alt-soul

Alt-Soul: Where Soul Meets the Outsider

Alt-soul, a melting pot of soul, jazz, R&B, and indie rock, is a genre that embraces the unconventional, the introspective, and the downright funky. It’s like the cool kid at the back of the class who’s secretly got a killer voice and a knack for crafting music that’s both soulful and strangely relatable.

The Birth of a Genre:

While the term “alt-soul” didn’t become commonplace until the late 90s/early 2000s, its roots run deep. Artists like Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, and Curtis Mayfield were already blending soul with elements of funk and jazz, creating music that challenged the conventions of the genre.

Fun Fact: Bill Withers was a Navy veteran who worked as a machinist before pursuing his music career. He was also notorious for his self-deprecating sense of humor, once joking that he was “the only soul singer who couldn’t sing.”

The Rise of Indie Soul:

The 90s saw a surge of independent soul artists, pushing boundaries and experimenting with sounds. Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Maxwell emerged as pioneers, blending soul with elements of jazz, funk, and even hip-hop.

Fun Fact: Erykah Badu’s real name is Erica Abi Wright, but she adopted the stage name “Badu” from her late grandmother. She also claims to be the “original” Beyoncé, since she was performing before the “Single Ladies” singer was even born!

The 21st Century:

The 2000s saw the genre evolve further with the rise of artists like The Roots, Amy Winehouse, and Adele. They brought a raw and emotional edge to their music, capturing the anxieties and complexities of modern life.

Fun Fact: Amy Winehouse was such a fan of jazz legend Ronnie Scott that she even got a tattoo of his face! She also had a penchant for wearing eccentric and flamboyant outfits, once appearing on stage wearing a dress made entirely of rubber chickens.

The Alt-Soul Sound Today:

Today, alt-soul is thriving with artists like Leon Bridges, Michael Kiwanuka, and Emily King pushing the boundaries of the genre. They’re creating music that’s both soulful and innovative, blending contemporary influences with the classic sounds of the past.

Fun Fact: Leon Bridges initially started his music career by playing covers on the streets of Fort Worth, Texas. He even had to get a permit from the city to busk!

Alt-soul is more than just a musical genre; it’s a feeling, a state of mind. It’s about embracing your individuality, embracing your emotions, and embracing the beauty of music that doesn’t always follow the rules.