Alternative dance | |
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Stylistic origins | |
Cultural origins | Mid-1980s, United Kingdom |
Typical instruments | |
Subgenres | |
Fusion genres | |
Nu-disco | |
Regional scenes | |
Madchester | |
Other topics | |
Alternative dance is a genre that mixes alternative/indie rock with post-disco dance music.
Allmusic states that alternative dance mixes the "melodic song structure of alternative and indie rock with electronic beats, synths and/or samples, and club orientation of post-disco dance music".The Sacramento Bee calls it "postmodern–Eurosynth–technopop–New Wave in a blender".
The genre draws heavily on club culture for inspiration while incorporating other styles of music such as electropop, house, and EBM. The performers of alternative dance are closely identified with their music through a signature style, texture, or fusion of specific musical elements. They are usually signed to small record labels.
Most alternative dance artists are British, "owing to the greater prominence of the UK's club and rave scenes in underground musical culture". New Order are cited by Allmusic as the genre's first group because of their 1982–83 recordings, which merged post-punk with electro/synthpop in the style of German collective Kraftwerk. Alternative dance had a major impact on Britain's late-1980s Madchester scene (adapted from Manchester, New Order's home city) and 1990s trip hop and rave scenes.The Haçienda club in Manchester, founded by New Order and Factory Records, became the hub of the genre in 1980s Britain.