Creating an Alternative Music Culture in America: American Musicspheres

The American music scene has always been a vibrant and diverse tapestry of genres, spanning from the blues and folk of the early 20th century to the hip-hop and pop of the 21st. Throughout its history, there have been numerous subcultures and movements that have shaped the trajectory of American music, each with its own unique aesthetic, values, and social contexts. One such movement, which emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, was the alternative music scene.

The Birth of Alternative Music

The origins of alternative music can be traced back to the post-punk era of the late 1970s. As punk rock began to fragment and evolve, some bands began to experiment with different sounds and styles, incorporating elements of other genres such as rockabilly, folk, and electronica. This experimentation led to the creation of a new wave of music that was more eclectic and experimental than traditional punk rock.

Balkan Fascination: Creating an Alternative Music Culture in America (American Musicspheres)

by William J. Bush

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Initially, alternative music was largely confined to small, independent record labels and venues. However, in the early 1980s, a number of alternative bands began to achieve mainstream success, thanks in part to the rise of college radio and the launch of MTV. Bands such as R.E.M., The Smiths, and U2 helped to popularize alternative music and paved the way for a new generation of alternative artists.

Characteristics of Alternative Music

Alternative music is a broad and diverse genre, with no single defining characteristic. However, there are some common elements that tend to be associated with alternative music, including:

• Eclecticism: Alternative music is often characterized by its eclecticism, blending elements from a wide range of genres. This can include anything from rock and pop to folk, electronica, and hip-hop.
• Experimentation: Alternative musicians are often willing to experiment with different sounds and styles, creating music that is unique and innovative.
• Independent Spirit: Alternative music is often associated with independent record labels and venues, reflecting a DIY ethos and a rejection of the mainstream.
• Lyrical Depth: Alternative music often features lyrics that are more introspective and personal than mainstream pop music, dealing with themes such as love, loss, and social justice.

American Musicspheres

In their book American Musicspheres: Creating an Alternative Music Culture in America, authors Chris Anderton and Mark Jenkins explore the rise and development of alternative music in the United States. The book focuses on four key musicspheres: New York City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Seattle. Each of these cities played a vital role in the development of alternative music, fostering unique subcultures and scenes.

New York City was home to the CBGB club, which became a breeding ground for early alternative bands such as the Ramones, Talking Heads, and Blondie. Los Angeles gave birth to the Paisley Underground scene, which featured bands like The Bangles, The Dream Syndicate, and Rain Parade. Minneapolis was the birthplace of the Replacements, Husker Du, and Soul Asylum, who helped to define the American hardcore sound. And Seattle was the epicenter of grunge, with bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden dominating the charts in the early 1990s.

The Impact of Alternative Music

Alternative music has had a profound impact on American culture. It has helped to shape the sound of popular music, influenced fashion and style, and provided a voice for generations of disaffected youth. Alternative music has also played a role in social and political change, raising awareness of important issues and inspiring activism.

Today, alternative music continues to thrive, with new bands and subgenres emerging all the time. From indie rock to electronic dance music, alternative music remains a vital and vibrant part of the American music landscape.

American Musicspheres is a fascinating and comprehensive account of the rise of alternative music in America. Anderton and Jenkins provide a detailed look at the four key musicspheres that helped to shape the genre, and they offer a nuanced analysis of the impact that alternative music has had on American culture. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of American music or the development of alternative culture.

Balkan Fascination: Creating an Alternative Music Culture in America (American Musicspheres)

by William J. Bush

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4336 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	310 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE