70s Electronic Music Artists You Need to Know

A comprehensive guide to the most innovative and influential electronic music artists of the 1970s.

Introduction

From the experiments of Kraftwerk to the dancefloor anthems of Giorgio Moroder, the 1970s saw a surge in popularity for electronic music. This new genre was characterized by its use of synthetic sounds, which were often created with early electronic instruments like synthesizers and drum machines.

While electronic music was initially met with some skepticism, it soon caught on with audiences and artists alike. By the end of the decade, electronic music had made its way into pop, rock, and disco, resulting in some truly groundbreaking records.

Here are just a few of the 70s electronic music artists you need to know.

Giorgio Moroder

Giorgio Moroder is an Italian record producer, songwriter and singer who pioneered electronic dance music. He is credited with bringing disco and synthpop to the mainstream with his hits “I Feel Love” and “Flashdance… What a Feeling.” Moroder has worked with some of the biggest names in pop music, including Donna Summer, David Bowie, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Billy Idol and Blondie. He has also composed film scores for films such as Midnight Express, Scarface and Top Gun.

Kraftwerk

Formed in Germany in 1970, Kraftwerk is widely considered to be one of the pioneering bands of electronic music. The group is known for its intricate, catchy melodies and its innovative use of technology. Kraftwerk’s music has been extremely influential, both on other electronic artists and on pop culture in general; the band’s signature sound can be heard in the work of everyone from Depeche Mode to Daft Punk.

Yellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s with their groundbreaking experimental electronic music. They were one of the first bands to successfully fuse traditional pop songwriting with the new sounds of synthesizers and drum machines.

YMO’s music had a huge influence on the development of hip hop, house, techno, and other electronic dance music genres. The group’s best-known hits include “Computer Game” and “Theme from The Invasion of Astro-Monster.”

If you’re a fan of electronic music, you definitely need to check out Yellow Magic Orchestra!

Jean-Michel Jarre

A French composer and pioneer of electronic music, Jean-Michel Jarre has released over fifty albums in a career spanning four decades. His groundbreaking 1976 debut Oxygène established him as one of the most innovative and commercially successful artists in the genre, with its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and looping technology resulting in an immersive and emotive listening experience.

Over the years, Jarre has continued to push the envelope with his music, experimenting with different sounds and textures to create unique sonic landscapes. He has also been at the forefront of multimedia concert events, incorporating laser shows, projections, and other special effects into his performances. In recent years he has collaborated with a number of high-profile artists, including Daft Punk, M83, and Vincent Licata.

With such a prolific and influential career, it’s no wonder that Jean-Michel Jarre is regarded as one of the most important figures in electronic music. If you’re not already familiar with his work, be sure to check out some of his classic albums; you won’t be disappointed.

Vangelis

Vangelis is a Greek composer of electronic, progressive, ambient, and new-age music. He is best known for his Academy Award-winning score to Chariots of Fire and compositions for Blade Runner (1982),Alien (1979), and 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992). Throughout his career, Vangelis has used a wide range of music styles, making him one of the most versatile and experimental composers in the history of electronic music.

Conclusion

As we come to the end of our list, we want to thank you for taking the time to read and learn about these 70s electronic music artists. We hope that this guide has given you a better understanding of the genre and the many different artists who helped shape it.

We encourage you to further your exploration of this genre by listening to the artists on our list, as well as checking out some of the other great electronic music that came out of the 70s. This was a truly groundbreaking time for music, and we believe that every fan of electronic music should know at least something about its history.