Garage rock, also known as garage punk or '60s garage, emerged in the 1960s with a raw and energetic sound. Several musicians and bands played defining roles in shaping the genre.

The Kingsmen, known for their hit "Louie Louie," set a blueprint for the garage rock sound. The Sonics pioneered an aggressive and high-energy style, while The Count Five's "Psychotic Reaction" propelled them into the forefront of the movement.

The Troggs, associated with the British Invasion, brought a raw and primal approach. The Seeds blended garage rock with psychedelic and proto-punk elements, and The 13th Floor Elevators fused garage rock with psychedelia.

These bands collectively contributed to the raw and rebellious spirit of garage rock, influencing countless artists in the years to come.

Garage Rock is a genre of rock music that emerged in the 1960s and is characterized by its raw, energetic sound. Some of the most popular songs and albums that represent this genre include The Kingsmen's iconic 1963 hit "Louie Louie" which is often regarded as one of the early anthems of garage rock. Their stripped-down and raucous approach, marked by fuzzy guitar riffs and gritty vocals, set a blueprint for many garage rock bands to follow.

Hailing from Tacoma, Washington, The Sonics were known for their aggressive and high-energy sound. With tracks like "The Witch" and "Strychnine," they pioneered a more aggressive style of garage rock, characterized by blistering guitar work, howling vocals, and a raw and edgy production.

The Count Five's 1966 hit "Psychotic Reaction" exemplifies the garage rock sound with its distorted guitar riffs, infectious hooks, and rebellious attitude. The song's success helped propel the band into the forefront of the garage rock movement.

While primarily associated with the British Invasion, The Troggs had a significant influence on garage rock. Their primitive and primal sound, exemplified by hits like "Wild Thing" and "With a Girl Like You," showcased a raw and untamed approach that resonated with the garage rock ethos.

The Seeds blended garage rock with psychedelic and proto-punk elements, creating a unique and influential sound. Songs like "Pushin' Too Hard" and "Can't Seem to Make You Mine" featured driving rhythms, catchy hooks, and a distinctively gritty and rebellious spirit.

Hailing from Texas, The 13th Floor Elevators fused garage rock with psychedelic and acid rock elements. Their use of the electric jug and frontman Roky Erickson's distinctive vocals added a distinctive touch to their sound. Tracks like "You're Gonna Miss Me" showcased their raw energy and experimentation.

These musicians and bands played pivotal roles in defining garage rock. Their raw and energetic sound, characterized by fuzzy guitars, aggressive vocals, and a DIY ethos, set the stage for the garage rock movement and influenced countless bands in subsequent years.

Some of the most prominent festivals and events that represent the Garage Rock music genre include the Levitation Festival, Mosswood Meltdown and Desert Daze Festival. These events feature some of the top Garage Rock bands from around the world, such as Osees, Ty Segall, Black Lips, and Jay Reatard.

Held in Austin, Texas, Levitation Festival (formerly Austin Psych Fest) showcases a diverse range of alternative and psychedelic rock genres, often including elements of Garage Rock. The festival features renowned and emerging artists, providing a platform for young bands to captivate audiences with their raw and energetic performances.

Desert Daze is an annual music festival that takes place in Southern California. While primarily focused on psychedelic and experimental rock, it often includes bands that incorporate Garage Rock elements into their sound. The festival offers a unique atmosphere and features a lineup of artists known for their boundary-pushing and eclectic approach to music.

Organized by the independent record label Burger Records, Mosswood Meltdown (formerly Burger Boogaloo Festival) is an annual music festival held in Oakland, California. It celebrates the raw energy of Garage Rock and punk music with a lineup of established and emerging artists from the genre. The festival embraces a DIY ethos and attracts fans who appreciate the rebellious spirit of Garage Rock.

Desert Stars Festival is an annual music event that takes place in Pioneertown, California. While primarily centered around indie and psychedelic rock, it often includes bands influenced by Garage Rock. The festival showcases a mix of established acts and up-and-coming artists, creating a platform for Garage Rock bands to connect with a dedicated audience.