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What is it?

Alternative music is a catch all umbrella of music styles that do not fit into the other genres. Before the "1987's 'alternative' meant 'unmarketable'" until producers and record labels began to recognize these artists as marketable (Nicholls 382). 

Its Origin

It was developed around the 1970's as a sub-genre of rock in both the UK and US, due to its uniqueness compared to mainstream rock, but it was also used as an umbrella for music that differed in the sound, social context, and religious roots of the current era. 

Stylistic Elements Featured
Who Influenced Me 
Who Have I Influenced?
What is it like currently?

It was originally a sub-genre of rock, and was influenced by punk and new wave music. 

These are some stylistic elements present.

  • Electrical Instruments

  • Guitar-based with power chords

  • Chiming Riffs

  • Squeal in Feedback

  • Moderate Vocals Involved

  • Faster Tempo

Currently it is as thriving genre with its own distinct style that welcomes all non-mainstream music.

As an umbrella of music with no home, there have been many fusions formed, such as alternative rock, alternative hip-hop, alternative country, alternative dance, and alternative rap. 

Sub-Genres Present 

  • Grunge

  • Indie Rock

  • College Rock

  • Britpop

  • Neo-Pyschedelic

Unfamiliar Sub-Genre's

  • Alternative Rap

  • Alternative Hip-Hop

  • Alternative Country

  • Alternative Soul

  • Alternative Blues

  • Alternative Jazz 

Most Recognized Artists

  • Coldplay

  • Greenday

  • Red Hot Chilli Pepper's

  • Muse

  • U2

  • The Smiths

  • Yeah Yeah Yeahs!

  • Radihead

  • Foo Fighters

  • R.E.M

  • Serge Gainsbourg

  • La Rue Kétanou

  • Francois van Coke

  • Parikama

  • The Abstracts

  • Santé Les Amis

  • Goodnight Electric

The Abstracts
Serge Gainsbourg
The Smiths
Santé Les Amis
R.E.M.
Red Hot Chili Pepper's
Radiohead
Parikama
Muse
Greenday
Foo Fighters
Goodnight Electric
La Rue Kétanou
Francois van Coke
Coldplay
Yeah Yeah Yeahs!
U2
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