Alternative Rock

Alternative Rock is said to have originated in the 1960s with bands such as The Velvet Underground and Syd Barrett but the American Billboard charts did not start including the genre until 1988 when it became apparent the genre was rapidly growing in popularity.

Alternative Rock implies that it’s not mainstream and is an alternative to the popular mainstream rock genres and doesn't necessarily have it’s own definitive sound except for being anti-commercial but some of the artists under this have gone on to reach mainstream success.

If you want something that's anti-commercial then Alternative Rock is for you!