How computer technology shaped a musical era
Technopop, also known as electronic pop or synthpop, is a type of popular music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
It is characterised by its use of synthesizers and electronic instruments to create a sound that, at least at the time, is both futuristic and catchy. However, as time es the original techno pop bands start to sound quite stylised and dated.
The rise of technopop can be attributed to several factors.
One of the most significant was the development of affordable and accessible electronic instruments, which allowed musicians to experiment with new sounds and styles which we will expand on below.
Drum Machines
The introduction of the Roland TR-808 drum machine in 1980, gave producers a powerful new tool for creating danceable rhythms and beats. The TR808 remains a classic today and whilst its sounds are easily emulated in tools such as Logic X, the original pieces of hardware are now very collectable and sell for significant sums. The same is true of the Linn Drum, the Roland TR-909, and the Oberheim OBX, all of which have produced great sounds on some iconic singles.
Synthesisers
Keyboard based synthesisers were very prevalent during this time, including iconic models such as the Roland Juno 6 and Yamaha DX7. As the name implies, these synthesised the sound of real instruments, to a limited extent, but also their basic sound generating oscillators could then be filtered to give brand new musical sounds.
As computers became more powerful and affordable, they began to play an increasingly important role in the creation and manipulation of electronic music.
Sampling
Another computer-based revolution for the musician was the ability to
This means that you can record a real sound in digital format and then play that sound at any pitch, that is triggered by a keyboard.
So, for example, a keyboard player could record the sound of a single violin note and play that polyphonically. This technology again produced some amazing results.
Early adopters of sampling, using a keyboard and computer called a Fairlight, with artists such as Kate Bush and later Trevor Horn with the Art of Noise and Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Just listen to the bass line on Frankie’s Two Tribes and you’ll hear they sampled base that is then triggered using MIDI sequences, which we will describe below.
MIDI
Software protocols such as MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) allowed musicians to control multiple electronic instruments from a single device, making it easier to create complex arrangements and layered sounds.
This was absolutely revolutionary as it enabled electronic equipment and sequencers from various different manufacturers to be connected together using a common interface.
Importance of MIDI also spilled over into the guitar world where guitar amplifiers and guitar effects pedals could be controlled using the MIDI interface. MIDI effects pedals today are produce by a number of high end manufacturers such as Meris. So, for example, one could control the switching of effects from a sequencer, which enabled a sophistication and complexity that was only previously available in the studio, if at all.
Cultural Impact
The popularity of technopop was also driven by the emergence of new musical subcultures, such as the New Romantic movement in the UK and the new wave scene in the US.
These subcultures embraced the futuristic aesthetic of technopop and helped to popularize it among young audiences. As was previously the case with guitar bands of the 60s and 70s, the fashion world aligned itself to this new sound.
Some of the most influential technopop acts of the 1980s include Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode, New Order, and Pet Shop Boys.
Today, technopop continues to be a popular genre of music, with artists such as Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers, and LCD Soundsystem carrying on the legacy of the genre.
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