How Electronic Dance Music and Synth-Pop Took Over the 80s Music
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How did electronic dance music and synth-pop come to dominate the 80s music scene? In this blog post, we take a look at the history and evolution of these two genres.
Introduction
In the 1980s, electronic dance music and synth-pop began to take over the charts. These genres were a far cry from the rock and roll that dominated the decade before. How did this change come about?
There are a few factors that can be credited with the rise of electronic music in the 1980s. First, there was a new generation of musicians who were influenced by the sounds of disco and Kraftwerk. These artists began to experiment with synthesizers and drum machines, creating new and exciting sounds.
Second, the technology of synthesizers and drum machines had improved greatly in the 1980s. This made it possible for more people to create professional sounding music at home.
Finally, as MTV rose to prominence in the 1980s, music videos became an important part of pop culture. Many synth-pop and dance songs were accompanied by visually stunning videos that helped to popularize these genres even further.
The result of all these factors was a musical landscape that was vastly different from anything that had come before. Electronic dance music and synth-pop came to dominate the charts in the 1980s, and they have remained popular ever since.
The Birth of Electronic Dance Music
Electronic dance music (EDM) and synth-pop took the 80s music scene by storm. These genres were born out of a desire to create something new and different. The sounds of synthesizers and drum machines were fresh and exciting. They allowed musicians to create catchy hooks and danceable beats. These genres quickly gained popularity and became the dominant sound of the 80s.
The first electronic dance music parties
The first electronic dance music parties were held in the late 1970s and early 1980s in various European cities, such as Berlin, London, and Paris. These parties were attended by people who were interested in new wave and synth-pop music. One of the first electronic dance music parties was held in London in 1979. This party was called The Blitz Party. It was organised by Steve Strange, who later became a member of the band Visage.
The Blitz Party was held at a club called The Blitz. The club was decorated with flashing lights and had a strong focus on fashion. Attendees of the party would dress up in outrageous costumes and makeup. The music at the party was provided by DJs who played new wave and synth-pop records.
The success of the Blitz Party led to the organisation of similar parties in other European cities, such as Berlin and Paris. These parties helped to spread the popularity of electronic dance music across Europe.
The first electronic dance music festivals
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a new type of music began to emerge from the underground nightclub scene. This new music, which would come to be known as electronic dance music (EDM), was a fusion of several different genres, including disco, pop, and rock. EDM quickly began to gain popularity in the United States and Europe, and by the mid-1980s, it was being played at mainstream nightclubs and music festivals.
The first electronic dance music festival was held in August of 1985 in New York City. The event, which was called the Love Parade, featured performances by some of the biggest names in EDM, including Afrika Bambaataa and Soul Sonic Force. The Love Parade proved to be so popular that it spawned numerous imitators around the world, and today, EDM festivals are held annually in countries all over the globe.
The Rise of Synth-Pop
The eighties were a decade of big hair, big synthesizers, and big hits. Electronic dance music and synth-pop took over the airwaves, and everyone from Madonna to Michael Jackson was getting in on the act. But how did this happen? Let’s take a look at the rise of synth-pop.
The first synth-pop hits
The first synth-pop hits appeared in the late 1970s, with artists like Kraftwerk and Yellow Magic Orchestra leading the way. These early hits laid the groundwork for the synth-pop explosion of the 1980s.
In the early 1980s, synth-pop hits like Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” and Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough” took over the charts. These catchy, hook-laden songs showcased the new sound of synthesizers and drum machines, and they quickly won over listeners.
As the 80s wore on, synth-pop evolved and diversified. New subgenres like new wave and darkwave emerged, while artists began experimenting with different sounds and styles. By the end of the decade, synth-pop had become one of the most popular genres of music.
The popularity of synth-pop
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a new type of pop music began to emerge that combined electronic dance music with traditional pop melodies. This new genre, which came to be known as synth-pop, quickly became one of the most popular genres of the decade.
Synth-pop was characterized by its use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments, as well as its focus on catchy melodies and hooks. The genre also often featured-on Coldwave subgenre. artists who were more interested in fashion and visuals than traditional musicianship.
The popularity of synth-pop was propelled by a number of factors, including the rise of youth culture, the popularity of disco music, and the increasing affordability of synthesizers and other electronic instruments. By the end of the 1980s, synth-pop had become one of the most successful genres of pop music.
The Legacy of Electronic Dance Music and Synth-Pop
In the 1980s, electronic dance music and synth-pop took over the music industry by storm. With its catchy tunes and danceable beats, it was hard to resist these new genres of music. Many artists found success with these new genres, and they remain popular to this day. Let’s take a look at the legacy of electronic dance music and synth-pop.
The influence of electronic dance music and synth-pop on today’s music
The 1980s were a decade of great change in the music industry. Electronic dance music and synth-pop began to take over the charts, and artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince rose to superstardom.
Today, electronic dance music and synth-pop are still hugely popular, and their influence can be heard in many of today’s biggest hits. While some of today’s artists may not be directly inspired by the music of the 1980s, there is no doubt that the genre has had a significant impact on pop music as a whole.
The popularity of electronic dance music and synth-pop is often credited to its infectious beats and catchy melodies. These elements are still present in much of today’s pop music, albeit in a more modernized form. In addition, many of today’s biggest stars got their start in the world of electronic dance music and synth-pop, including Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, and Rihanna.
As we look back on the legacy of electronic dance music and synth-pop, it is clear that these genres have had a profound impact on pop music as a whole. While their sound may have changed over the years, their influence is still evident in many of today’s biggest hits.
