Alternative/Modern Rock scene dead?

musicismylife78

Alot of the media attention when it refers to music thesedays seems to be focused on the indie music scene. Music fans seem much more interested in the goings on of Fleet Foxes, Modest Mouse and Bon Iver than the Chili Peppers, pearl Jam or any other number of "alternative bands".

I think this shows several things. One of which is the idea that an alternative music scene no longer exists. I listen to a "modern rock" radio station these days and hardly recognize the sounds of any of these bands. Nickelback, Three Days Grace, Seether. While these bands can write hits and catchy tunes, I dont think they signify a scene.

The Zeitgeist currently is indie rock. You have Pitchfork, arguably the most important music criticism in the world able to make or break a band with a single review, you have blogs like Brooklyn Vegan or Stereogum able to create buzz about bands before they even sign on a label, and you have movies and tv shows everything from Garden State, to Nick and Norah to Greys anatomy and Scrubs that play indie bands or take chances and play something not on the top 40. Whats interesting is how often those songs go on to be hits and how often people remark "I heard this song on (insert favorite tv show or movie) and had to track it down!".

Its interesting how in tune and on top of things alternative rock radio used to be, and how out of tune and out of step it currently is.

Are people really excited about the release of a Three Days Grace or Nickelback cd? Or do people go nore gaga over the new Animal Collective cd or the Fleet Foxes album?

jimed14

First tastes change ... they just do ... 16-22 year olds just don't want to listen to bands that have 7-8 albums out already, they want someone they can identify with.

Also, indie rock ISN'T indie rock anymore, just as alternative really wasn't that alternative by say, 1993 ... some of these 'indie' bands are being backed and promoted by huge labels ...

I think the proliferation of the internet has a lot to do with the fact there aren't many MEGA bands anymore ... people can be statified into so many different ways of what music they like, and, it's a LOT easier to find it. It's going to be really tough for bands these days to hit the levels of the old MEGA bands ... there is just too much to choose from.

The internet has also made it that many people like finding what's fresh and new FIRST. Everyone has a blog, everyone wants to be the one that said "I knew them first" ... and many of these folks are just as quick to jump off the bandwagon when the band reaches huge status (recent examples that come to mind are KOL and Death Cab)

I don't even know if this answers your question ... "is alternative rock dead?" ... I'd say no, the fans are just older. And the genre has been whittled down to certain survivors ... but, it's not dead ... it just that overall, it has a less vocal, less energetic, less willing to go to the mall and blow $100 on posters and t-shirts type audience. And we all know music labels follow the $$$.

pearljam_addiction

I have Yet to meet someone excited for a Nickelback release, i would love to, so i can punch them in the face to participating and supporting Crap! Alterantive Music is always changing to the tastes of the public. These days Indie rock music seems to be the new alternative scene. Its the "alternative" to the simple/generic crap rock of the mainstream: i.e Nickelback/ 3 Doors Down/ Hinder /Seether/ Breaking Benjamin etc etc.

It also seems the indie artists have more to offer in lyrical and musical quality, and take time to perfect their albums and not rush them to sell a quick buck.
I for one am way more excited to listen to the Likes of Fleet foxes/ Band OfHroses/ My Morning Jacket/ Kings of Leon/ Interpol/ Broken Social Scene / Arcade Fire any day over most crap on Mordern/Mainstream rock Radio

gabers

I agree, "Indie" now is what "Alternative" was in the 90's and "Modern Rock" was in the 80's. Good rock not for the mainstream. There's an XM channel that calls itself alternative rock, but I'd say that name is dead for new music.

soulsinging

gabers wrote:

I agree, "Indie" now is what "Alternative" was in the 90's and "Modern Rock" was in the 80's. Good rock not for the mainstream. There's an XM channel that calls itself alternative rock, but I'd say that name is dead for new music.

What he said. It's just a new term for the same scene. They called it alternative then, indie now, but it's the same thing. The style has just changed is all. In 10 years, you're going to have a ton of shitty bands that sound vaguely like Band of Horses or Fleet Foxes, just like now you have Nickelback that sounds like shit Pearl Jam. There's nothing new or special about any of this, it's just the cycle of the music industry.

Pitchfork fucking blows. Anyone who reads and likes that publication is automatically a douchebag. Its staff should be put through the instruments used in the Spanish Inquisition.

jimed14

soulsinging wrote:

Its staff should be put through the instruments used in the Spanish Inquisition.

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

fragileblake

You know, some people who read Pitchfork don't agree with everything they write. Just sayin'

intodeep

Do kids listen to the radio or do they listen to "indie rock"

I'm 30 and i stoppedl listenign to the radio a long time ago and looked for other outlets to find new music in the late 90's and that is when my eyes started opening up to a lot of bands i would normally not have listened to.

I do'nt kow what kids 15-20 listen to.

Maybe the only people who listen to the radio are people who just like background music. Not people who really enjoy music? does that make sense?

PJGARDEN

I read Pitchfork a lot. I don't agree with the reviews 95% of the time but I think it's a great place to go to see what new releases are coming out and new bands to check out. I don't think that automatically makes me a douchebag. :(

And I don't think the scene is dead. I just think more and more people are looking beyond the radio for music they enjoy and can relate to.

soulsinging

fragileblake wrote:

You know, some people who read Pitchfork don't agree with everything they write. Just sayin'

Doesn't matter, you're giving financial support to the music industry equivalent of Sean Hannity or Ann Coulter.

kenny olav

I think some of you all are making this too complicated. I don't read any magazines on a regular basis. They usually annoy me. If I happen hear something I like, it's a win for me. But I don't seek out new music. I'm pretty much content with the music I have... maybe it's my age (32). If I hear new music, it's because a friend is listening to it. For example, a friend introduced me to Neko Case not too long ago, though she's been around for years, and damn, she's phenomenal. So now I have music I wanna buy... dammit! That's why I really avoid new music, I think.

I miss the early to mid 90's when just about everything that hit the radio was at least moderately good, but so much of it was way better than good. It was a great renewal in music that may never happen again.