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.