 23, 2018, they have released two extended plays and an EP. Made an America was their debut release.
Alternative rock was an immensely popular genre during the 90s, thanks to Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit and Nevermind albums. These records gave birth to grunge music while simultaneously giving independent bands much-needed boost. They also marked a shift away from mainstream rock that dominated prior generations.
Alternative music is a broad term and encompasses many different styles. It’s typically applied to rock that’s outside of mainstream popular culture; previously this was also known as new wave and post punk music; more recently however this label has come to include other genres, such as post grunge and indie rock.
Indie rock, an independent style of music created in the 1970s, can be defined as an independent style distinguished by a homemade aesthetic with political overtones. One well-known exemplar would likely be The Strokes; other bands in this subgenre include The Kooks and Snow Patrol. Today it often refers to soft jangly songs without tension and edge that are polished off for FM radio playback.
Folktronica, an emerging subgenre of alternative rock, blends electronic with traditional acoustic instruments to form an eclectic sound, popularized by Bibio and Boards of Canada among others.
Genre-wise, this genre can be broadly classified as progressive, indie or post-punk; however it doesn’t adhere to any one defining genre; this allows for full artistic freedom. The music features guitars, drums and other acoustic and electronic instruments in its unique soundscape.
At a time of increasing racial and economic injustice, it’s important to recall that alternative music’s roots lie in social justice. Numerous artists have used their platforms to speak out against oppression and inequality and inspire new generations of activists fighting for change.
Independent Artists
In the 1990s, alternative music experienced massive mainstream popularity. Nirvana’s success opened doors for other grunge and Britpop bands to become part of mainstream musical culture. Many independent bands opted for smaller labels like Matador or Def Jam as opposed to major label deals; many preferred the BBC Radio’s John Peel show instead for broadcast.
The mid to late 1980s was a golden age of alternative rock, when bands such as Pavement and Guided by Voices successfully made careers without betraying their underground roots or signing with major record labels. Instead, these bands achieved both critical and commercial success by remaining independent record labels that allowed for maximum artistic freedom.
Some small, independent record labels expanded their services by creating imprints of their own, which made it even easier for new artists to break into alternative music scenes like Nine Inch Nails, No Doubt and Primus who signed with these imprints with hopes of making it big in music industry.
The 1990s also witnessed the birth of independent radio stations that offered independent musicians an avenue to reach a broad audience. These radio programs often played diverse genres from punk rock to experimental post-punk and beyond; thus helping these indie bands gain exposure both domestically and abroad, leading to more album sales and tour dates.
Alternative music remains a popular genre today, although its distinctive characteristics have diminished to be known more commonly as “indie”. There are still bands considered true indie rockers – Death Cab for Cutie and The National are great examples – that have maintained their distinct, uncomplicated sound from when first popularizing this style in the ’80s.
Resurgent indie music can be seen due to social media’s explosion and streaming services like Spotify. Not only are consumers exposed to an expansive library of independent music through these services, they make it simple and convenient for fans to discover new albums they wish to listen to and purchase them easily.
Alternative music has long been seen as an innovative means of challenging the mainstream rock genre, creating a whole new audience looking for something different – with bands like Nirvana paving the way and garnering their own following among listeners searching for something outside of mainstream rock.
But, what exactly is the distinction between alternative and indie music? Do they simply refer to two disparate labels without any meaning attached to them?
Origins
“Alternative” music once held a different meaning to what is today known as mainstream rock and heavy metal genres; alternative music had strong following on college radio stations and included groups such as Nirvana, Gin Blossoms and Oasis as examples of alternative artists.
These bands opted to release their music independently instead of signing with major record labels, in order to retain their unique sound and image while enjoying creative freedom without commercial constraints. Indie music became immensely popular during the 1990s with many artists becoming extremely successful; today however, alternative and indie are often used interchangeably but there remains valid reasons to distinguish the two genres.
Indie music tends to draw inspiration from popular culture more heavily than other genres, making it more approachable and popular with listeners of all kinds. Furthermore, commercial use may occur more readily. Furthermore, its independent nature adds an authentic edge – with notable indie musicians like Fiona Apple, Vampire Weekend and Beck.
Remember the roots of alternative and indie music lie within punk and new wave music history, which continues to transform and adapt as part of an ever-evolving industry.
Influences
Music has always had an enormous influence on culture and society, from romance to religion. Over the course of history, various genres have emerged and adapted to fit with changing times; alternative music being no different. At first, “alternative” referred to records that didn’t fit mainstream genres but soon evolved to mean independent and DIY-influenced recordings; Grunge music’s rise during the early 1990s helped cement alternative’s place as popular culture; bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam cemented their standing as influential artists.
In 2010, emo and pop punk subgenres exerted significant influence over alternative music. These genres featured catchy melodies with relatable themes of heartbreak, teenage angst and self-discovery that resonated with younger listeners; thus attracting bands such as Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance that achieved widespread success through their distinctive sounds.
Current indie music scenes are more diverse than ever before, with artists embracing new sounds and exploring their craft in new ways. Some of the most exciting indie artists include Tame Impala – an Australian psychedelic rock project; Phoebe Bridgers (singer/songwriter known for her introspective lyrics); Mitski (Japanese-American musician who blends punk rock with electronica to form unique styles);
Indie music is ever-evolving, making it difficult to pin down what constitutes alternative artists. There’s been an increasing dissatisfaction with mainstream music industry and an inclination for niche and personal sounds; thus leading many young people to identify as indie. Genre lines have blurred significantly and it is essential that musical identities stay intact;
Sound
Indie and alternative music has its roots in punk rock. Bands such as Buzzcocks were the pioneers in this style of music, pioneering an alternative style which separated itself from mainstream radio programming while creating an independent DIY ethos.
Today there are numerous alternative and indie genres. Some bands have even become mainstream; yet some artists remain true to their alternative roots. Weezer and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have both reached unprecedented levels of success while continuing to produce music that stands out.
Mac DeMarco, Tame Impala, The Neighbourhood, Young the Giant, Arctic Monkeys Foals and Two Door Cinema Club are among the best known indie musicians today. While their sounds vary considerably, each strives to remain independent from mainstream culture by crafting sound that is uniquely their own.
Many people struggle to understand that the term “alternative” has evolved beyond its initial connotations of grunge bands and experimental noise bands; now it covers so much more. When listening to alternative music, be mindful that its definition has broadened considerably since its origination.
As part of your research, it’s also crucial to distinguish between indie and mainstream music. Traditionally, “indie” labeled groups not affiliated with one of the four major record labels (WMG, UMG, EMI and Sony); today however, indie and mainstream are often used interchangeably – Phoebe Bridgers and The Neighbourhood both work with major record labels while remaining independent artists.
Lyrical themes
Alternative music’s lyrical themes often reflect real-life experiences and struggles. Songs like Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” for instance, reflect this reality by depicting young adults suffering from depression and isolation; similarly, Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” explores broken family ties and the fear of losing someone close. These topics help foster emotional connections between audiences and artists alike.
Indie music can be defined by being independent from major record labels, giving bands more creative freedom to experiment with their sound and find something distinctively theirs. This uniqueness and individuality of their work make indie musicians so popular; their songs stand out amongst mainstream ads and commercials. However, this genre can also be found within mainstream advertising or commercials – this adds another level of uniqueness and originality for indie musicians!
While alternative and indie are distinct musical categories, the two terms are frequently used interchangeably. Alternative refers to any non-pop genre while indie artists are those independent of major labels. Unfortunately, this can create much confusion as many artists signed with major record labels still consider themselves indie.
Overall, alternative music is indie. This genre is wide-ranging and creative; celebrating differences while at the same time being an outlet to express oneself through music. Thus it transcends genre boundaries; truly becoming part of an Indie lifestyle! Find yourself an indie band you connect with and begin your musical journey – then proudly call yourself an Indie fan.
Artists
Alternative music artists have long used their genre as an avenue for social and political activism. Rage Against the Machine and Radiohead are prime examples of bands who use their music to address environmental, poverty and war-related issues with their lyrics often sparking thought-provoking discussions within listeners’ minds.
At first, “alternative music” was simply used as an umbrella label to define independent music not associated with major labels. Over time however, this label came to encompass an evolving sound and style of music created by artists such as Buzzcocks who combined rock, alternative and punk elements together in their experimental sound, rebelling against major record labels’ rules while creating something entirely unique and new.
In the 1990s, a new wave of artists emerged that further expanded alternative music. Emo began its rise in America; bands such as Nirvana were emblematic of this trend, channelling alternative’s independence and unconventionality into their signature grunge sound. Meanwhile, artists like Jeff Buckley and the Smashing Pumpkins created sounds which fused elements of alternative with pop music sensibility.
Though many of these artists have found mainstream success, they still maintain strong ties to their alternative roots and influence new generations of indie artists to push the limits of what constitutes alternative. Fever 333 is one such band which has quickly made waves within music with their distinctive and experimental sound; their song “Walking in My Shoes” has even been likened to early 2000s emo music for its heavy guitar riffs and screaming lead vocals.