This is the first article for the new series of the A&E section where certain music genres are explained. In this article, the grunge music genre will be discussed and all aspects that go along with it too.
When you think of grunge, the early 90s’ era should come to mind. There is also a 90s’ grunge aesthetic which is known as “heroin chic.” Now it’s time to dive into everything grunge.
Grunge is known for killing the 80s’ hairspray rock and introducing a heavy/dark blend of punk and metal. It is referred to as the Seattle sound. The Seattle sound can be described as angsty, dark, and feminist lyrics with a reliance on the use of bass and electric guitar.
Bands such as Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Sound Garden, and Screaming Trees are known for their grunge sound and for popularizing this sound of music. All five bands were inspired by the sound of the Melvins, who is the first band known to incorporate that grunge sound.
The signature voices of grunge are Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley, Eddie Vedder, Chris Cornell, and Mark Lanegan. Independent record label from Seattle, Sub Pop, is known for pushing the grunge movement.
The meaning of the word grunge isn’t too appealing to refer to music being dirt, scum but it reflects the self-deprecation of the band members at that time. During this era, many artists were abusing various drugs, specifically heroin which ties into the 90s’ “heroin chic” aesthetic. In the song “Junkhead” by Alice in Chains, the song expresses their thoughts on drug abuse and how one can’t understand the mind of a drug user until they become one themselves.
Once the sound became mainstreamed in the early 90s’ it changed the lives of many Seattle bands. For example, many fans of Nirvana believe that the fame ultimately ended the life of lead singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain. Around mid 90s’ is when the sound of grunge became more silent in terms of popularity but still is appreciated for its mark in music history.
