Alternative - What Is It?
In the 1990s, alternative country came to refer to a diverse group of
musicians and singers operating outside the traditions and industry of
mainstream country music. In general, they eschewed the high production
values and pop outlook of the Nashville-dominated industry, to produce
music with a lo-fi sound, frequently infused with a strong punk and alternative
aesthetic, bending the traditional rules of country music. Lyrics were
often bleak, gothic or socially aware. Other initiators include Old 97's, Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Ryan Adams, and Drive-By Truckers.