alternative electronic

The Rise of the Machines: A Groovy History of Alternative Electronic Music

Forget the big hair and power chords, the 80s brought something altogether different: the rise of alternative electronic music. This genre, born from the ashes of punk and the heart of new wave, explored the sonic possibilities of synthesizers, drum machines, and a whole lot of experimentation.

Early Days: From Cold Wave to Industrial

The early 80s saw the emergence of cold wave bands like Joy Division and The Cure, whose dark and atmospheric soundscapes paved the way for the genre’s darker, more industrial side. Throbbing Gristle‘s experimental noise was the sound of rebellion against the commercialization of music, while Cabaret Voltaire brought in the elements of sampling and collage, blurring the line between music and sound art.

The Dancefloor Takes Over: Post-Punk and Techno

As the decade progressed, the focus shifted to dance music. New Order (formerly Joy Division) spearheaded the “Madchester” scene with their danceable synthpop, while Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys dominated the airwaves with their synth-driven pop anthems. Meanwhile, in Germany, Kraftwerk‘s robotic soundscapes gave birth to techno, a pulsating sound that would become synonymous with late-night raves.

The 90s: Electronic Diversification

The 90s witnessed a massive explosion of electronic subgenres. Trip-hop, spearheaded by Massive Attack and Portishead, brought soulful vocals and laid-back grooves to the fore. Ambient artists like Brian Eno and Aphex Twin explored the quieter, more meditative side of electronic music, while DJ Shadow and Roni Size pushed the boundaries of turntablism and drum & bass.

Funny Facts:

• The Cure’s Robert Smith was so shy he would hide behind his instrument during live shows, only to emerge when the music started.
• The Prodigy’s Keith Flint was known for his wild stage antics, including setting himself on fire during a concert (don’t try this at home!).
• Aphex Twin was known for his mischievous streak, even hiding secret messages in his music and releasing music under various aliases to keep fans guessing.
• The Chemical Brothers’ Tom Rowlands once famously said, “We’re not really interested in making music. We’re just interested in making people dance.”

The Legacy:

Alternative electronic music has had a lasting impact on contemporary music, influencing genres like hip-hop, pop, and even metal. From the experimental sounds of Radiohead to the dancefloor anthems of Daft Punk, the genre continues to evolve and push boundaries, proving that the future of music is indeed electronic.