Grunge Included 2026

Grunge Included brings together international experts and researchers including music writers, scholars, students, researchers, musicians, critics and cultural commentators to explore the multifaceted legacy of grunge music and culture.

Created by Kristīne and Sintija Brence, Grunge Included is a multidisciplinary international conference exploring the evolution, cultural context and enduring impact of the grunge movement. Bringing together academics and researchers from Poland, Latvia, the United States and across the UK, the conference examines grunge as more than a musical genre, exploring its influence on politics, culture, society, identity, design, fashion, art and alternative music.

A special guest at Grunge Included 2026 is Gordon Raphael, the legendary record producer and musician best known for his work with The Strokes. Raphael has also worked with influential artists including Green River, connecting his career directly to the wider history of Seattle's alternative music scene. As grunge developed from its roots in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest into an international cultural movement, Raphael was also active within Seattle's music community. His bands Mental Mannequin, Colour Twigs and Sky Cries Mary became important parts of the Seattle and Pacific Northwest music scene, contributing to the rich musical culture from which grunge emerged.