new wave

AP&R: WARGASM, U.S. Velvet and other rising artists to check out this month

Every month, Alternative Press is sharing some of our favorite new releases. From rap to riot grrrl, this month’s AP&R list spans across different genres, bringing you a unique list of rising artists. Check out these budding artists who will soon become your new favorite below. Read more: AP&R: BLACKSTARKIDS and other rising artists to check […]

From DEVO to Le Tigre and more, these artists defined synth-punk

One of punk rock’s original goals was “the destruction of rock ‘n’ roll.” While that didn’t happen, most early punk musicians were rock fans, in spite of their espoused rhetoric. Hence why most early pogo soundtracks were basically Chuck Berry with a Marshall amp. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But this is hardly […]

Lorraine Petel’s Famous Last Words and the future of rock radio

Lorraine Petel has a deep background in music and radio, from early roots in the punk scene to developing content for Sonos, NTS radio and shesaid.so. Her work has helped to push rock music broadcasting to new levels, even winning her the admiration of punk legend Iggy Pop, leading to collaborations between the pair for […]

Lesibu Grand release new stop-motion video for "I'm Not Sorry"—watch

Lesibu Grand are done apologizing to others in their latest track “I’m Not Sorry,” exclusively premiering with Alternative Press. “I’m Not Sorry” takes inspiration from early ’80s bands such as the Motels and Berlin. The band also explore a more sincere, self-reflective side of their work in comparison to some of their recent songs that […]

These 10 vocalists were punk-rock standard-bearers during the ‘00s

Welcome to Alternative Press’ 10 best punk vocalists of the ‘00s. When we counted down that decade’s finest punk guitarists, we noted that the beginning of the new century was a turning point. The ‘90s began with Nirvana breaking down the door for punk-influenced alternative acts to become the mainstream music of the decade, peaked […]

15 music videos that contributed to the uniqueness of the ‘80s

The 1980s were the big bang of music videos—a cosmic explosion of creativity, technology and straight-up weirdness.  With the launch of MTV in 1981, some artists used the visual art form to sell sex, youth and anything eye-catching, while others used it to visually define themselves within the music business.  Read more: 10 artists who […]

10 emerging Scottish bands who are innovating alternative music

Between the likes of Snow Patrol, Biffy Clyro and beyond, Scotland set some solid roots in the ’90s mainstream alternative explosion. Don’t mistake its prominence in the music scene as a thing of the past, though. The country has been churning out new powerhouse bands well into the modern era. Though relatively small compared to other alternative hubs such as the […]

10 alternative artists who gave iconic '80s classics a modern update

We’re well aware that there’s a bit of an ’80s renaissance going on in pop culture. From soundtracking shows to influencing alternative artists with synth-pop and darkwave, the music of the decade is certainly a prominent force in the modern age. Of course, many artists (some more than others) are quick to pay tribute to their predecessors […]

10 albums from the ’90s that pushed the feminist movement to new heights

It’s a bit sad that feminism and music go so perfectly hand in hand. The movement shouldn’t have to be twisted into a countercultural phenomenon driven by defiance. After all, in any reasonable world, the equality and representation of women and marginalized groups should be inherent. As it stands, though, feminism depends on rationally minded […]

10 modern alternative artists who are channeling the sound of the ’80s

The ’80s feel like a lifetime away, and for many in the scene, they actually are (yikes). The good news is the decade has left a longstanding musical legacy. The incorporation of 1980s sound elements into modern music is hardly new, but its frequency seems to be rising. It seems impossible to turn on the […]

10 alternative artists who embraced electronica for a whole new sound

The incorporation of electronic sounds into alternative music is hardly a new phenomenon. In the mid-2000s, bands such as Cobra Starship and 3OH!3 made names for themselves in the scene with their synth-heavy infusions. And while the resulting “neon” era seemed to be short-lived, these artists were largely ahead of their time. With the mainstream […]

Courier Club bring post-punk, new wave vibes on "It Takes Time"–listen

Today AltPress is premiering “It Takes Time,” the new track from Philadelphia-based post-punk outfit Courier Club. Although it’s not as dark as most bands deemed “post-punk,” the quartet bring a dance-floor sensibility to the proceedings. “It Takes Time” sounds great on your playlists alongside artists such as the Killers, Metric and Tokyo Police Club. In […]

The Cars founder Ric Ocasek was more than just your parents' nostalgia

In his roles as vocalist/guitarist/chief songwriter of iconic American new-wave group the Cars, Ric Ocasek brought pop hooks, futuristic sheen and firepower to an American rock scene whose entire goal seemed to be based on celebrating the mediocre. Ocasek passed away yesterday in his Manhattan home at the age of 75, leaving seven albums with […]