Have you heard of New Wave music and are you a fan? Or are you a novice to this style of music and need a lesson in this style of music? We have got you and will be discussing how this genre really took the music scene by storm.
What Is New Wave Music?
New Wave music was a genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was a movement that was characterized by its use of synthesizers, electronic drums, and other electronic instruments.
New Wave music was also known for its energetic, upbeat sound, as well as its often quirky lyrics and fashion. One of the key features of New Wave music was its use of electronic instruments. This was a departure from the rock music that had dominated the charts in the 1960s and 1970s, which relied heavily on guitars, bass, and drums.
New Wave Music Influences
This style of music was heavily influenced by the punk rock movement, which had emerged in the mid-1970s. Punk rock was known for its raw, stripped-down sound, and it’s DIY ethos. This music took this ethos and applied it to electronic music, creating a new sound that was both futuristic and nostalgic.
Many of the songs were fast-paced and danceable, with catchy hooks and memorable choruses. This made the music popular in clubs and on dance floors, and helped to establish New Wave as a mainstream genre.
This genre of music was also known for its often quirky lyrics and fashion. Many New Wave bands embraced a sense of irony and humor in their lyrics, which often dealt with themes of alienation and social commentary. This was reflected in the fashion of the time, which often featured bright colors, bold patterns, and unconventional hairstyles.
Popular New Wave Bands
Some of the most popular bands included Duran Duran, The Cars, Devo, Talking Heads, The Human League, Blondie and many more! These bands helped to define the sound and style of the genre, and their music continues to be popular today.
Duran Duran – New Wave Music
Duran Duran is an English new wave band formed in Birmingham in 1978. The band consists of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, and Roger Taylor. They rose to fame in the 1980s with hits such as “Rio,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” and “The Reflex.” They have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have won numerous awards throughout their career. Duran Duran continues to tour and release new music to this day.
The Cars
The Cars were an American rock band formed in Boston in 1976. They were known for their blend of new wave, rock, and pop music, and their hits included “Just What I Needed,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” and “Drive.” The band consisted of Ric Ocasek, Benjamin Orr, Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, and David Robinson. They disbanded in 1988 but were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
Devo
Devo is an American rock band formed in Akron, Ohio in 1973. They are known for their unique sound, quirky lyrics, and distinctive stage costumes. Some of their most popular songs include “Whip It,” “Girl U Want,” and “Freedom of Choice.” They were pioneers of the new wave and post-punk movements in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The band continues to tour and release music to this day.
Talking Heads
Talking Heads was an American rock band formed in 1975 in New York City. The band consisted of David Byrne (vocals, guitar), Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass), and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar). They were known for their eclectic sound blending elements of punk, funk, and world music. Some of their most popular songs include “Psycho Killer,” “Once in a Lifetime,” and “Burning Down the House.” The band disbanded in 1991 but their music continues to be influential.
Blondie
Blondie is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1974. The band’s original lineup consisted of singer Debbie Harry, guitarist Chris Stein, keyboardist Jimmy Destri, drummer Clem Burke, and bassist Gary Valentine. They became one of the most successful bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s, blending elements of punk, new wave, and pop music. Some of their most famous songs include “Heart of Glass,” “Call Me,” and “One Way or Another.” They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
The Human League
Human League is a British synth-pop band formed in Sheffield in 1977. The band achieved commercial success in the 1980s with hits such as “Don’t You Want Me”, “Human”, and “Together in Electric Dreams”. Their music is characterized by the use of synthesizers and electronic instrumentation. The band has undergone several lineup changes over the years, with the current members being Philip Oakey, Joanne Catherall, and Susan Ann Sulley.
Simple Minds
Simple Minds is a Scottish rock band formed in Glasgow in 1977. They are known for hits such as “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”, “Alive and Kicking”, and “Belfast Child”. The band’s sound has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of post-punk, new wave, and stadium rock. They have released 18 studio albums and sold over 60 million records worldwide. Simple Minds continues to tour and record new music to this day.
The Police
The Police is a British rock band formed in London in 1977. The band consisted of Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar), Andy Summers (guitar), and Stewart Copeland (drums). They are known for their unique blend of punk, reggae, and new wave music. The Police have sold over 75 million records worldwide and have won six Grammy Awards. They disbanded in 1986, but reunited for a world tour in 2007-2008.
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode is an English electronic music band formed in 1980. The band consists of Dave Gahan (lead vocals), Martin Gore (keyboards, guitar, backing vocals), and Andy Fletcher (keyboards). They are known for their dark and moody sound, blending elements of synthpop, new wave, and alternative rock. Some of their most popular songs include “Enjoy the Silence,” “Personal Jesus,” and “Just Can’t Get Enough.” They have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
New Wave Music Podcast
A fan of podcasts and this style of music? Then we have just thing for you. It’s called the New Wave Music Podcast. A podcast dedicated to discussing and reviewing new music from your favorite New Wave artists, as well as looking at new artists with that new wave sound.
Summary – New Wave Music
In conclusion, this was a music genre that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was revolutionary because it incorporated elements of punk, electronic, and pop music to create a unique sound that challenged traditional rock music conventions. It also embraced new technologies and emphasized visual aesthetics, fashion, and performance art, which helped to shape the music and cultural landscape of the 1980s.
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