Alternative Music Through the Decades

In the late 1990s, alternative music exploded into the mainstream, inspiring a wave of young musicians with dreams of rock stardom. The success of Nirvana had opened the doors for a variety of new bands, and soon the airwaves were filled with a plethora of alternative sub-genres, including post-grunge, pop-punk, and nu-metal.

Although alternative rock was unable to replicate the massive commercial success of grunge, the genre continued to evolve and inspire, and in the early 2000s a new wave of alternative music emerged. Spearheaded by bands like The Strokes, The White Stripes, and Interpol, these bands blended the raw energy of punk with catchy melodies and a fresh sound that revitalized the genre.

The Strokes burst onto the scene with their critically acclaimed debut album, “Is This It,” which helped usher in a new era of alternative music. The White Stripes, led by the dynamic guitar work of Jack White and the pounding drums of Meg White, became one of the most recognizable and influential bands of the 2000s. Interpol, with their dark, brooding sound and post-punk influences, helped define the sound of the new wave of alternative music. Together, these bands recaptured the public’s attention and helped alternative music continue to evolve into the present day.