Alternative music has become the breakout music genre for 2016. Over the past decade alternative rock has become one of the biggest genres of the decade with bands performing in concerts, music festivals around the nation, and world tours. With this being said, here are ten alternative bands that you should listen to at least once in your lifetime.

1. The 1975

This English alternative band has become one of my favorite bands of all time. With it's throwback to the eighty's sound, the 1975 has captured the not only the ears of its listeners, but their hearts as well. The meaningful and personal lyrics written by front man Matt Healy are written about numerous things-- dating, life in England, and even a personal overcoming of his past cocaine addiction. The man is brilliant and the sounds that band produces not only in their second album, but first as well, is something that must be heard at least once in your life. Here are three YouTube links to three of my all time favorites.

"UGH!"

"Girls"

"She's American"

2. CHVRCHES

Since their debut album in 2013 (The Bones of What You Believe), the electronic indie pop band CHVRCHES, pronounced churches, has become the main trio on the alternative scene. The Scottish band was even ranked fifth on the Sound of 2013 done by BBC. Since then the new release of their second album Every Open Eye has been widespread leading them to perform at the MTV Woodie Awards and SXSW of this year both held in Austin, Texas. I had the pleasure of attending both the Woodie Awards and SXSW where I saw these artist and the are even more wonderful in person. Front woman Lauren Mayberry is quiet and funny when given the time to speak, yet when she performs the biggest voice comes out of this little 5'0 body. Below are two links to my favorite songs off of their newest album, Every Open Eye.

"Empty Threat"

"Never Ending Circles"

3. Miike Snow

Another perfect from across the ocean. This Swedish indie pop band has been sweeping Sirius XM with their hit "Genghis Khan" topping the weekly Alt 18 at least three weeks in a row in the moth of April alone. The group is made up of two famous producers, Bloodshy & Avant, and lead singer Andrew Wyatt. These producers have won numerous awards including a Grammy for their work on the 2007 track "Toxic". Not only are the producers great, Wyatt is fantastic vocals. The vocals are smooth yet have a touch of raspyness in the sound that gives the band a new outlook in the indie pop/alternative scene. Below is the single off of their album iii, "Genghis Khan."

"Genghis Khan"

4. BØRNS

BØRNS is a simple alternative rock band made of one man, Garret Borns. Unlike the other three artist listed above, BØRNS is actually from the good ole U S of A. For 2015 being the artist first year on the scene, BØRNS killed the alternative charts with his debut album dopamine peaking at number two on the US Alternative charts! I also had the pleasure of seeing this artist perform live at the MTV Woodie Awards with his 1970's aesthetic and artsy guitar sound enveloped the audience to make it feel like the Woodstock of the twenty first century. Also performing at numerous festivals including Free Press Summer Fest held in Houston, Texas in a number of days, here is the biggest hit off his debut album, "Electric Love."

"Electric Love"

5. HAIM

Artist "Haim" has made it big time not only for their wonderful hipster like sound, but you might have seen them with a famous someone. Haim has tagged along to multiple events with star Taylor Swift to events such as the Grammys, MTV Music Awards, and so on. Other than being personal bests with T Swizzle, this all girl alternative band has dominated the charts and the music scene. You might not have noticed that you might not have noticed that you were even listening to them when you heard one of Calvin Harris's top songs "Pray to God" which actually features the entire band. Here is a single that iTunes released when they still had the amazing singles of the week.

"The Wire"

6. Panic! At The Disco

Everyone remembers the old Panic! At the Disco with the hit, "I Write Sins Not Tragedies." Now with the release of their past two albums the band has come back with full force. The new sound and smooth cool voice of lead singer Brandon Urie is fantastic and amazing even reliving some old Sinatra vibes in the song and video "Death of a Bachelor." Don't underestimate this band, with going back on a summer tour with another all time favorite Weezer, we sure know we can see more of these two for a while.

"This is Gospel"

"Death of a Bachelor"

7. alt-J

Going back across the ocean we are traveling to Leeds, England with alt-J. Again forming in 2007 the band took time to release their first studio album in 2012 where the band won the British Mercury Prize. With the departure of guitar and bass player Gwil Sainsbury in 2014, the band continued to make music and then released their second album This is All Yours. With raspy vocals and different instruments giving almost western and cool summer vibes, its perfect for the upcoming summer playlist.

"Left Hand Free"

8. The Strokes

Yeah, I'm going pretty far back here since they haven't released anything in a good amount of time, but the strokes have been an all time favorite for me. They really embody the old sound of Green Day mixed with a new found sound that you can only find in the members of The Strokes.

"All The Time"

9. St. Lucia

St. Lucia is one of those bands that has a sound you can't help but want to ride along in the car with. Coming out with a new album in the next month that is a little more up beat, their chill music is perfect for any day. You probably remember their biggest hit "All Eyes On You" from a few Pantene commercials here and there. With a sound close to the 1975, its hard not to resist them. Their latest album Matter is available to purchase!

"Elevate"

10. Copeland

Copeland was first formed in 2001 here in the United States in Florida by singer Aaron Marsh and James Likeness. However, in 2008 they released their final album You Are My Sunshine and broke up for a period of time. Th world rejoiced when they announced they were coming back with a new album in 2014 after a six year hiatus. This album has made one of the biggest comebacks and it is no surprise that yes they are again on a short break, but we can expect a new album at any given moment.

"I Can Make You Feel Young Again"

I hope these artist can help you dabble in the vast ocean that is altenative rock!