alt-country

Alt-country, short for alternative country, is a genre of music that blends traditional country elements with influences from rock, folk, and punk. Emerging in the 1990s, it often features heartfelt lyrics that explore personal themes, using instruments like guitars, fiddles, and banjos. Artists like Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, and Gillian Welch are notable within this genre. Alt-country seeks to push the boundaries of conventional country music by incorporating diverse sounds and more complex storytelling, appealing to listeners who appreciate both roots music and contemporary influences.