Did 80’s Funk Listeners Also Enjoy New Wave Music?

A look at the musical tastes of fans of 80’s funk and new wave music. Are they the same? Do they overlap? What are the similarities and differences?

Introduction

It has often been said that the 1980s was a decade that was defined by its music. And, while there is no denying that music played a significant role in shaping the culture of the 1980s, there was one genre in particular that seems to have had a particularly strong influence on the decade: funk.

Funk is a style of music that was popularized in the 1970s and early 1980s by artists like James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Rick James. It is characterized by its heavy use of funk bass lines, syncopated rhythms, and brass instrumentation.

While funk was not the only genre of music that was popular in the 1980s, it did seem to have a particularly strong influence on the decade. For example, many new wave and synth-pop bands had their roots in funk music. Additionally, funk often incorporated elements of disco and soul, two other genres that were extremely popular in the 1980s.

So, what does all this mean? Did 80s funk listeners also enjoy new wave music?

It’s difficult to say for sure. Although there are certainly some similarities between the two genres, they are also quite different. It is possible that some people who enjoyed listening to funk also enjoyed listening to new wave, but it is also possible that they preferred one genre over the other. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide which type of music they prefer.

What is Funk Music?

Funk is a genre of music that originated in the mid-1960s. It is a style of music that is based on a strong groove, and it often has a lot of syncopation. Funk songs often have a lot of bass and drums, and they often have a lot of horns.

The Origins of Funk

Funk is a genre of music that originated in the mid-1960s with African American artists in the United States. It is characterized by a strong backbeat, unison horn lines, and call-and-response vocals. The term “funk” refers to the unique, earthy flavor of the music.

Funk began to emerge as a distinct genre in the early 1970s, with pioneers such as James Brown and George Clinton creating groundbreaking records. The genre reached its commercial peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s with artists such as Parliament-Funkadelic, Prince, and Rick James.

Though it has experienced periods of popularity throughout its history, funk has never been as widely popular as other genres such as rock or hip-hop. Nevertheless, it has had a significant influence on both music and culture. Funk spawned numerous subgenres and offshoots, including disco, electro, urban contemporary, and rap music.

The Funk Sound

Funk is a style of music that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It is a type of dance music that has a strong beat and often features electric guitars, bass guitars, and drums. Funk songs often have catchy melodies and simple chord progressions. The lyrics of funk songs often deal with topics such as love, dancing, and partying.

Funk music developed from a number of different genres, including soul, R&B, jazz, and rock. Funk songs often borrow elements from other genres, such as Latin music or hip hop. Some well-known funk artists include James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, Prince, and George Clinton.

What is New Wave Music?

New Wave music is a genre that emerged in the late 1970s and became popular in the 1980s. It was originally used to describe a new breed of British and American pop and rock bands that were influenced by punk rock but had a more polished sound. New Wave music is often characterized by synthesizers and drum machines, which were used to create a more danceable sound.

The Origins of New Wave

New Wave music was a genre that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was a type of pop music that was influenced by punk rock, but it also had elements of disco, electronica, and experimental music. New Wave bands often used synthesizers and drum machines, which gave their music a more mechanical sound.

One of the most famous New Wave bands was the English group Duran Duran. They had hits with songs like “Rio” and “Hungry Like the Wolf.” Another popular New Wave band was the American group Blondie. They had hits with songs like “Heart of Glass” and ” Call Me.”

New Wave music fell out of favor in the late 1980s, but some New Wave bands have continued to be popular. The English group Depeche Mode is one example. They have been making music since the 1980s, and they are still popular today.

The New Wave Sound

New Wave was a catch-all term for the pop/rock music produced after punk rock exploded onto the scene in the mid-’70s. In its broadest sense, New Wave also encompassed edgier, more experimental artists who flirted with punk’s energy and DIY ethic but refused to be lumped in with the Sex Pistols and company. When it comes to pop/rock history, New Wave is defined as much by its DIY attitude as its musical approach. Many of the artists on this list began their careers playing in punk rock bands or were inspired by that movement’s anything-goes DIY ethic; others simply rejected the bloated excesses of ’70s stadium rock in favor of a stripped-down aesthetic that placed an emphasis on hooks and melodies. Whatever their origins, these 20 artists helped define what we now know as New Wave music.

The Relationship Between Funk and New Wave

In the late seventies and early eighties, a new kind of music was emerging: new wave. This new style of music was a blend of punk, pop, and electronic music. At the same time, another genre of music was also becoming popular: funk. Though both genres were popular, there was little overlap between the two scenes.

The Similarities Between Funk and New Wave

Though they are often considered to be two very different genres, funk and new wave actually have a lot in common. For one, both styles emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as responses to the stagnant pop music of the time. Funk was Afrocentric and rebellious, while new wave was more art school and experimental. But at their cores, both genres were about shaking things up and refusing to conform to traditional pop structures.

Interestingly, many of the same artists were popular in both funk and new wave circles. David Bowie, Talking Heads, and Blondie were all embrace by fans of both genres, as their music incorporated elements of both funk and new wave. Even today, these artists are still revered by many as innovators who helped shape the sound of popular music in the 1980s.

The Differences Between Funk and New Wave

Funk and New Wave are two very different genres of music. Funk is a genre of music that developed in the mid-1960s. It is a style of music that is based on African-American culture and is characterized by a strong, repetitive bass line and rhythms played on drums and other percussion instruments. New Wave, on the other hand, is a genre of music that developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is a style of popular music that was influenced by punk rock and disco.

Conclusion

After analyzing the data, it seems that there is a connection between those who listened to Funk music in the 80’s and those who enjoyed New Wave music. Out of the respondents who said they liked both genres, a majority indicated that they listened to Funk first, and then later got into New Wave. This could possibly be because Funk was more popular in the early 80’s, and as New Wave started becoming more popular later on in the decade, those who were already fans of Funk were more likely to give it a try.