New wave music

Error creating thumbnail:

Blondie1977

Talking_Heads_band1

Energy_Dome

Error creating thumbnail:

Franz-ferdinand-live-2006-tag

New wave music is a genre of rock music that emerged in the late 1970s and became widely popular in the 1980s. It is characterized by its eclectic mix of styles, including punk rock, synth-pop, and post-punk. New wave music is known for its use of synthesizers, electronic production, and a distinctive visual style that often includes fashion-forward clothing and elaborate music videos.

History

New wave music originated in the late 1970s as a reaction to the raw simplicity of punk rock. Bands like Talking Heads, Blondie, and Devo began to incorporate elements of electronic music, funk, and art rock into their sound. The term "new wave" was initially used interchangeably with punk rock, but it soon came to describe a distinct genre that was more polished and commercially accessible.

Characteristics

New wave music is characterized by its diverse influences and innovative use of technology. Key features include:

• **Synthesizers and electronic instruments**: New wave bands often used synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments to create a futuristic sound.
• **Danceable rhythms**: Many new wave songs have a strong, danceable beat, influenced by disco and funk.
• **Visual style**: New wave artists often embraced a distinctive visual style, with fashion-forward clothing, makeup, and elaborate music videos. This was partly influenced by the rise of MTV in the early 1980s.
• **Eclectic influences**: New wave music draws from a wide range of genres, including punk rock, reggae, ska, and art rock.

Notable Artists

Some of the most influential new wave artists include:

• Talking Heads
• Blondie
• Devo
• The B-52's
• Duran Duran
• The Police
• The Cars
• Elvis Costello

Legacy

New wave music had a significant impact on the development of popular music in the 1980s and beyond. It paved the way for the rise of synth-pop and influenced a wide range of genres, including alternative rock, indie rock, and electronic dance music. Many new wave bands continue to be celebrated for their innovative sound and style.

Related Pages

• Punk rock
• Synth-pop
• Post-punk
• MTV
• Alternative rock
• Indie rock
• Electronic dance music