Alternative (ɔltə́rnətɪv) is a genre of music that is also called Alternative Rock. This style was formed from the independent music scene that arrived in the 80s. It saw its biggest levels of popularity in the 90s, seeing a mass appeal. The term Alternative is often used to describe music that comes from the underground […]

Alternative Country (ɔltə́rnətɪv kə́ntri), sometimes called Insurgent Country or Americana, is a subgenre of music that features music that does not belong in the typical mainstream country music category. With roots in Rock, Rockabilly, bluegrass, and even Alternative Rock, this style of music goes against the clichés that are often depicted in Country music, allowing […]

Alternative Folk (ɔltə́rnətɪv fók) is a category of music that keeps the gentle tones of traditional Folk while adding in a more aggressive and energetic sound that brings a new edge to the style of music. Often teamed with protests and feminism, the Alternative Folk sound features greats like Billy Bragg, Ani DiFranco, Suzanne Vega, […]

Alternative Rap (ɔltə́rnətɪv rǽp) is a subgenre of Hip Hop music and is defined as being against mainstream and popular rap music. This subgenre borrows heavily from Funk, Rock, and even Reggae. What began in the later eighties with De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, and OutKast, is often more embraced by the Alternative […]

Alternative and Rock Latino (ɔltə́rnətɪv ǽnd rák latíno) is a type of Latin music that combines the sounds of Rock, Metal, and Reggae. Up until recently, this category did not exist and all Latino music fell under the Latino category. In the 50s, Rock emerged in Latin America and artists began using non-traditional instruments in […]

Ambient (ǽmbiənt) is a style of music that originated in the United Kingdom. This style of music is meant to be played as background music, blending seamlessly into the background without overpowering conversation. Brian Eno is said to be the founder of Ambient music through combining the style of environmental music mixed with electronic sound. […]

American Trad Rock or American Traditional Rock (əmɛ́rəkən trad rák) is a style of music with roots deeply embedded in the 50s sound of Rock, R&B, and country. American Trad Rock started with greats like Elvis Presley and Big Joe Turner. This roots based rock music relies heavily on what made the traditional Southern Blues […]

Americana (əmɛ̀rəkǽnə) is a catchall phrase that describes the traditional styling of American music, especially Folk, Country, R&B, and Rock and Roll. This style of music heavily uses acoustic instruments, but electrical bands are almost always present. This subgenre of music developed in the 90s, to include artists and sounds who did not traditionally fit […]