Aug 24, 2024

The Development of Electronic Music in the 80s

The 1980s was a decade of bold fashion choices, questionable hairstyles, and some of the most groundbreaking developments in music. As the world moved towards a new era of technological advancements, music followed suit. The birth and evolution of electronic music during the 80s completely transformed the soundscape of the time. Whether you were sporting a pair of oversized sunglasses, a leather jacket, or a neon windbreaker, the electronic beats of the 80s were the perfect soundtrack to your stylish escapades.

Introduction to Electronic Music in the 1980s

The 80s weren't just about big hair and leg warmers; they were also the decade when electronic music went mainstream. Before the 80s, electronic music was more of an experimental playground for avant-garde composers and a few daring musicians. But by the start of the decade, technological advancements in music production made electronic sounds more accessible to a wider audience. Synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers became the tools of the trade, enabling artists to create entirely new genres of music that had never been heard before.

This decade saw the rise of electronic music from niche to norm. What was once considered futuristic or even strange became the sound of a generation. From the dance floors of underground clubs to the top of the charts, electronic music was everywhere. It was the sound of the future, and everyone wanted a piece of it.

Key Innovations in 1980s Electronic Music Technology

You can't talk about 80s electronic music without mentioning the technology that made it all possible. This was the decade when musicians went from lugging around massive analog synthesizers to embracing more compact, digital versions that could be easily integrated into live performances and studio recordings. The 1980s was like Christmas for musicians, with tech companies rolling out new gear faster than you could say "synthpop."

Here are some of the key innovations that shaped the sound of the 80s:

The Synthesizer Revolution: Synthesizers had been around since the 60s, but it wasn't until the 80s that they became a staple in popular music. The Yamaha DX7, released in 1983, was a game-changer. It was the first commercially successful digital synthesizer and offered musicians a wide range of sounds at a relatively affordable price. It quickly became the go-to instrument for many artists of the era.
Drum Machines: If you’ve ever found yourself involuntarily tapping your foot to the infectious beats of an 80s hit, you can probably thank the Roland TR-808 or TR-909. These drum machines didn't just keep time; they defined the sound of entire genres. The 808, in particular, with its deep bass kick, became iconic in hip-hop and electronic music.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface): MIDI technology, introduced in 1983, allowed different electronic instruments and computers to communicate with each other. This meant that musicians could now control multiple instruments from a single keyboard or sequencer, opening up endless possibilities for live performances and studio work. It was like giving musicians superpowers, and boy, did they use them!

Pioneering Artists Who Shaped 80s Electronic Music

While technology was crucial, it was the artists who truly brought electronic music to life in the 80s. These pioneers took the cold, digital sounds of synthesizers and drum machines and infused them with emotion, creativity, and style. They didn't just make music; they created a cultural phenomenon.

Kraftwerk: Often considered the godfathers of electronic music, Kraftwerk's influence was felt all over the 80s. Though the German band began experimenting with electronic sounds in the 70s, it was their 1981 album "Computer World" that resonated deeply with the decade's emerging electronic music scene. Their robotic image and sound were the perfect match for a decade obsessed with technology and the future.
Depeche Mode: Depeche Mode took the darker, moodier side of electronic music and turned it into something both haunting and beautiful. With hits like "Just Can't Get Enough" and "People Are People," they became one of the most successful electronic bands of the 80s. Their use of synthesizers to create lush, textured soundscapes set them apart from their peers.
New Order: Rising from the ashes of the post-punk band Joy Division, New Order combined electronic music with rock elements, creating a unique sound that became synonymous with the 80s. Their 1983 single "Blue Monday" is still the best-selling 12-inch single of all time, and its infectious beat is instantly recognizable even today.
Jean-Michel Jarre: A pioneer in his own right, Jean-Michel Jarre brought a cinematic quality to electronic music. His grandiose live performances, complete with laser shows and massive soundscapes, pushed the boundaries of what electronic music could be. His album "Oxygène," while released in the late 70s, continued to influence the electronic music scene throughout the 80s.

The Rise of Synthpop and Its Impact on Popular Music

Ah, synthpop—the genre that practically screams "80s." This subgenre of electronic music became the soundtrack of the decade, with its catchy hooks, upbeat rhythms, and, of course, those irresistible synthesizers. Synthpop wasn’t just a genre; it was a movement. It was the sound of optimism, the sound of neon lights reflecting off a disco ball, the sound of a generation ready to dance the night away.

Synthpop took the traditional pop song structure and gave it an electronic makeover. Bands like Duran Duran, A-ha, and The Human League dominated the charts with their synth-driven hits. These songs were designed for the dance floor but were just as likely to be heard on the radio or at a high school prom. They were accessible, catchy, and undeniably fun.

The impact of synthpop on popular music can't be overstated. It broke down the barriers between electronic music and the mainstream, making synthesizers as common in pop music as guitars and drums. And while the genre might have faded from the charts as the decade ended, its influence is still felt today in the work of contemporary artists who continue to draw inspiration from the 80s.

The Influence of Drum Machines in 80s Music Production

If you’ve ever wondered why so many 80s songs have such infectious, toe-tapping beats, look no further than the humble drum machine. These little boxes of rhythm became the backbone of countless hits during the decade. Before the 80s, drum machines were seen as a novelty or a tool for demo recordings, but by the end of the decade, they were an essential part of the music production process.

The Roland TR-808 and TR-909, in particular, became the go-to drum machines for many producers. The 808's distinctive bass drum sound became iconic, especially in genres like hip-hop, where it was used to create deep, booming beats that could shake the walls. The 909, on the other hand, was favored for its more versatile and realistic drum sounds, making it a staple in house and techno music.

But drum machines weren't just about creating a beat; they were about creating a mood. The precise, mechanical rhythms they produced were a perfect match for the cold, futuristic feel of much of 80s electronic music. Yet, at the same time, they could also be used to create warm, groovy beats that made you want to dance.

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Stay tuned for the next part where we delve even deeper into the world of 80s electronic music, exploring how sampling revolutionized the sound of the decade and looking at some of the most iconic albums that defined the era. The 80s may be long gone, but its influence on music is far from over.

The Role of Sampling in 1980s Electronic Music

As electronic music evolved throughout the 1980s, so did the techniques that artists used to create new sounds. One of the most revolutionary of these techniques was sampling—the art of taking snippets of pre-existing recordings and incorporating them into new compositions. This innovation wasn’t just a way to add some extra flavor to a track; it was a creative tool that allowed musicians to build entirely new soundscapes from the pieces of the past.

Sampling technology became more accessible in the 80s, thanks to devices like the Fairlight CMI (Computer Musical Instrument) and the E-mu Emulator. These machines allowed artists to record, manipulate, and play back samples of sound, effectively turning every sound in the world into potential musical material. This was a game-changer. Suddenly, the world of sound was a vast playground for musicians to explore.

A prime example of sampling in 80s music is the work of The Art of Noise. This British avant-garde group made extensive use of sampling to create their unique, experimental tracks. Their hit "Close (to the Edit)" features an array of chopped-up, rearranged samples, resulting in a sound that was unlike anything else at the time. The Art of Noise demonstrated that sampling wasn't just a gimmick—it was a powerful tool for creating something truly original.

Hip-hop, too, owes much of its development to the art of sampling. Producers like Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash used samples from funk, disco, and rock records to create the beats that would form the foundation of the genre. The famous breakbeat in Bambaataa’s "Planet Rock," for instance, was sampled from Kraftwerk's "Trans-Europe Express." This kind of creative borrowing not only paid homage to past music but also built a bridge between different genres and generations.

Sampling wasn't just about cutting and pasting sounds; it was about recontextualizing them, giving them new meaning within a different musical framework. It was a reflection of the postmodern spirit of the 80s, where everything could be recycled, reimagined, and made new again.

How 80s Electronic Music Influenced Other Genres

The impact of 80s electronic music wasn’t confined to its own genre. Its influence seeped into virtually every corner of the music world, reshaping the sound of pop, rock, hip-hop, and even classical music. The 80s were a melting pot of styles, and electronic music was one of the key ingredients that added flavor to the mix.

Pop and Rock: By the mid-80s, it was hard to find a pop or rock album that didn’t incorporate electronic elements. Even artists who had previously been staunchly "analog" began to experiment with synthesizers and drum machines. Take David Bowie, for instance. His 1983 album "Let's Dance" combined electronic production techniques with his signature rock sound, resulting in a slick, danceable album that was a commercial and critical success.
Hip-Hop: As mentioned earlier, hip-hop and electronic music were closely linked, with many of the genre's pioneers drawing heavily on electronic sounds. The minimalist beats of 80s hip-hop, characterized by the use of drum machines like the Roland TR-808, laid the groundwork for the genre's explosive growth in the decades to follow. The influence of 80s electronic music can still be heard in modern hip-hop, where producers continue to use digital tools to create innovative beats.
Dance Music: The 80s were the breeding ground for genres like house and techno, which would go on to dominate dance floors around the world. House music, born in the clubs of Chicago, used synthesizers and drum machines to create repetitive, hypnotic grooves that were perfect for dancing. Meanwhile, techno, which emerged from Detroit, took these electronic elements and pushed them into more experimental, futuristic territory.
Classical Music: Even classical music wasn’t immune to the influence of electronic music. Composers like Philip Glass and Steve Reich began incorporating electronic instruments and techniques into their work, creating a new genre known as "minimalism." This genre focused on repetitive patterns and gradual changes in rhythm and harmony, often using synthesizers and other electronic tools to achieve its unique sound.

Iconic 80s Electronic Music Albums That Defined the Decade

No discussion of 80s electronic music would be complete without a nod to the albums that defined the decade. These records didn’t just set the standard for electronic music; they also influenced countless artists and helped shape the sound of the 80s and beyond.

Depeche Mode - Violator (1990): Although it technically falls just outside the 80s, Depeche Mode's "Violator" encapsulates everything that made 80s electronic music so special. With hits like "Personal Jesus" and "Enjoy the Silence," the album blended dark, moody synths with catchy pop hooks, creating a sound that was both commercially successful and critically acclaimed.
Kraftwerk - Computer World (1981): Kraftwerk’s "Computer World" is a seminal album in the electronic music canon. With its themes of technology and its innovative use of electronic instruments, the album was a blueprint for much of the electronic music that would follow. Tracks like "Computer Love" and "Pocket Calculator" are as influential today as they were when they were first released.
New Order - Power, Corruption & Lies (1983): After the tragic end of Joy Division, the remaining members formed New Order and went on to create one of the most influential electronic albums of the 80s. "Power, Corruption & Lies" blended electronic music with rock and post-punk elements, creating a sound that was both innovative and accessible. The single "Blue Monday," which was released around the same time, remains a dance floor classic to this day.
Pet Shop Boys - Please (1986): With their debut album "Please," the Pet Shop Boys brought a sophisticated, British take on synthpop to the masses. The album’s mix of catchy melodies, witty lyrics, and lush electronic production made it a standout in the crowded field of 80s pop music. Hits like "West End Girls" and "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)" are timeless classics.
Jean-Michel Jarre - Zoolook (1984): Jarre pushed the boundaries of electronic music with "Zoolook," an album that used samples of human voices from different languages as part of its sonic palette. The result was a highly experimental, yet surprisingly accessible album that showcased the creative potential of electronic music.

The Global Spread of 1980s Electronic Music

The 80s wasn't just a pivotal decade for electronic music in the Western world; its influence spread across the globe, shaping the sounds of countless cultures and musical traditions. As the technology behind electronic music became more accessible, artists from all corners of the world began to incorporate electronic elements into their music, leading to a cross-pollination of styles that enriched the global music scene.

Japan: Japan was one of the first countries outside of the West to embrace electronic music, and it quickly became a hotbed of innovation. Artists like Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) were pioneers in the field, blending traditional Japanese music with cutting-edge electronic sounds. YMO's influence can be seen in everything from J-pop to video game music, both of which would go on to have a significant impact on global pop culture.
Africa: In Africa, electronic music began to fuse with traditional sounds, creating unique genres like "Afrobeat" and "Kwaito." Pioneers like Fela Kuti started incorporating electronic elements into their music, adding a new dimension to their already groundbreaking work. Meanwhile, in South Africa, Kwaito emerged as a genre that combined house music with local rhythms, reflecting the country's vibrant and diverse cultural landscape.
Europe: Beyond the UK and Germany, electronic music also found fertile ground in other parts of Europe. In France, artists like Jean-Michel Jarre and Daft Punk (who would rise to fame in the 90s) laid the groundwork for a thriving electronic music scene. Meanwhile, in Italy, the "Italo Disco" genre brought a distinctly European flair to the world of dance music.
South America: Electronic music also made its mark in South America, where it began to blend with local genres like samba and tango. In Brazil, artists like Marcos Valle and Jorge Ben Jor started experimenting with electronic sounds, paving the way for the vibrant electronic music scene that would emerge in the country in later years.

The Lasting Legacy of 1980s Electronic Music in Modern Sound

Fast forward to today, and the influence of 80s electronic music is everywhere. From the resurgence of synthpop in the indie scene to the ubiquitous presence of electronic beats in mainstream pop, the sounds of the 80s continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Revival of Synthpop: In recent years, there’s been a noticeable revival of synthpop, with artists like CHVRCHES, The Weeknd, and Dua Lipa drawing inspiration from the 80s. Their music captures the spirit of the decade, combining modern production techniques with the nostalgic sounds of synthesizers and drum machines.
Electronic Music in Film and TV: The 80s vibe has also made a big comeback in film and television. Shows like "Stranger Things" have brought 80s electronic music back into the spotlight, with their synth-heavy soundtracks evoking the eerie, otherworldly atmosphere of the era. The success of these shows has sparked a renewed interest in 80s culture, with younger audiences discovering the music for the first time.
Impact on Modern Genres: The legacy of 80s electronic music can be felt across a wide range of modern genres. EDM, for instance, owes much of its sound and structure to the pioneering work done in the 80s. Hip-hop producers continue to use the Roland TR-808, and its distinctive bass kick is a staple in many of today’s biggest hits.
Fashion and Culture: The 80s weren’t just about music; they were also about style. And just as the music of the 80s is experiencing a revival, so too is the fashion. Brands like Newretro.Net are bringing back the retro looks that defined the decade, offering everything from denim jackets to retro sunglasses that perfectly capture the cool, confident vibe of the 80s. Whether you’re hitting up a synthwave concert or just want to add some vintage flair to your wardrobe, Newretro.Net has you covered.

And so, while the 80s may be long gone, its music lives on. The decade's spirit of innovation, its embrace of technology, and its willingness to push the boundaries of what music could be continue to inspire artists today. The 80s didn’t just change the sound of music; they changed its very DNA, leaving a legacy that will be felt for generations to come. Whether you're a fan of the catchy beats of synthpop, the experimental sounds of avant-garde electronic music, or the groundbreaking work of hip-hop pioneers, there's no denying that the 80s were a truly special time for music.

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