POC Alt Music

Playlist and Article by: Jeahnelle Garcia

“Music we make to make the crowd jump up Crowd get hyped explode and erupt Blend up the ragga metal punk hip-hop Unity sound killer groove non stop”

- Skindred, “Nobody”

When you think of alternative music, who comes to mind? A specific artist, or genre? Maybe a white 80’s rock star with big hair, or a girl with dyed hair during the Covid pandemic making indie pop from her bedroom? Regardless, the image of “alternative”, particularly seen online, is often also “white”.

Alternative music is defined as music produced by artists outside the musical mainstream. The term “alt” can be used to only describe alternative rock and any of its subgenres, however, my playlist and article used the term more broadly, i.e. it is not genre-specific.

POC, meaning People of Colour, have been pivotal in the history of music. Music today wouldn’t be the same without artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, Billie Holiday and many more. Today, these names are quickly recognised as pioneers of music, however, white artists making music in the same genres often became more “main-stream” in favour of the non-white artists. This holds particularly true in the western world. Even so, it is notable that when “POC Alt Music” is talked about, it is mainly black artists who are mentioned. Of course, they need to be talked about, but what of other people of colour too?

“I am a poseur and I don't care I like to make people stare Exhibition is the name Voyeurism is the game”

- X Ray Spex, “I Am a Poseur”

People of colour making alt music, particularly in “heavier” genres such as rock, punk or metal, is less seen due to stereotyping, which takes place even within communities of the same race. Many people would rather fit in than be bullied or ostracised for being different, so when the people around you say you should do something a certain way, or listen to certain music as they do, you may be inclined to do so, especially growing up. In my experience, I have heard many people call certain genres of music “satanic”, which is definitely not the case.

Thankfully, this is changing, even if only little by little. There is an uprising of more people of colour making all different genres of music and becoming less afraid of being themselves. This may be, in part, due to the internet. Although often a toxic place, it can also be a place of community and support. We should urge on and encourage new upcoming artists, particularly those who dare to push norms.

“I think I'm the worst

Criticise everything 'til it hurts

If you knew me better you'd like me worse”

- Meet Me @ The Altar, “TMI”

In this playlist, I have included many poc alternative artists of many genres. They are all artists I personally enjoy and think deserve a little more traction and/or recognition for what they do. Although it focuses on more recent artists, I do urge anyone interested to check out older poc artists and look into the history of poc in music in general.

“And maybe

We'll figurе it out now Just save me

Gotta stay awake somеhow”

- YULLOLA, “The Girl Who Lost The World”

Listen here! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2lCZ6T46J2b6TWbU31x48w?si=MZVBGifdRKCPafuzXqqI9w&pi=u-j_YdWu-rT2-N