Alternative rock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alternative rock |
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| Stylistic origins | Punk rock, post-punk, new wave, hardcore punk |
| Cultural origins | Late 1970s to early 1980s, United Kingdom and United States |
| Typical instruments | Electric guitar – Bass – drums |
| Subgenres | |
| Britpop – College rock – Dream pop - Geek rock – Gothic rock – Grunge – Indie pop – Indie rock – Math rock - Noise pop - Noise rock – Paisley Underground – Post-rock – Shoegazing | |
| Fusion genres | |
| Alternative dance – Alternative metal – Psychobilly – Industrial rock – Madchester – Post-punk revival – Riot Grrrl | |
| Regional scenes | |
| Massachusetts – Seattle, Washington – Illinois – Manchester England | |
| Other topics | |
| Bands – College radio – History – Independent music – Lollapalooza | |
Alternative rock is a popular type of rock music. It started in the 1980s and became very famous in the 1990s. This music style includes many different kinds of rock. These styles grew from the independent music scene.
Some of these styles are grunge, indie rock, Britpop, gothic rock, and indie pop. They all share roots in punk music. Punk music helped create the sound of alternative rock in the 1970s.
Famous alternative rock bands include R.E.M., U2, Radiohead, and Oasis.
Contents
What is Alternative Rock Music?
Alternative rock is a big group of rock music styles. It is different from mainstream rock music. Mainstream rock was very popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Alternative rock often has a raw or unique sound. It usually comes from independent record labels.
How Alternative Rock Started
Alternative rock grew out of punk rock and new wave music. These styles were popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Bands wanted to create music that was not like the big, commercial rock bands. They often played in small clubs. They also got their music played on college radio stations.
- Early Days: In the 1980s, bands like R.E.M. and U2 started to gain fans. They built their popularity through touring and college radio. This helped alternative rock become more known.
- Rise to Fame in the 1990s: The 1990s was a big time for alternative rock. Bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam became huge. Their music, often called grunge, mixed punk energy with heavy rock. This made alternative rock very popular around the world.
Different Kinds of Alternative Rock
Alternative rock is not just one sound. It has many different subgenres. Each subgenre has its own unique style.
- Grunge: This style came from Seattle, Washington. It mixes punk rock and heavy metal. Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden are famous grunge bands.
- Britpop: This style came from the United Kingdom in the 1990s. It has catchy melodies and often uses guitars. Bands like Oasis and Blur are good examples of Britpop.
- Indie Rock: This is a broad term for bands that stay independent. They often have a unique sound. They might not sign with big record labels. Pavement is an example of an indie rock band.
- Gothic Rock: This style has a darker, more dramatic sound. It often uses deep vocals and atmospheric music.
- Dream Pop and Shoegazing: These styles focus on creating a dreamy sound. They use lots of guitar effects. The music often sounds hazy and layered.
Instruments Used in Alternative Rock
Most alternative rock bands use common rock instruments. These include:
Sometimes, bands might add other instruments. This helps them create their unique sound.
Images for kids
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One of the first popular alternative rock bands, R.E.M. relied on college-radio airplay, constant touring, and a grassroots fanbase to break into the musical mainstream.
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Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth
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The indie rock band Pavement in 1993
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Post-grunge band Creed in 2002
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Reel Big Fish performing in 2008
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Emo band Jimmy Eat World performing in 2007
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Muse performing in Melbourne, January 2010
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Weezer plays Musikfest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, August 2019
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Twenty One Pilots performing at Brixton Academy in London, February 2016
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See also
In Spanish: Rock alternativo para niños
