Alternative music is a broad and diverse genre of music that exists parallel to mainstream music. It is often characterized by its unconventional sound, nontraditional song structures, and experimentation with different musical styles and instruments. Within alternative music, there are a multitude of subgenres that cater to specific tastes and preferences of music enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore some of the most notable alternative music subgenres and what sets them apart.
1) Indie Rock: Indie rock is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its DIY approach, independent record labels, and an emphasis on creativity over commercial success. Indie rock bands often have a unique sound that strays from mainstream trends, and they tend to focus on emotional and personal lyrics. Some popular indie rock bands include The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and The National.
2) Shoegaze: The shoegaze subgenre originated in the late 1980s and is known for its dreamy and distorted sound. Bands in this genre often incorporate elements of alternative rock, post-punk, and psychedelic rock into their music. The term “shoegaze” comes from the tendency of artists to stare down towards their effects pedals during live performances. Some notable shoegaze bands include My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Ride.
3) Post-Punk: Post-punk is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its dark, experimental, and politically-charged sound. Post-punk bands often incorporate elements of punk rock, funk, and electronic music into their sound. Some influential post-punk bands include Joy Division, The Cure, and Gang of Four.
4) Folk Punk: A fusion of folk and punk music, folk punk is a subgenre that emerged in the 1980s. It is known for its raw and energetic sound, with lyrics often focusing on political and social issues. Folk punk bands typically use acoustic instruments such as guitars, banjos, and accordions, but with a punk rock approach. Some noteworthy folk punk bands include Violent Femmes, AJJ, and Andrew Jackson Jihad.
5) Trip Hop: Trip hop is a subgenre of electronic music that originated in the 1990s. It combines elements of hip hop, jazz, and electronic music to create a laid-back, atmospheric sound. Trip hop artists often use samples and experiment with different effects and beats. Some notable trip hop artists include Massive Attack, Portishead, and Tricky.
6) Electropop: Electropop is a subgenre of pop music that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and production techniques, with a focus on catchy melodies and danceable beats. Electropop artists often incorporate elements of disco, synth-pop, and new wave into their music. Some popular electropop artists include Lady Gaga, The Chainsmokers, and CHVRCHES.
7) Math Rock: Math rock is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the 1980s. It is known for its complex and irregular rhythms, unconventional time signatures, and use of dissonant chords. Math rock bands often incorporate elements of punk, post-rock, and experimental music into their compositions. Some notable math rock bands include Don Caballero, Hella, and Battles.
These are just some of the many alternative music subgenres that exist and continue to evolve. Each one offers a unique sound and perspective on music, catering to different tastes and preferences. As the alternative music scene continues to grow and diversify, it is exciting to see what new subgenres will emerge in the future. So next time you’re looking for something outside of the mainstream, give one of these subgenres a listen and discover a whole new world of music.