alt-pop

noun

ˈȯlt-ˌpäp 

: pop music that has broad appeal but that is produced by performers who are outside the musical mainstream and that is typically regarded as more original, eclectic, or musically or intellectually challenging than most pop music

listened to alt-pop

… mixes African-influenced guitars and beats with soulful female vocals, socially conscious lyrics and western melodies, creating an idiosyncratic alt-pop sound that's all their own.

—Trish Lee

called also alternative pop

Examples of alt-pop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On Thursday, June 25, the alt-pop musician (real name Shane Boose) spoke about covering the 14-time Grammy winner's songs at the event during an appearance on The Tonight Show. — Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Alongside electronica, alt-pop, and indie rock acts, hip-hop has been part of the Gov Ball from year one—the only year the festival actually took place on Governor’s Island—which included sets by Big Boi, Mac Miller, and Das Racist. — Rob Kenner, VIBE.com, 8 June 2026

Rostam, the ever-productive alt-pop producer, has given his third solo album the title American Stories. — Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 15 May 2026

Indeed, as a sobering meditation on the physical and psychological violence inflicted upon women in relationships, the alt-pop tale could never be described as a crowd-pleaser. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 11 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

by shortening

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alt-pop

• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop