Alternative music examples are a great way to broaden your musical horizons. This article will give you examples of alternative music, and a brief description of the genre so that you can start exploring this new type of music for yourself. Alternative music is usually defined as rock-based with an emphasis on experimentation or creativity. The examples below show just how diverse the genre can be!
Here Are The 7 Alternative Music Examples
1. Post-Punk
2. Gothic Rock
3. Experimental Music.
4. Emo-Pop
5. Free Folk
6. Funk Metal
7. Garage Punk
Post-Punk
Post-punk was a term coined by British journalist Simon Reynolds in “The Sex Revolts: Gender, Rebellion, and Rock ‘n’ Roll” (1993). It is generally applied to punk rock bands that were not content with the three-chord simplicity of early punk. Post-Punk examples include The Smiths, Joy Division, and Siouxsie & The Banshees.
Gothic Rock
Gothic Rock examples are usually dark music with heavy use of guitars and synthesizers combined with lyrics about death or despair. Some examples would be Bauhaus, Christian Death, and Fields Of Nephilim.
Experimental Music
Experimental examples of music are usually made up of sounds not traditionally used in popular music such as John Cage’s “Music for Electric Violin” or Aphex Twin’s “Selected Ambient Works Volume II.” One example would be the experimental band Animal Collective which is known for its use of ambient soundscapes to create a sense of wonderment.
Garage Punk
Garage Punk examples are bands that incorporate the sound of 60s/70s garage rock combined with modern artists like The White Stripes or Rancid. One example would be The Strokes who combine punk-like energy with catchy pop melodies.
Emo-pop
Emo-pop examples come from emo musical groups which combine elements of pop music with hardcore style emotional vocals such as The Cure, Interpol, and Morrissey. Experimental examples of music are usually made up of sounds not traditionally used in popular music; examples include John Cage’s “Music for Electric Violin” or Aphex Twin’s “Selected Ambient Works Volume II.” One example would be the experimental band Animal Collective which is known for its use of ambient soundscapes to create a sense of wonderment.
Free Folk
Free Folk – Free folk examples are a combination of rock and traditional folk music, usually with guitar-based songs. Often this type of artist will be against the norms set by society so they can develop their own freedom from it. Examples include Patti Smith, Jean Ritchie, and Bob Dylan.
Funk Metal
Funk Metal examples combine heavy metal lyrics and sound with funk rhythms or soulful singing in vocals such as that used by Red Hot Chili Peppers or Living Colour.
How Will I Know If It’s An Example Of Alternative Music?
One characteristic that usually separates alternative from other types of music is that combining instruments or sounds not traditionally used together may be a staple sound to most examples. Some examples include experimental groups like Animal Collective which use ambient soundscapes to create wonderment. Another distinguishing factor would be vocal styles; Emo Pop bands often sing with hardcore style vocals, while Free Folk examples usually have guitar-based songs.
What Artists Are Considered Alternative?
When you think of examples in the genre, The Smiths and Joy Division are usually examples that come to mind. Other examples would be Patti Smith, Jean Ritchie, or Bob Dylan.
What Is A Defining Characteristic Of Alternative Music?
One distinguishing factor that separates Alternative from other types of music is how combining instruments or sounds not traditionally used together can sometimes be an example’s staple sound. Some examples include experimental groups like Animal Collective who use ambient soundscapes to create wonderment. Another differentiating factor would be vocal styles; Emo Pop bands often sing with hardcore style vocals while Free Folk examples usually have guitar-based songs.
Do I Need Any Musical Knowledge For These Examples?
No background in popular culture isn’t required to understand examples of Alternative Music.
What Is The Goal Of These Examples?
The examples are meant to show what different styles within the genre sound like while also giving examples that may not be as well known in popular culture or media. The examples will also give an understanding of how people outside this genre might view it, which can then lead them on a personal journey through exploring their own tastes for music and influences. This exploration could result in more appreciation for listening artists who have similar musical qualities than those they would normally listen to; for example, someone with no interest in country music but appreciates Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire”.
How Does The Genre Differ In Relation To Others?
Alternative tends to focus more on self-expression and discovery rather than fitting popular expectations. This comes through experimentation which can lead artists outside the norm for what they might normally do, such as choosing a softer voice when singing or weaving in elements of folk music instead of using strict rock melodies.