Grunge

Mark Arm

Seattle Music Scene Exhibit 3, EMP Museum

MikeMcCready2013

Boss turbopedal used

Soundgarden @ McCallum Park (522012)

Grunge is a genre of rock music that emerged in the mid-1980s in the American state of Washington, particularly in Seattle. It fuses elements of punk rock and heavy metal, featuring the distorted electric guitar sound used in both genres, but differs in its use of slower tempos and a more melancholic or introspective mood. The genre became widely known in the early 1990s due to the success of bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains.

History

The term "grunge" was first used to describe the murky, dirty sound of a wave of bands that emerged from Seattle's independent record label, Sub Pop. The music was a response to the dominant genres of the 1980s, offering a stark contrast to the glam metal that was prevalent at the time. Grunge lyrics often addressed themes of social alienation, apathy, confinement, and a desire for freedom.

Early Years

The early grunge movement revolved around Seattle's underground music scene. Bands like Green River and The Melvins were among the first to develop the sound that would come to be associated with grunge. By the late 1980s, the scene had caught the attention of major record labels, and bands began to sign with them.

Mainstream Success

Grunge reached its commercial peak in the early 1990s. Nirvana's second album, Nevermind, was a breakthrough success, bringing widespread attention to the genre. Other bands, such as Pearl Jam with their album Ten, Soundgarden with Badmotorfinger, and Alice in Chains with Dirt, also received critical and commercial acclaim. The fashion associated with grunge, including flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and unkempt hair, became popular worldwide.

Decline

By the mid-1990s, the popularity of grunge began to decline. The death of Nirvana's frontman, Kurt Cobain, in 1994 is often cited as a turning point for the genre. Additionally, the music industry's push to capitalize on the grunge trend led to a saturation of bands labeled as grunge, many of which lacked the authenticity of the early Seattle groups. This, combined with the emergence of new genres, led to a decrease in interest in grunge music.

Characteristics

Grunge music is characterized by its "dirty" sound, which comes from the use of distorted electric guitars, fuzz effects, and feedback. The vocals can range from a melodic singing to aggressive shouting. Lyrics often express apathy, disillusionment, and a desire for freedom. The genre's aesthetic includes a disregard for the typical rock star image, favoring a more unkempt and accessible look.

Legacy

Despite its relatively short period of mainstream popularity, grunge has had a lasting impact on rock music. It helped to establish an alternative rock scene in the 1990s and influenced a variety of music genres, including post-grunge, nu metal, and emo. Bands from the grunge era, particularly Nirvana and Pearl Jam, continue to be influential and popular. The genre also had a significant impact on fashion, which has seen periodic revivals.

See Also

• Alternative rock
• Seattle music scene
• 1990s in music