Indie rock and alternative rock are two closely related rock genres that share several similarities. Both are known for their divergence from mainstream rock and their independent ethos. Indie rock is rock music that is independent of major record labels, while alternative rock is rock music that is different from mainstream rock or pop.
The key difference between indie rock and alternative rock is their sounds. Indie rock has raw, lo-fi production and stripped-down sound when compared to alternative rock.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Indie Rock
3. What is Alternative Rock
4. Similarities – Indie Rock and Alternative Rock
5. Indie Rock vs Alternative Rock in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Indie Rock vs Alternative Rock
7. FAQ – Indie Rock and Alternative Rock
What is Indie Rock?
The term ‘indie’ in indie rock refers to independent and refers to rock music that is independent of major record labels. The indie rock industry is vast, ranging from well-known labels like 4AD, which housed acts like Pixies and The Breeders, to smaller boutique imprints like Rockathon, which housed Guided By Voices and even self-released records.
What makes indie rock different from other rock subgenres is its unique ethos and approach to music-making. Most indie artists opt for home recording or finance their own studio sessions. They don’t rely on payments from record companies. Another key feature of indie rock is that songs are usually written by the band, not outside songwriters. Indie rock is also known for its sincere performances by its own band members. Furthermore, many Indie rockers did not have access to complex production tools used by major labels before the creation of digital tools like Pro Tool. Therefore, lo-fi aesthetics used to be a major feature of Indie rock.
C8, a cassette released by the British magazine NME in 1986, is considered to define “indie” music. Some of the key elements of this music include jangly guitar sounds, a DIY, amateur-like sound, and retro elements borrowed from 1960s rock bands.
What is Alternative Rock?
Alternative rock is a subgenre of rock ‘n’ roll music that became popular in the 1990s. This subgenre has various styles, including grunge, shoegaze, and Britpop. The “alternative” referred to music that was different from mainstream rock or pop. It was often influenced by the independent and DIY ethos of late-1970s punk rock. Throughout the 1980s, alternative rock gained visibility through magazines, zines, college radio, and word of mouth. In September 1988, Billboard officially introduced “alternative” into its charting system to reflect the format’s growing presence on radio stations like KROQ-FM in Los Angeles and WDRE-FM in New York.
Alternative rock is a genre that has various styles and moods, including The Cure, Violent Femmes, The Strokes, and Modest Mouse. Key characteristics of alternative rock include guitar-driven music, strong influence from the 1970s and 1980s, a punk rock ethos, and a pop sensibility. Early alt-rock bands were influenced by Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Smiths, Minor Threat, R.E.M., Bob Mould, and Sonic Youth. Many alternative rockers also compose songs with poppy and diatonic melodies. Furthermore, some of the most popular alternative rock groups include Nirvana, Radiohead, Pearl Jam, and The Smashing Pumpkins.
Similarities Between Indie Rock and Alternative Rock
- Both indie rock and alternative rock were created from a desire to break away from the mainstream music industry.
- Some rock artists and bands belong to both of these genres.
- Both include a wide range of styles and forms.
Difference Between Indie Rock and Alternative Rock
Definition
- Indie rock refers to rock music that is independent of major record labels.
- Alternative rock is a subgenre of rock ‘n’ roll music that became popular in the 1990s.
British vs America
- The term “indie” was used for British-based music.
- The term “alternative” was used for American music.
Sounds
- Indie rock is known for its raw, lo-fi production and stripped-down sound.
- Alternative rock has more polished and elaborate sounds.
The following table summarizes the difference between indie rock and alternative rock.
Summary – Indie Rock vs Alternative Rock
Indie rock refers to rock music produced independently of major record labels, while alternative rock encompasses rock music that diverges from mainstream rock or pop. The key difference between indie rock and alternative rock is that indie rock has a raw, lo-fi production and stripped-down sound compared to alternative rock.
FAQ: Indie Rock and Alternative Rock
1. Is indie rock the same as alternative rock?
- Although most people use the two terms indie rock and alternative rock interchangeably, they are not exactly the same. Indie rock is rock music that is independent of major record labels, while alternative rock is rock music that is different from mainstream rock or pop.
2. What is the difference between pop rock and alternative rock?
- Pop rock usually has catchy melodies and simple song structures. It is focused on mainstream appeal and is influenced by current music trends. In contrast, alternative rock is more experimental and diverse.
3. What are Taylor Swift’s genres?
- Taylor Swift has used different music genres, including country, pop, folk, and alternative. She began her career as a country music artist and then moved into pop music with electronic and dance-pop elements in movies like “1989” and “Reputation.” In recent years, Swift has explored folk music in albums like “Folklore” and “Evermore,” while also using alternative and indie influences in her sound
4. What makes indie rock different?
- Compared to mainstream music, indie rock is more focused on artistic freedom and authenticity. Indie rockers often write their own songs and perform with emotion and sincerity rather than flashy skills.
5. Is Bon Jovi indie rock?
- Bon Jovi is a rock band that gained mainstream success in the 1980s and 1990s with a blend of arena rock, hard rock, and pop rock. They signed with major record labels and have had a lot of commercial success with hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.”
Reference:
1. “Alternative Rock Guide.” Master Class.
2. “Indie Rock Music Guide.” Master Class.
Image Courtesy:
1. “PearlJam-Amsterdam-2012 (cropped)” By Lugnuts – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Man Playing Guitar” (CC0) via Pexels
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