Alternative R&B
The Weeknd
Frank ocean
Childish Gambino
Janelle Monáe
2010s – Present
Alternative R&B, also known as alt R&B or indie R&B, is a subgenre of contemporary R&B music that emerged in the early 2010s. It combines the soulful and emotional vocals and melodies of traditional R&B with experimental and unconventional sounds and production techniques, drawing influences from genres such as electronic, indie rock, and hip hop.
About
Alt R&B artists often incorporate electronic elements like synthesizers, drum machines, and samples to create a more futuristic and avant-garde sound. They also tend to experiment with song structure and form, incorporating non-traditional songwriting techniques like free-form lyrics and abstract song structures.
Lyrically, alternative R&B often explores themes of love, relationships, and personal growth, but with a more introspective and often abstract approach. Artists in this subgenre are also known for their willingness to tackle more socially conscious and political topics in their music.
The genre has gained a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its innovative sound and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional R&B music.
Frank Ocean
The Weeknd
FKA twigs
SZA
Blood Orange
Janelle Monáe
Childish Gambino
The genre has gained a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its innovative sound and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional R&B music.
Listen to the Sounds of Future
Childish Gambino
Janelle Monáe
SZA
Frank ocean
The weeknd
Music albums in Alternative R&B often showcase innovative production, genre-bending experimentation, and emotionally raw lyrics. From Frank Ocean's "Blonde" to Solange's "A Seat at the Table", these albums push the boundaries of what R&B music can sound like, and explore complex themes like identity, love, and social justice.
Frank Ocean
The New York Times
«I feel like there was dissonance between how I was seen by the audience and where I was actually, and that contributed to the decision to make my projects more fragmented," Frank Ocean explained in a 2017 interview with The New York Times. "The mixtape format was perfect for me when I was just experimenting and developing my sound and getting it out to people fast. But in hindsight, it was also like a disservice to me as an artist because it was like putting out the flame that was starting to grow with the fans and then getting on a rocket ship and going to outer space.»
Fans & Community
Alternative R&B fans and communities are passionate and diverse. They connect online and in person through a shared love of the genre, embracing new sounds and ideas. From sharing new discoveries to attending live shows, these communities offer a space for fans to celebrate and engage with the music they love.
The Alternative R&B playlist on Spotify
The Alternative R&B group on Facebook
The Alternative R&B channel on YouTube
The Solange Knowles fan community on Tumblr
The Weeknd fan subreddit on Reddit
Latest News
Alternative R&B is a genre that has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to its innovative sounds, thought-provoking lyrics, and the willingness of its artists to push boundaries and experiment with new styles. The genre is defined by its fusion of traditional R&B and soul music with elements of electronic, indie, and hip-hop, resulting in a sound that is both contemporary and timeless. With a passionate and diverse fanbase, Alternative R&B continues to evolve and expand, offering a platform for artists to express themselves and connect with their audiences in new and exciting ways.
Explore Alternative R&B
Alternative R&B is a genre that has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to its innovative sounds, thought-provoking lyrics, and the willingness of its artists to push boundaries and experiment with new styles. The genre is defined by its fusion of traditional R&B and soul music with elements of electronic, indie, and hip-hop, resulting in a sound that is both contemporary and timeless. With a passionate and diverse fanbase, Alternative R&B continues to evolve and expand, offering a platform for artists to express themselves and connect with their audiences in new and exciting ways.
