A genre is a category. Grunge became a “category” after “consumers” started using the word to fit in with trends.
The Seattle music became known as Grunge due to the punk-inspired sound. Punk Rock is a genre, because it is a specific sound.
Now, most bands (Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, etc.) don’t even sound much like Punk Rock as they all have varying sounds, hence why no one wanted to be associated with Grunge.
In an interview with Soundgarden, Chris admitted that if you were to listen to a Nirvana record and an Alice in Chains record, they don’t sound anything alike.
If Grunge was a genre, all of them would sound similar with differences in playing styles and vocals (obvs).
All Punk Rock sounds the same. There’s usually a fast tempo with almost shouty-screamy vocals, etc.
And that’s the Punk sound.
But none of the “Grunge” artists have or share the same sound.
So how can they be labelled under a genre that:
Only became known as “Grunge” once the media hyped it up and turned it into a trend…
Has varying sounds from band to band…
Ultimately ended once Soundgarden broke up in 1997.
And 4. Hasn’t been used to describe any new band or upcoming artist.
They are the questions you must ask yourself.