C86

C86 is a genre of indie pop music characterized by its jangly guitar work, driving rhythms, and wry, witty lyrics. Emerging in the mid-1980s, C86 drew inspiration from post-punk's DIY ethos and the melodic sensibilities of 1960s pop. The genre's heyday, roughly spanning 1985-1988, saw a proliferation of lo-fi recordings, often released on small, independent labels. C86's cultural significance lies in its role as a precursor to the Britpop movement, as well as its influence on the US college rock scene. With its blend of catchy hooks, introspective lyrics, and ramshackle production, C86 carved out a distinct niche between the more polished sounds of mainstream pop and the avant-garde experimentation of post-punk. Notable for its emphasis on melody and lyrical storytelling, C86's rough-around-the-edges charm has endeared it to fans of indie and alternative music.

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Latest C86 Release
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Delete Everything
Album - 12 Tracks - Released October 10, 2025
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The Primitives
The Soup Dragons
Orange Juice
Pop Will Eat Itself
Half Man Half Biscuit
Felt
Top Playlists
OCTA - Folk / Singer-songwriter / Misc 1 C86 artist
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RecentMusic users are tracking 37 C86 artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 362 releases

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  1. October 10, 2025
  2. October 3
  3. August 19
  4. July 8
  5. June 13
  6. May 27
  7. May 16
  8. March 7
  9. February 7
  10. February 7
  11. February 7
  12. January 24
  13. January 17
  14. January 7
  15. December 13, 2024
  16. November 29
  17. November 29
  18. November 15
  19. November 14
  20. November 1
  21. September 11
  22. September 5
  23. August 16
  24. August 9
  25. August 9
  26. June 28
  27. June 21
  28. June 21
  29. June 10
  30. April 26
  31. April 24
  32. April 22
  33. April 5
  34. April 5
  35. April 1
  36. March 22
  37. March 15
  38. February 16
  39. February 2
  40. January 26