Showing the link between music choices and genre

Teenagers from 12 to 18 are the typical target audience for the producers of a ‘Coming of Age’ film as they can relate to the protagonist. This is because teenagers are growing up into adult hood; they will begin to be independent and learn from life’s obstacles. Therefore teenagers are more likely to have a ‘Personal identity’ with the protagonist; the 'Uses and Gratification' theory supports the reason why teenagers are the typical audience. Alternative/Rock genre according to research mainly appeals to college students. In the United States it is clear it appealed mainly to college students because the majority of tracks aired on old college radio were Alternative. That is why some Americans call this genre “College Rock”.

In the UK, the term “Indie” is preferred.

In the 1980s, “alternative” was used to describe independent record labels and rock inspired bands; both of which did not fit into the mainstream at the time. An ‘alternative’ outlet was created when independent record labels were established; musicians who did not want to join major labels usually coincided with independent labels. This relates to our choice in music as we are an independent film production therefore would use alternative music made by independent musicians/record labels.

The term "Alternative rock" was used for underground music that appeared during the mid 1980s during the punk rock movement. This music was undiscovered at first because it was underground however grew and appealed to the public.  This may be why ‘Coming Of Ages’ tend to use this style of music because of how this genre of music first started small and developed over time just like how a protagonist develops to their full potential.

EXAMPLES:

Silver Linings Playbook: The soundtrack features Alternative/Indie band Alt-J and rock band The White Strips.

Submarine: All the songs are original tracks written by Alex Turner, the lead singer of 'Arctic Monkeys'. Turner is an Indie Rock musician.