From the underground to the mainstream, alternative and indie rock music first became popular in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, with dozens of sub-genres, these styles of music continue to make-up the bulk of modern rock music. From electronic to punk revival, indie rock bands are always finding new, innovative ways to express their sound.

Indie rock, which includes emo, lo-fi and grunge music, started out as a way to describe bands that existed on the fringe. They were not mainstream, but they were playing in venues across the United States and United Kingdom and many groups were building followings. They were the alternative to styles such as heavy metal and pop, which dominated the commercial airwaves in the 1980s. The raw, more authentic sound was more appealing to many music fans, particularly the teenage and college aged crowd. The music industry didn’t hesitate for long on the new trend. By the 1990s alternative music was one of the most popular genres.

Today many indie rock bands are playing at the independent level, either without a label or for a small, independent record label. They are underground and free to play and say what they want, rather than being restricted by the expectations of a major label. This is the true spirit of alternative and indie music.