That the Alternative format has been struggling of late is hardly news; the publishers I’ve talked to have used language ranging from “challenging” to “crisis” to describe the genre’s condition. Safe, synthy sameness seems to have sapped much of its former vigor. But “Modern Rock” can still hit it out of the park.
Case in point: Warner/Chappell, which counts the twenty one pilots smash “Stressed Out” as its biggest earner last year. The pubco’s Greg Sowders is now kicking ass with Missio’s “Middle Fingers” (RCA), a slacker anthem that channels the snarky, rebellious tone that helped define the format.
Sony/ATV’s Jen Knoepfle sees her writer Jack Antonoff’s Bleachers (also on RCA) as a disruptor at the format, as well as newcomer and Republic artist Noah Kahane.
BMG’s Jaime Neely hails Empire of the Sun writer/producer Jonathan Sloane and Danish breakout Frederik Thaae, among others.
Insieme’s Jenna Rubenstein points to writer/Glassnote artist Robert DeLong, whose distinctive sound has pushed the form, as well as up-and-comers like producer/topliner Rory Andrew.
Plenty more examples to come. Who's rocking your modernity?
