By Sloane Samberson

Staff Writer

Ever since the 1990s when alternative rock began to blossom, alternative music has been changing progressively to mirror the 21st century lifestyle. Its musical depth reaches out to the sore souls, who are touched by metaphorical lyrics and nonchalant, defiant instrumentals.

Referred to as “underground artists”, alternative artists are unique, melancholy and original. Its sounds originate from the musical branches of grunge, punk, rock, electronic and folk.

With how difficult it is to get noticed in the music industry, these five artists are only just beginning, but have a very successful career ahead of them.

1. Vancouver Sleep Clinic- Vancouver Sleep Clinic comes from Brisbane, Australia. Often compared to Bon Iver and Fleetwood Mac, Vancouver Sleep Clinic is melodic and electronic. It takes you on a metaphorical journey through the Washington woods, making you feel chilly and at ease with the rainy outdoors.

Suggested songs: “Stakes” and “Collapse”

2. Bear’s Den- The Heralded U.K. trio, Bear’s Den, creates its unique sound from banjo-ladened, harmonies and rustic vocals. It is the ultimate definition of a folk band. With its variety in instruments, listeners are taken to the countryside where harmonicas rule and honeysuckles taste much sweeter.

Suggested songs: “Agape” and “Sahara Pt. II”

3. Hippie Sabotage- One would assume the members of Hippie Sabotage are girls, for in many of their songs, the vocalist sounds to be female. On the contrary, it consists of two brothers who believe in music of the future. The atmospheric sound and intensified beats combined with synthetic instrumentals, makes for an essence of psychedelia, that compliments the fast pace life of a city night.

Suggested songs: “Stay High” and “Ridin Solo”

4. The Colourist- The Colourist are an American band from Orange County in California. Much like Grouplove and Foster the People, its music has you walking on sunshine. Its buoyant combination of indie, rock and pop, gives listeners an array of songs to blast while driving with the windows down on a hot, summer night.

Suggested songs: “Stray Away” and “Put The Fire Out”

5. London Grammar- London Grammar is referred to by many as ambient and ethereal. Originating from Nottingham, England, the British trio understands the value of sedate, mellowing music. With most of its songs being slow, its music is great to listen to when contemplating the wonders of life or when taking a moment to just breathe.

Suggested songs to listen to:

Hipsters and hippies are not the only people listening to alternative music. Those who enjoy music by The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Bruce Springsteen take a great liking to alternative music.

All artists music can be found on iTunes and Spotify.