alternative music

American  

[awl-tur-nuh-tiv myoo-zik] / ɔlˈtɜr nə tɪv ˈmyu zɪk /

noun

1. music that is outside the mainstream and does not conform to the standard type of any genre, often characterized by features such as experimental or intricate instrumentation, layered sound, and reflective, emotional, or socially aware lyrics.

2. rock music that departs from classic or mainstream rock, borrowing from or crossing over into other genres, such as punk, heavy metal, electronica, or folk.

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Example Sentences

And now, if you look at alternative music, I mean, there’s been an absolute explosion of people using unconventional instrumentation within the breath of alternative music, as it should be.

From Los Angeles Times

Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso won best pop song for “El Día del Amigo”—the track’s opening pays homage to Earth, Wind & Fire—as well as best alternative music album, best alternative song and two music-video awards.

From The Wall Street Journal

They duo dominated the alternative music categories - winning best alternative album and best alternative song.

From BBC

The Mexican American creator, who was born in Los Angeles and grew up in the Inland Empire, cites her middle school years as formative for her love of alternative music and culture.

From Los Angeles Times

I think it was also connected to learning about alternative music and thinking that the bands that didn’t have very many fans were better and loving them for that.

From Los Angeles Times