Genre Research

Alternative Rock

History• Alternative Rock emerged into the underground world

in the 1980’s, stemming from the punk rock scene, before climbing to worldwide recognition in the 1990’s.

• The concept behind the alternative rock genre was to break free from the mainstream flow of general rock to create a distinct sound, compiled mostly of distorted electric guitars.

• Nowadays, the word is used as an umbrella term, with many various sub-genres stemming from the original.

Breakthrough

• Although being a recognised underground scene in the 1980’s, alternative rock was still unheard of to millions across the world.

• This changed with the introduction of a band called R.E.M. in the late 1980’s.

• With this, the band was introduced to fame along with many other acts of the same genre at this time. However, R.E.M. are credited with the genres breakthrough.

Associated Acts

• Although the genre went on to become an umbrella term for rock which attempted to steer clear of the mainstream market, there are a number of acts that can be associated with the original term:

- R.E.M.- The Pixies- Jane’s Addiction- Nirvana- Dinosaur Jr

21st Century

Even now in the 21st century, alternative rock is a thriving genre amongst mainstream and underground audiences, stemming off into thousands of sub-genres and being recognised as the father to Indie Rock, associated with acts such as Two Door Cinema Club, Imagine Dragons and The 1975.