What is Noise Rock music?

Origin of Noise Rock

USA, early 1980s. No Wave (New York, 1978-83) was the immediate precursor -- bands like DNA and Teenage Jesus and the Jerks used abrasion and noise as primary material. Sonic Youth absorbed No Wave into a rock framework. Big Black, Butthole Surfers, and Shellac developed regional variants.

Era: 1978--present

Defining sound of Noise Rock

Distortion and feedback used as melodic material, not just texture. Dissonant, anti-melodic guitar. Extreme dynamic range -- from near-silence to overwhelming volume. Percussion is often irregular or free. Vocals are shouted or treated. BPM varies from slow drone to manic.

Pioneers of Noise Rock

• Sonic Youth
• Big Black
• Butthole Surfers
• Swans
• DNA

Key Noise Rock artists

• Shellac
• Lightning Bolt
• Metz
• Uniform
• The Jesus Lizard

Related genres

Frequently asked questions about Noise Rock

When did Noise Rock start?

Noise Rock originated 1978--present. USA, early 1980s.

Who invented Noise Rock?

Noise Rock was pioneered by Sonic Youth, Big Black, Butthole Surfers, Swans, DNA. USA, early 1980s. No Wave (New York, 1978-83) was the immediate precursor -- bands like DNA and Teenage Jesus and the Jerks used abrasion and noise as primary material. Sonic Youth absorbed No Wave into a rock framework. Big Black, Butthole Surfers, and Shellac developed regional variants.

Is Noise Rock still popular?

Noise Rock continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Shellac, Lightning Bolt, Metz, Uniform.

What does Noise Rock sound like?

Distortion and feedback used as melodic material, not just texture. Dissonant, anti-melodic guitar. Extreme dynamic range -- from near-silence to overwhelming volume. Percussion is often irregular or free. Vocals are shouted or treated. BPM varies from slow drone to manic.

What is the difference between Noise Rock and indie-rock?

Noise Rock and indie-rock are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the indie-rock definition page for a full comparison.