The Alternative Post: Kara O'Leary

There’s a genre of music that’s almost like seven regular genres of music combined. Some are more defined than others, while some are a melting pot of different beats, instruments, or vocals. The genres of punk and rock are very vague. There’s many little sub-categories, all different in some way, yet often lumped into the aforementioned vague categories. Lucky for you, I'm here to clear this up.

A Rocket To The Moon

Powerpop and Pop Punk fall outside of the typical “pop” music, but still has somewhat of the same structure. There’s a verse, a chorus, another verse, the chorus, a bridge, and maybe the chorus or bridge repeated again. It’s upbeat, and consists of one or two singers, one or two guitars, a bass, drums, and usually a keyboard or synthesizer. Bands like Powerspace, A Rocket To The Moon, Artist Vs. Poet, and Stereo Skyline are great examples of powerpop, yet sound similar to bands like The Maine All Time Low, New Found Glory, Alkaline Trio, and The Whenever Plan; who consider themselves to be Pop Punk. Also make sure to check out Starting Over, an extremely friendly and talented band from York!

The Killers

Alternative Rock developed in the 1980’s, leading the way for other genres and countless bands. Typically underground, bands have been known to reject the commercial mainstream. More recently, however, bands that consider themselves to be alternative rock artists have gone farther out than before, playing sold out shows and getting air time on television and radio. Some have become household names, such as The Killers or Modest Mouse. 

NeverShoutNever

Acoustic music is one of the most
versatile genres as it is often mixed with others like alternative, punk, pop, indie, and folk music. The songs can either be slow and relaxing, upbeat with a folkish type, or a more dark or hardcore side. Many artists will often take an original song with their typical sound and include an acoustic version of the same song on the album, usually with an acoustic guitar and maybe some keyboard, though ukuleles are becoming increasingly popular.  Artists like Chase Coy, NeverShoutNever (soon to be Christofer Drew and the Shout), Backseat Goodbye, The Scene Aesthetic, and acoustic songs done by usually pop punk bands such as “Remembering Sunday” by All Time Low, “If It Means A Lot To You” by A Day To Remember or “I Swear This Time I Mean It” by Mayday Parade are all examples of how diverse acoustic music really can be.


Electronica is a lot like acoustic music in the sense that it can and does go with any other genre or any artist who feels compelled to add a "dancey" beat to their music, but don't get it confused with techno. Electronica uses the same elements of an electronic sound (hence "electronica". Clever?) with a synthesizer, but focuses more on the lyrics than anything else. Techno music is focused mainly on the beats, less on the lyrics, and is definitely dance oriented. Fans of techno music either appreciate both styles equally, or fiercely support one genre and absolutely detest the opposing. Electronica artists like The Ready Set, Breathe Carolina, innerpartysystem, and Cash Cash all have the dance beats with a strong emphasis on lyrics. However, DJ Tiesto, Dead Mau5 (pronounced as "dead mouse"), and popular French duo Daft Punk are seen more as techno artists over electronica.