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When does "alternative" become "pop" ?

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antenna:
So when does an "alternative" artist or group become a pop artist or group?

I first heard Imagine Dragons circa 2012. on a radio station I listen to.

This video was a turning point for me.  I saw the talent...

Imagine Dragons "It's Time" Peak Performance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV4kmtJ5Ebs

At the time (2012), Imagine Dragons was an "alternative" band.  Adult alternative, but alternative nonetheless.

So....

When did the become pop, as opposed to alternative?



 

isaccasi1234:
Hi, I have another IMHO good example: Linkin Park when they made their last album(sadly) One More Light it transformed from Alternative to Pop right there, good Pop at the very least. :'(

antenna:
I guess what I vexes me is that i tend to prefer "alternative" music over "pop" music.

So when a group like Imagine Dragons goes from alternative to arena, while I am very happy for their success because of the talent the have, I do see the demise of yet another "alternative" group.

Fortunately, there always seems to be more groups who are willing to challenge the music status quo.

Who knows where they will led us...


 

jetpacksam:
I understand what you meant by "pop", but maybe mainstream would be a better term?
I don't know that the term Alternative really applies anymore. as it became mainstream a while back imo.
If anything classic hard rock/metal is now the alternative because everything sounds like everything else now, at least to my ears.

antenna:

--- Quote from: isaccasi1234 on September 18, 2021, 12:48:01 pm ---... it transformed from Alternative to Pop right there, good Pop at the very least. :'(
--- End quote ---

Yup.  That is an example of what I mention.

There's a new local radio station that tags itself as ~the new alternative music station~.  The music they play I do not hear on the local pop stations.  But I wonder how long it might be before a group from the alternative station appears on the pop station?

As I mentioned regarding Imagine Dragons, I am happy when that happens, when an alternative group gets the recognition they have earned.

 

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