Alt-rock

Alt-rock broke out as the fearless sibling of mainstream rock, built on guitars, attitude, and a desire to do things differently. Born in the underground scenes of the 1980s, it rose to global dominance in the 1990s with bands that combined raw energy with sharp songwriting. It was rock music, but with a twist that set it apart from the polished stadium sound.

The genre thrived on variety. Some bands leaned into grunge’s heavy riffs, others embraced jangly guitars or experimental textures. What connected them all was a refusal to fit neatly into the mainstream box. From R.E.M. and Pixies to Nirvana and Radiohead, alt-rock gave a voice to artists who redefined what rock could be.

Alt-rock is more than a sound, it is a spirit of independence. It values creativity and honesty, drawing fans who want music that feels authentic and alive. Decades later, its influence is everywhere, proving that alt-rock’s edge and energy never really fade.

Add these Alt-rock artists to your queue: Alisha, Lorenka, and Skunk Anansie.