I was just entering my teens when my dad played Disorder by Joy Division in the car. The song’s stark bassline and powerful drums created an atmosphere that was instantly absorbing. Suddenly, the mundane rain outside seemed to vanish, replaced by this compelling, unfamiliar sound. I was hooked.
It was the mid-2010s, a time when pop, R&B, and hip-hop dominated the playlists of most kids my age. My father, then in his late forties, opened my ears to an entire genre I hadn’t even known existed: alt-rock. While Joy Division emerged in the late 70s, their spirit deeply influenced the alternative rock scene that blossomed in the 1990s. Back then, “alt-rock” was the label for rock music that existed outside of the mainstream – the soundtrack of my dad’s youth.
I dove headfirst into YouTube, discovering iconic bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, The Chameleons, and Killing Joke. By fifteen, Spotify unlocked even more musical worlds, including shoegaze, which quickly became my favorite. My dad would reminisce about CDs and vinyl records, but I felt fortunate to be part of Gen Z, with such vast musical access at my fingertips.
Even now, as a young adult, music remains a strong bond between my father and me. He’s still the one who gets my concert tickets, records, and band merch. Thanks, Dad, for introducing me to this world!
Recently, we went together to see The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Psychedelic Furs in Toronto. Both bands, legends of the alt-rock scene, are currently touring North America.
The Psychedelic Furs delivering a vibrant live performance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto during their 2024 North American tour.
Looking around the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, I saw a fascinating mix of people: young fans like myself and an older crowd who had clearly been following these bands since the 80s. Seeing other Gen Z faces in the audience made me wonder: why are we, a generation so removed from its origins, drawn to these sounds?
The Enduring Allure of Nostalgia and Alt Rock
Nostalgia is a powerful force in our connection to music. For many of us, alt-rock is a sound we grew up hearing at home. My own introduction to the genre is directly linked to my father’s passion for it.
Music possesses a unique ability to transport us through time. Experts in psychology have explored the profound link between nostalgia and positive emotions. Constantine Sedikides, a psychology professor at the University of Southampton, noted in a 2021 Psychology of Music journal article that music can unlock deep-seated memories and emotional experiences tied to specific periods in our lives.
For many in Gen Z, post-punk and alt-rock carry a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, echoing the musical landscapes their parents explored during their own youth.
Post-punk, emerging in the late 1970s, distinguished itself by moving away from the raw intensity of punk rock. It embraced experimentation, introspective lyrics, and a darker, more atmospheric sonic palette. This genre paved the way for the alternative music scene we recognize today. Starting with pioneers like Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Cure, it evolved into the diverse alt-rock movement of the 90s – the era that defined our parents’ generation.
During The Jesus and Mary Chain’s performance of Reverence, I was instantly taken back to my teenage years and the initial thrill of discovering their music. Growing up in a Christian household, their name felt rebellious, almost provocative, especially with lyrics like “I wanna die just like Jesus Christ.” My mom wasn’t a fan, to say the least, but the song resonated deeply with my younger self.
That period marked my foray into a darker aesthetic. Black became my uniform. I experimented with micro-bangs, got piercings my mom disapproved of, and practically lived in black Dr. Martens and fishnet stockings, never leaving the house without my black eyeliner.
For an angsty teen struggling to articulate my emotions, these bands were a lifeline. Their heavy rhythms, ethereal vocals, and unconventional guitar sounds provided a sense of understanding in a world that often felt incomprehensible. The themes explored in these songs – relationships, family dynamics, first crushes – mirrored my own experiences. I vividly recall playing Slowdive’s 40 Days on repeat during my first heartbreak. Looking back, it might seem a bit dramatic, but that intense emotional connection is a quintessential part of youth, and music often becomes the vessel that carries us through those turbulent times.
Growing up in an Asian household, emotional expression wasn’t always encouraged. Alt-rock, in a way, became my outlet. During disagreements with my mom, blasting the alt-rock songs she disliked was my silent act of rebellion, a way to signal my frustration when words failed me.
Immersing myself in this music was like escaping the chaos within my own mind. Slowdive’s When the Sun Hits, with the poignant line, “It matters where you are,” always evokes a wave of emotion, grounding me in the present and reminding me of my own existence amidst internal turmoil. Last year, I even got a Slowdive tattoo, a permanent reminder of the profound impact this band has had on my life. With my recent BPD diagnosis, I understand my teenage experiences with greater clarity. And yes, at my core, I remain an alt-rock devotee.
Alt Rock Bands: A Lasting Influence on Indie Music
Alt-rock’s continued relevance is also rooted in its deep and ongoing influence on today’s indie music scene. Numerous contemporary bands are building upon the sonic foundations and thematic explorations of alt-rock, reinterpreting them for a new generation. This revival is evident in the sounds of bands like Preoccupations, IDLES, The Strokes, Car Seat Headrest, and Fleeting Joys.
Eddie, 21, a fellow Gen Z alt-rock enthusiast, articulates why this music resonates so strongly with our generation. “I think it’s relevant to us because a lot of us feel alienated and sort of sheltered from society in different ways. I know a lot of Gen Z has had a really rough time adapting and transitioning to adulthood, and I, for one, have definitely experienced that. Both of these experiences are reflected in much of post-punk’s themes and lyrics.”
Like Eddie, many young adults are still navigating self-discovery and grappling with the complexities of the world. The journey through adulthood’s challenges becomes a little more bearable with the soundtrack of alt-rock. Eddie also appreciates the current post-punk revival, listing bands like Dry Cleaning, Yard Act, Viagra Boys, Parquet Courts, Priests, and Gustaf among his favorites.
Music: Bridging Generational Divides Through Alt Rock
One of the most compelling aspects of alt-rock is its ability to unite fans across generations. A Pace University study revealed that rock music is the second-most popular genre among young people today.
Shaun Bondoc, 17, another Gen Z fan, believes alt-rock’s unique sound is key to its enduring appeal. “Most artists nowadays don’t have that same sound,” he observes. His playlist includes bands like Creed, Smashing Pumpkins, Incubus, and Alice in Chains. Bondoc is also a musician himself, playing in a local Toronto band called Facelift and regularly attending local indie rock shows.
Emerging alt-rock bands like Cutsleeve, who cite punk bands such as Bikini Kill as influences, feel that this music continues to speak to younger audiences. “There is a lot to be angry about in this society, and everyone internalizes harmful, shameful ideas from birth. So, music that acts as counterculture and affirms this rage is important,” explains Hillary, the band’s bassist.
As I navigate young adulthood, life hasn’t necessarily become easier – such is the nature of growing up. We all face our own sets of challenges, and therapy has equipped me with better tools to manage my emotions. Yet, alt-rock remains my consistent source of solace.
While I may have moved on from the all-black grunge aesthetic, I still find myself turning to the songs that have been the soundtrack to my life’s highs and lows. Whenever I put on my headphones, I’m transported back to those car rides with my dad, where music filled the space between us and drew us closer. These familiar songs evoke a time when, even if the world felt confusing, things somehow felt simpler. Alt-rock is more than just music; it’s a soundtrack to my life, a reflection of my teenage angst, and a constant reminder that even in a confusing world, I’m not alone.
