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Alternative

Alternative

KMS Alternative Logo

 

Alternative Rock (also called alternative music, alt rock or simply alternative) is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s. Although the term was most commonly associated in its commercial heyday with a loud, distorted guitar sound, its original meaning was broader, referring to a generation of musicians unified by their collective debt to either the musical style, or simply the independent, D.I.Y. ethos, of punk rock, which in the late 1970s laid the groundwork for alternative music. At times, "alternative" has been used as a catch-all description for music from underground rock artists that receives mainstream recognition, or for any music, whether rock or not, that is seen to be descended from punk rock (including some examples of punk itself, as well as New Wave, and post-punk).

Slumlord Radio

Slumlord Radio

Genre: Alternative Rock

A Hero Falls

A Hero Falls

Genre: Alternative Rock

The five of us have been playing music together for years, but we officially started writing and recording music in early 2009. After recording several demos, and playing dozens of shows, we've released our first EP "Stable Ground" in June of 2011. We chose the name Stable Ground because it reflects on the fact that we've finally reached a point in our careers where we have a defined sound that suits our personalities and is true to ourselves.

The Vollies

The Vollies

Genre: Alternative Rock/Rock & Roll/Garage/Post-Rock/Shoegaze

Natives of Southwest Michigan, The Vollies are the mutant offspring of two parallel projects from roughly the same group of musicians: The Professors and Tree Ability.

The result is a creamy synthesis of riff-oriented, rhythmically boisterous heavy rock & roll with ambient and pleasantly melodic elements. Alternative? Garage? Shoegaze? Post-rock? They're not sure, nor do they care, and they're guessing that you won't either.

The Class Acts

The Class Acts

Genre: Alternative Rock

Formed in 2009, The Class Acts consist of brothers Ed and John Ryan and longtime friend Andy McCotter. With a bluesy alternative rock sound, The Class Acts play original songs and covers from bands like Weezer, The White Stripes and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The Class Acts play in venues around Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, including Planet Rock, Wayside West, and the Intersection.

Band Members:

Ed Ryan - Bass and Lead Vocals
Andy McCotter - Drums and Backup Vocals
John Ryan - Guitar

Location: Battle Creek, MI

Official Band Website:

Label:

Treading Bleu

Treading Bleu

Genre: Alternative

Treading Bleu is composed of a handful of seasoned musicians who came together with the common goal of creating great music that they truly enjoy playing. The band hails from Kalamazoo, MI, and is inspired by the rich heritage of the city's vibrant, but sometimes underrated music scene. Their sound crosses many genres, but coalesces in strong melodies, committed musicianship, and emotional songwriting that strikes a chord with audiences of all ages.

"We aren't a fan of boxes or borders. Our sound can't be easily defined and we personally like it that way. We invite you to listen and draw your own conclusion."
~ Treading Bleu 

Band Members:

The Bad Mics

The Bad Mics

Genre: Alternative/Rock

The Bad Mics play music that is a hybrid of blues, soul, and psychedelic rock. They take their name from the type of microphones often sold at Radioshack. The band was founded by lead singer and songwriter Matt Mruzek in 2009 in New York City, where the group played their first shows in Brooklyn, Times Square, and the East Village. Late in 2009, the group was reformed in Michigan with new members. The band now plays sporadically in Detroit, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Toledo.

FlyPaper

FlyPaper

Genre: Alternative/Blues/Rock

With soulful vocals, fiercely elegant guitars and a high energy rhythm section, FlyPaper never fail to amaze and inspire crowds throughout the country with their original songs. Micaela Kingslight's voice is often compared to Fiona Apple and KT Tunstall. Her guitar playing carries on the traditions of Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmore, and Jimmy Page. Ashley Ickes brings the thunder of John Bonham and the elegance of Mitch Mitchell together in a unique fusion of jazz and rock drumming.

Michigan City Vandals

Michigan City Vandals

Genre: Alternative/Rock

Described by Chicago Sun Times Rock Critic Jim DeRogatis as "a rollicking, optimistic and relentlessly tuneful indie band" MCV has opened for Mute Math, The Avett Brothers, Bowling for Soup & Hank III

Band Members:

Mike Briney - Guitar/Effects & Vocals
Matt Clancy - Drums & Vocals
Julee Laurent - Bass & Vocals
Dagga Daze - Sounds, Ambience and Beats
Sam Bam Blowfish - From the head

Location: St. Joseph, MI

The JHD

The JHD

Genre: Alternative

Elm Street Riot

Elm Street Riot

Genre: Alternative/Garage/Rock

Elm Street Riot was formed in 2009 in Kalamazoo by three Western Michigan University students. Their sound has been described as "Glorious Garage Rock" and has drawn comparisons to The White Stripes, Kings of Leon, Cage the Elephant, and The Black Keys.

Band Members:

Scott Rinderknecht - Vocals, Guitar
Andy Soens - Bass
Mike Perez - Drums

Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Official Band Website: