Alternative artists have been crossing over into the world of movies, television, and video games, whether to expand their horizons or to attach themselves to a project they’re passionate about. Animated series, both those for younger and older audiences, can often be a blank canvas for a musician to try out a sound they haven’t before – or just add their own signature sound somewhere new. Many established and well-known names in the alternative world have made their mark in this world – some whose contributions are infamous and others who aren’t.
Devo frontman Mark Mothersbaugh has done a ton of scoring work for movies and TV shows, with some of his most notable themes being the 1991 Super Mario World series, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Rugrats.
Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney and his uncle Ralph created the brassy opening theme for the popular 2010s show Bojack Horseman.
Canadian pop punk group Simple Plan did the theme for What’s New Scooby Doo?, and perform it regularly at their concerts. Fans are often inspired to dress up as characters from the show – namely Scooby Doo – and go to the band’s shows fully decked out.
There was likely no better band than Primus to do the theme song for the irreverent South Park. The eclectic, bass-driven group were best known for hits like “My Name is Mud” and “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” and brought that off-kilter energy to the Comedy Central series.
They Might Be Giants’ brand of offbeat, quirky alternative music was ideal for TV show opening themes. While they’re best known for writing the iconic Malcolm in the Middle theme, they also did the opening for animated show Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
Electronic music pioneer Grimes wrote the theme for Netflix’s Hilda.
High energy pop punkers Bowling for Soup did the opening theme for Disney’s popular Phineas and Ferb.
Danny Elfman has been a composer for so long and written so many unforgettable pieces of work that it’s easy to forget that he was once the frontman of a new wave group: Oingo Boingo. Before the themes for the 90s Batman series, Beetlejuice, and The Simpsons, Elfman wrote hits like “Dead Man’s Party” and “Weird Science”.
The Refreshments had some major hits in 1996 with the massive single “Banditos” and its follow-up “Down Together”, and also did the cowbell-laden theme for the propane powered King of the Hill.
Ziggy Marley may not be “alternative rock” per se, but alternative music has been heavily influenced by reggae over the decades and owes a lot to the genre. Marley has also influenced the lives of children around the world as he did the theme for PBS’ hit show Arthur, which ran for 25 years and was one of the longest running animated programs in American TV history.
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