Is alternative music dead?

[Doc]

My favorite local radio station was just closed and replaced with a pop music format.

The station was locally known as 99X (99.7FM, Atlanta). It was an "alternative" radio station and where I first heard Porcupine Tree and many of my favorite bands (they did play PRR).

There are many rumors. I found a blog by one of the DJ's that had been with the station since it started (15 years ago). He basically said that alternative music was dead and being replaced by rap, pop, and country music.

The old station's music is now only on the internet:
www.99x.com/home.aspx

There is no longer a new rock music station in Atlanta. We have three stations playing new rap, and four stations playing new pop (not sure about country).

I guess I'll have to buy a satellite radio receiver.

[blondeambassador]

That depends how you see 'dead.' Because personally, I think music is more varied than ever due to the increase of the digital age but that does mean the demise of some traditional means such as radio stations. Basically you just have to use other means to discover new music but I find it easier to find interesting, exciting stuff now, particularly over the internet though I find you do have to put quite a bit of time into hunting around yourself online to find new music.

I also don't know if there is a difference between the UK and USA in terms of this, but over here I think the alternative music scene is very much alive. There is, of course, a large amount of rubbish being released commercially but it's very easy to find other things.

[ryan]

Well you have to define 'alternative' really don't you. The name implies the kind of thing that doesn't get played on the radio so much you know? In terms of 'rock' music (or guitar music maybe) then no, not even a little bit.

[Lawrie]

blondeambassador said:

That depends how you see 'dead.' Because personally, I think music is more varied than ever due to the increase of the digital age but that does mean the demise of some traditional means such as radio stations. Basically you just have to use other means to discover new music but I find it easier to find interesting, exciting stuff now, particularly over the internet though I find you do have to put quite a bit of time into hunting around yourself online to find new music.

I also don't know if there is a difference between the UK and USA in terms of this, but over here I think the alternative music scene is very much alive. There is, of course, a large amount of rubbish being released commercially but it's very easy to find other things.

What BA said.

[the dark fourth]

Goodness, I've long since given up trying to find good music on the radio! Also, ryan hinted at a good point: The cruel irony is that alternative music is by definition difficult to come across. As soon as it become popular it is termed 'main stream' and is no longer alternative. It is a very curious fact of life that the best music is normally the least popular or famous, and vice versa.

[mike1]

if the best music is actually that that is least popular, does that mean my singing in the shower is the best ? its certainly very unpopular in my house.....especially as i tend to make up new PRR lyrics in the absence of clarity in many cases

[timpenumbra]

If I have to listen to the radio (for music) I'd listen to classic fm (as long as there's no singing - like the dark fourth sas, here in the uk we don't really expect good music on radio...............

Alternative music isn't dead, just takes more effort to find sometimes. The idea of hearing PRR on mainstream radio here just seems odd. The variety of great music is out there, just needs the user to be a bit more dedicated to dig it out.