Alternative music (or should we say, the term) was born in the '80s describing punk rock inspired music. The genres that compose alternative music are now very well known and include: indie rock, gothic rock and college rock.
Most alternative bands roots trace back to the punk rock era, however it has also been influenced by reggae, folk and jazz music.
Many artists inspired by the alternative genre have also turned to nu-metal, which is greatly influenced by the alternative scene.