Collection: C86
C86 is a jangly, DIY-inspired genre that emerged in the mid-1980s British indie music scene. Named after a cassette compilation released by NME magazine in 1986, C86 is characterized by its lo-fi aesthetics, simple melodies, and earnest, often naïve lyrics. The genre encompasses the whimsical and sugar-sweet sounds of Twee Pop, with its childlike innocence and catchy pop hooks, as well as the more underground and experimental Tape Club movement, which embraced home recording and cassette culture. C86 artists typically favored clean guitar tones, minimal production, and a distinctly amateurish charm, creating a sound that was both accessible and fiercely independent. This influential genre laid the groundwork for future indie pop movements and continues to inspire musicians with its unpretentious approach to songwriting and recording.
