During the 1980s, underground bands and labels built a network of distribution and touring that was independent of the mainstream music industry. With bands as diverse as Sonic Youth, Meat Puppets, and the Replacements, 'alternative' came to mean more about DIY ethics than any sort of strict stylistic similarities. It wasn't until Nirvana's Nevermind broke in 1991, and sold in the millions, that the term 'alternative' became a glaring misnomer. Many alternative bands subsequently signed to major labels, which helped turn this once-underground movement into a full blown phenomenon. Bands from the Smashing Pumpkins to the Red Hot Chili Peppers became platinum-selling artists, and the alternative-music festival Lollapalooza turned into a huge success as well. Ever since, 'indie rock' seems to have taken alternative's place as the underground's choice for representing DIY bands.

Notable Artists: Pixies, Husker Du, Guided By Voices, Pavement