When the Pixies emerged, they were just one of the groups shaping alternative rock of the ’90s. They were clearly influential as time went on, but part of the appeal was their early place in the underground scene. That embrace of what “ indie rock ” used to be was a purposeful choice in their early career, however.

In an early interview while on tour in the U.K., vocalist Black Francis (going by Frank Black at that time) and guitarist Joey Santiago discussed the choice to move in underground circles. When asked if their more offbeat style—in comparison to other American bands—was intentional, Frank Black explained their rationale.

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The Pixies Got Their Start On Underground College Radio, Becoming An Offbeat Indie Rock Staple

“Yeah, sure,” he began, “Because you can’t compete with The Rolling Stones [when you’re] starting out, and so your first reaction is to go to college radio or underground radio, that sort of stuff.”

“And in order to present your otherwise normal pop songs to that…