Jangle Pop

Jangle Pop: 23 upcoming festivals, including 6 with tickets on sale.

Jangle pop is characterized by its bright, shimmering guitar melodies, often played on Rickenbacker guitars, creating a ringing, "jangly" sound that's typically upbeat and melodic. Emerging in the early to mid-1980s as a derivative of alternative rock, its origins are deeply rooted in the folk-rock sound of The Byrds and other 1960s influences. Iconic artists who defined the genre include R.E.M., The Smiths, and Let's Active, with some Paisley Underground bands also incorporating its psychedelic elements. Its distinctive sound left a lasting mark on indie rock and college radio.

Parent genreAlternative Rock / Indie