While alternative pop and indie music share some similarities, there are important distinctions between the two genres. Let's explore the key differences between alternative pop and indie music.
Alternative Pop Defined Alternative pop, also known as alt-pop, is a genre of pop music that incorporates styles and sounds from alternative rock. Alternative pop songs typically have a pop structure with catchy melodies and choruses but feature instrumentation and lyrical themes more commonly found in alternative rock. Artists like Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Phoebe Bridgers are leading voices in the alternative pop scene today.
Indie Music Defined Indie music, which is short for "independent music," refers to music produced independently from major record labels. While indie music can incorporate various styles, at its core it celebrates a DIY ethos of independent production and distribution. Indie bands are often signed to smaller, independent record labels rather than major labels. Artists like Vance Joy, Angus & Julia Stone, and Bon Iver are representative of the indie music genre.
Similarities Between Alternative Pop and Indie Both alternative pop and indie music incorporate non-mainstream influences and tend to be less commercially driven than mainstream pop. They also share an independent spirit and focus on artistic expression over radio popularity.
Key Differences The main distinction is that alternative pop remains rooted in pop conventions like catchy melodies and song structures, while indie music can incorporate various styles and is defined more by its independent production approach. Alternative pop artists also sometimes sign to major labels, whereas indie musicians strictly release music via independent labels. Lyrically, indie songs often have a folk or singer-songwriter vibe compared to alternative pop.
In summary, while the lines can blur at times, alternative pop maintains a stronger connection to mainstream pop music conventions, and indie music celebrates independent production above all else. Both genres offer refreshing twists on mainstream pop but through distinct artistic lenses.
