The most comprehensive list of Alternative Music genres available on the Internet
The Music Genres List site covers many of the most popular styles of alternative music, we hope this becomes the definitive list of alternative music genres on the Internet, send an email to add @ musicgenreslist dot com if you feel any alternative music genres are missing and we’ll add to complete the music list.
Alternative music was a phrase invented in early 80s describing bands which broke from the barrage of pop and hair metal and formed a new direction of more focused and honest rock. It includes many subcategories including but not limited to; Grunge, Hard Rock, Rock, Experimental Rock, Progressive Rock, Gothic Rock, Punk Rock, Hardcore Punk, New Wave. Their only real connection in terms of roots is the English punk movement. In the early eighties alternative music was limited to a few college radio stations. In the mid 80s as it became more popular It began to take over college radio throughout the country. In the late 80s commercial stations slowly began to embrace what up till then had been known as college rock. They never sold many albums but the influence on the music community would be felt in a big way soon when the format evolved to the next stage.
- Alternative Rock
- College Rock
- Experimental Rock
- Goth Rock
- Grunge
- Hardcore Punk
- Hard Rock
- Indie Rock
- New Wave
- Progressive Rock
- Punk
- Shoegaze (with thanks to Jackie Herrera)
- Steampunk (with thx to Christopher Schaeffer)
[one_half]Alternative rock music is really a name given to rock music that didn’t fit any other genre. However, the technical meaning is usually any rock music that descended from punk rock. A lot of rock music has been classified as alternative rock music even though some of these did not exactly fit the meaning.
Alternative rock music became popular in the 1990’s but the history or alternative rock music goes back farther than that. Before Nirvana brought alternative rock music to the mainstream audience, the music genre had been gaining popularity with the college crowds and music underground.
In the 1980’s REM was making their start in alternative rock music. Most of their airtime was given by college radio stations. This is where their loyal fan base started. However, their commercial success started at about the time that alternative started to really become popular in the 1990’s.
The popularity of alternative rock music came about after the grunge period. Grunge was a type of alternative rock music that denounced commercialism. This movement started in Seattle, Washington and soon took the world by storm. This was ironic since it was this type of music that helped to create the commercial success for alternative rock music. Bands such as Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Alternative rock music also made a big splash in Britain where punk rock was more popular. In fact, Alternative rock music entered the mainstream earlier in Britain than it did in the United States. This gave alternative bands a broader venue even before the popularity of alternative music in the United States.
During the height of success for alternative rock music, many record companies handed out the name to bands that fit the requirements loosely at best. This was done in hopes that the label of alternative would help sales. However, looking back one can see that some of this music was more pop than alternative.
Steampunk (excerpt from Tor.com)
“… can there actually be a musical genre called steampunk, and more importantly, does there need to be?
This debate isn’t exactly new; cyberpunk has seen this sort of thing before. Despite its established relationship with art and cinema, most people would struggle with naming any cyberpunk bands. The genre doesn’t officially exist. However, there are bands that fit the bill. Front Line Assembly is a flagship example. Yellow Magic Orchestra is regarded by some as the original cyberpunk band. Arguably, Gary Numan counts, too. But musically speaking, these bands don’t have much in common. This is the norm in the landscape of suggested cyberpunk offerings; from Front 242 to Information Society, Queensryche’s Operation: Mindcrime to Billy Idol’s Cyberpunk, there really is no sonic cohesion.
However, it’s no lost effort. Cyberpunk has inspired musicians to write music that is decidedly against the grain while incorporating the cutting edge into their craft. The literature provides the substance, and new technologies provide the instruments. Ultimately, the selections hardly comprise a traditional genre, but they make for a satisfying playlist of musicians who understand cyberpunk’s legacy.”
Best Alternative Albums Ever?
When the World Comes Down (Deluxe Edition) – The All-American Rejects
Best-known proponents today
Muse – U.K., Radiohead – U.K., Red Hot Chili Peppers – U.S.A., The Smashing Pumpkins – U.S.A., Foo Fighters – U.S.A., Incubus – U.S.A., Coldplay – U.K., The White Stripes – U.S.A., Linkin Park – U.S.A., Rage Against the Machine – U.S.A., R.E.M. – U.S.A., Barenaked Ladies – Canada, Nine Inch Nails – U.S.A. Steampunk – Abney Park