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| Alternative pop | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Alt-pop |
| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | 1980s–2000s, United Kingdom |
| Typical instruments | |
| Other topics | |
Alternative pop (also known as alt-pop) is pop music with broad commercial appeal that is made by figures outside the mainstream, or which is considered more original, challenging, or eclectic than traditional pop music.[1] The Independent described alt-pop as "a home-made, personalized imitation of the mainstream that speaks far closer to actual teenage experience", and which is commonly characterized by a dark or downbeat emotional tone with lyrics about insecurity, regret, drugs, and anxiety.[2]
According to AllMusic, the alternative scene's "left-of-center pop" failed to experience mainstream success during the 1980s,[3] although the UK alternative pop band Siouxsie and the Banshees saw success in that decade.[4] Canadian singer Avril Lavigne's success in the early 2000s, including her hit single "Sk8er Boi", helped set the stage for a subsequent generation of female alt-pop singers.[5] In the late 2000s, American singer Santigold established herself as an "alternative pop hero" due to her apparent artistic conviction.[6]
In the early 2010s, American singer Lana Del Rey developed a "cult-like following" with her "cinematic, beat-heavy alt-pop", which was characterized by an "alluring sadness and melodrama".[7] New Zealand alt-pop singer Lorde achieved global success in 2013 and 2014, topping charts and winning awards.[8] In 2022, American singer Billie Eilish was credited with marking the "ascendence" of alternative pop in the mainstream with her dark, downbeat pop.[2]
