Alternative rock emerged in the late 1970s from independent music scenes and became popular in the 1990s. It originated as a genre distinct from mainstream rock that used electric guitars, bass, drums and keyboards. While alternative rock started as a diverse style played by independent bands, it became more mainstream in the 1990s as many bands signed to major labels and played larger venues, marking the commercialization of the genre.

1. HISTORY OF GENRE
Alternative Rock Music
• The cultural origins are the late 1970’s and early
1980’s.
• Alternative Rock music is a genre of Rock music
that emerged from independent music from the
1980’s.
• Alternative Rock music became popular within the
time period of the the 1990’s. Although, the history
of alternative rock goes back further.
• The typical instruments used are vocals, electric
guitar, bass, drums and keyboards.
• Alternative rock is a broad umbrella term consisting
of music that is greatly different in terms of sound,
social context and regional roots.
• Many alternative Rock bands leave their
independent record labels and sign to major record
labels (Sony, Universal and Warner)

2. • Alternative Rock music changed from being individual, but currently it is
mostly mainstream now.
• A new genre of alternative rock was created known as indie music which
has a softer and calmer sound than alternative rock. This resulted in
becoming really popular with bands such as The Kooks and The
Libertines.
• There was no coverage of alternative rock music during the 1980’s, and
the music was unrecognizable to the audience, before the awareness of
the genre started to spread.
• In the 1990’s, there was a huge change, as bands had moved from
playing small venues to big time concerts, this was the beginning of
commercialism (excessive emphasis on profit) and popularity.
• Originally, alternative rock artists were signed to a small independent
label or no label at all (1976). Now they are mainly signed to major labels
(2014).
• Also, beforehand alternative rock was loosely arranged, and a
genre/movement that just existed on the sidelines of music.