Grunge began in the Seattle music scene, where bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam formed the core of a growing underground movement. Record label Sub Pop played a key role in launching early careers, backing raw recordings with a sometimes sludgy sound that captured youth disillusionment and rebellion. AdvertisementSeattle's gray skies and working-class roots helped shape both the sound and the attitude of these bands. It wasn’t just music. It was a rejection of overproduced pop and flashy hair metal.