About this episode

The episode explores the origins and meanings of various music-related terms.

This week, we're going deep into the Ongoing History of New Music vault to talk about "Definitions". Often in the music world, we hear terms discussed...but where did they come from, and what do they mean? What do "New Rock" and "Alternative" mean? What's a "Major Label" or "Indie"? "Boutique" and "Vanity"? Got that covered too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics covered

• music terminology
• music history
• definitions in music
• independent music
• major labels
• alternative music

Keywords

• music definitions
• New Rock
• Alternative
• Major Label
• Indie
• Boutique
• Vanity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Curiouscast

Books & works: Ongoing History of New Music, New Rock, Alternative, Major Label, Indie, Boutique, Vanity

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• The 50 Biggest Alt-Rock One-Hit Wonders of All Time: Part 2 (40-31) · April 8, 2026 · 30 min
• The 50 Biggest All-Time Alt-Rock One-Hit Wonders: Part 1 (50-41) · April 1, 2026 · 31 min
• 9 Great Alt-Rock Cover Songs (From the Vault) · March 25, 2026 · 28 min
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