2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 21
st
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.
