The term 'ALT-COUNTRY' is a combination of two words, 'ALTERNATIVE' and 'COUNTRY'. It is a genre of music that combines elements of traditional COUNTRY music with ALTERNATIVE rock. It often features acoustic instruments such as banjos, mandolins, and guitars, as well as electric instruments such as drums and bass. The lyrics often focus on themes of heartache, loss, and redemption. ALT-COUNTRY has been popular since the early 1990s and has seen a resurgence in recent years. Artists such as Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, and Kacey Musgraves have all contributed to the genre's success.