Outsider music is a genre characterized by its unpolished, unconventional, and often bizarre sound, which defies traditional notions of musicianship and songcraft. Emerging in the 1960s and 1970s, it originated from the fringes of the counterculture movement, embracing a DIY ethos and amateurism. Outsider music frequently features lo-fi production, primitive instrumentation, and unconventional vocal styles, often with a naive or eccentric approach to melody and harmony. This genre's cultural significance lies in its celebration of creative freedom and nonconformity, challenging the commercial music industry's standards and opening doors for experimental and avant-garde artists. Outsider music intersects with psychedelic rock, folk, and avant-garde traditions, yet its raw, unbridled energy and amateur spirit set it apart. Its impact can be seen in later genres like punk, indie, and experimental rock, which borrowed from its anti-establishment ethos and willingness to push boundaries.

Dookietown

The Residents

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released November 1, 2024