By Karley Bailey
Two decades ago, in the early 1990’s, grunge emerged from the depths of Seattle as a musically proclaimed phenomenon. Depending on your perspective, you might perceive Grunge as a type of fashion, a way of living, or a type of music. Grunge originated as a sub-genre of alternative rock from the suburban areas of Washington. Grunge music has impacted youth for generations. From our parents to ourselves grunge expresses that teen angst we have all felt. It truly captures both rebellion and broken hearts. From falling in love to falling asleep, Grunge music can express how you feel, and soothe your ambiance.
The band that initially started grunge is “Nirvana.” “Nirvana” was created by lead singer Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington. Krist and Kurt were long time friends who shared the same longing to express raw emotion through music. They began by writing songs, and performing in different Washington areas. They sold 35,000 of their debut album “Bleach,” and released their two big hits, “Love Buzz” and “Big Cheeze.” Rising to popularity, the band hired their longest lasting drummer, Dave Grohl. Years later, the band recorded hit singles, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come as You Are” on their “Nevermind” album. The album was a hit, and sold over 10 million copies surpassing top chart leaders, Michael Jackson and U2. Their inspiration includes: The Vaselines, The Raincoats, Black Sabbath, Sonic Youth, and R.E.M.
Destiny Gomez proclaims “Nirvana” with a genuine perception of majestic love, “Nirvana just makes me feel..I can express all my anger at the world. It’s just kinda like…me and the world and that’s all…and when you meet another “Nirvana” fan you guys can just connect and you feel something.”Destiny authentically illustrates the way Nirvana fans feel. “Nirvana’s” huge fan base from all over the world is drawn together like a big family. They understand the way “Nirvana” holds on to your spirit and transforms you eternally.
“Nirvana” transformed the outlook of millions. They demonstrated an “epiphanizing” portrayal of true freedom of expression. “Nirvana’s” name truly suits it’s harmony. Kurt Cobain was infatuated with rock itself, he describes the essence of this in his journal profoundly, “Punk is musical freedom. It’s saying, doing and playing what you want. In Webster’s terms, ‘nirvana’ means freedom from pain, suffering and the external world, and that’s pretty close to my definition of Punk Rock.” Kurt Cobain truly depicts the feeling of rock itself in alluring terminology. In my own terms,”Nirvana’s” sound is the feeling of divine rebellion, the rush of your first love, the tears of frustration, all of this, captured by one soul grasping voice.
From left to right: Dave Grohl, Kurt Cobain, and Krist Novoselic
Nirvana on their “In Utero” tour
From left to right: Krist Novoselic, Kurt Cobain, and Dave Grohl.