What is Alternative music?

Question

Thats a dumb question i know, but i only know of some sorts of music. whats alternative

Answer 1

An idea orginated in the late 70's that there had to be an "alternative" to what was then being played on the radio -- elton john, led zeppelin, elp, and the like with their elaborate orchestrations and pretentious eqos. Folks like the Ramones decided that what was needed was a return to simpler stylings from an earlier era. However, the term "alternative" was not introduced at that time. It wasn't until that it became profitible to market these new kinds of groups that the word was invented by media outlets to distinguish their "new" product from the "old" one. Today the term is meaningless, as the schism between the old and new is long gone.

Answer 2

the definition on this has changed a lot over the years. back in the day when it was popular... bands like REM, U2 were considered alternative before they went mainstream and top 40. college radio stations played a lot of alternative music. Nine Inch Nails was alternative at one time as well.

Answer 3

Alternative was once music that didn't sound like what was in the mainstream at the time. Of course, the label has lost all meaning, evidenced by the above poster referring to Coldplay as "alternative."

Answer 4

Bands like Matchbox 20,Coldplay,REM,Nine Inch Nails

Answer 5

You need to do a search. That question gets asked a lot.

Answer 6

i'm not sure, but it is one of my fav. genre's. coldplay is alternative.