Grunge Rock
By Jenni Fredenburg and Gabriela Herrera
Where did this style of music originate?
Grunge rock first appeared in the early 90's in Seattle, Washington. This new genre consisted of emerging bands that had the sound of classic rock, punk and metal, but with a twist that drew listeners in. This style of music greatly defined the culture of delinquent youths at the time. Many of the bands that emerged immediately made it onto the famous grunge scene and were featured on MTV. Grunge fans went wild and record companies took on various new bands, making them memorable even in modern times.
Notable artists
It can be seen in modern times that grunge music continues to be an influence for new bands, just as the Melvins (who are considered one of the first grunge bands) influenced Kurt Kobain of Nirvana. Some notable bands of the 90's that help define this genre of music are Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Many of these bands intermingled and quite literally helped lead each other to success through sitting in during sessions and introducing various musicians to one another.
How did it contrast/compare to other eras?
The Heart of Grunge
Grunge artists typically looked to express their feelings in an explicit manner that ignored societal norms. This is reflected in their lyrics that focused on a rejection of conformity, feelings concerning romantic relationships, and the expression of emotions caused by mental illness. Such themes are what drew in the youth of the 90s as teens were looking for means to escape the challenges of adolescence. The artists themselves fueled the subject of rebellion found in their music. All in all, Seattle grunge scene allowed teens a new medium to express themselves and revolutionized the rock genre at the time.
The duty of youth is to challenge corruption.
- Kurt Cobain
"I wish I was like you
Easily amused
Find my nest of salt
Everything's my fault
I take all the blame..."
Lyrics: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QydEMidEC1LjPX8K1V6f223lQxQAJs7yzXU9FT7S3aU/edit?usp=sharing
"Everyday it's something
Hits me all so cold
Find me sittin' by myself
No excuses, then I know..."
"And I don't even care to shake these zipper blues
And we don't know just where our bones will rest
To dust I guess
Forgotten and absorbed into the earth below..."
Sources
- https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/90s-nostalgia-where-to-start-with-grunge-music.html/?a=viewall
- https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/04/how-alice-in-chains-found-the-most-memorable-voice-in-grunge/255469/
- https://www.luellarockerfella.com/grunge-subculture/
- https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-grunge-subculture.html