the dream

The Dreamy History of Dream Pop: A Whimsical Journey

Dream pop, a genre that’s like a sonic daydream, has a history as hazy and beautiful as a summer afternoon.

Early Days (1980s): The genre blossomed in the 1980s, taking inspiration from the atmospheric textures of shoegaze and the ethereal melodies of post-punk. Bands like Cocteau Twins (with their Scottish Gaelic-inspired lyrics, they were basically singing in “dream language”) and The Jesus and Mary Chain (who once almost set their amps on fire during a gig, proving even dream pop can be fiery) set the foundation.

The 90s: A Dreamy Explosion: The 90s saw the genre flourish, with bands like Mazzy Star, Slowdive, and Lush captivating audiences with their dreamy soundscapes. Mazzy Star’s Hope Sandoval (a true dream pop icon) was known for her unique vocal style and her ability to blend vulnerability with a touch of cool. Slowdive’s Neil Halstead (whose dreamy guitar riffs were almost as ethereal as his long, flowing hair) once admitted he was inspired by the sound of a dripping faucet.

The New Millennium: Dream Pop’s Revival: The 2000s saw a resurgence of interest in dream pop, with artists like Beach House, Cigarettes After Sex, and The xx leading the charge. Beach House’s Victoria Legrand (with her otherworldly vocals) has a surprising side hustle – she’s a certified yoga instructor! Cigarettes After Sex’s Greg Gonzalez (whose music is like a soundtrack to a melancholic dream) was a former drummer for The Strokes, proving dream pop can exist in even the most unexpected places.

The Future of Dream Pop: Today, dream pop continues to evolve, with artists like Grimes, FKA Twigs, and Purity Ring incorporating electronic elements and pushing the boundaries of the genre. The future of dream pop is as vast and exciting as a dream itself.

Funny Fact Bonus:

• The band “The Smiths” almost named themselves “The Dreamboats” – thank goodness they chose a name that was a bit less dreamy!
• Cocteau Twins’ Elizabeth Fraser once admitted that she never wrote down lyrics, instead relying on improvisational singing that captured the essence of a dream.
• Slowdive’s Rachel Goswell (who was a bit of a “rock chick” in the 90s) once admitted to accidentally setting her hair on fire during a gig.

So, there you have it. A glimpse into the dreamy world of dream pop, filled with ethereal soundscapes, iconic artists, and a touch of whimsical fun. Just remember, even in the dreamiest of genres, there’s always a little bit of reality hidden within.