Synth rock
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Synth rock is a descriptive phrase applied to the work of a variety of musical artists. Principally, these artists share in the use of intentionally artificial sounds, produced through synthesizers, samplers and drum machines. The term "Synth rock" also serves as a musical genre classification, but synth rock music can also be categorized under different genres, usually as a subgenre of New Wave. Synth Rock closely resembles and is related to synthpop.
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[edit] 1970s
By the late 1960s, the synthesizer, originally a very large and complex instrument, had become streamlined enough that it was easy to transport. Several progressive rock groups began using the synthesizer expressly for the unique range of sounds available from the instrument. These artists included Yes and Emerson, Lake and Palmer and their keyboardists, Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson, respectively.
The Germany-based Krautrock scene also developed an affinity for synthesizers during the 70s, and many of the artists went on to become pioneers of purely electronic music. While many, such as Kraftwerk, did not hang on to their rock background, others, such as Tangerine Dream, did. Their version of synth-rock contrasts to the sort played by the largely English progressive rock groups in that it is principally electronic with rock influences rather than vice versa. While it was the rock-based form that had a larger influence on the development of synth rock during the next decade, electronic guitar remains a staple in 70s-inspired electronic music of the "Berlin School" variety.
[edit] 1980s
The growth of a variety of "underground" music scenes and the increasing availability and ease-of-use of synthesizers and other electronic musical instruments led to many more bands conspicuously using synthesizers. Some acts, notably synthpop, used electronic instruments almost exclusively. Many musicians were described as synth rock artists and many other genres had prominent artists that used synthesizers. In addition, the increasing popularity of New Wave and Electronic Dance music in this era also brought many genres to their height of popularity and to mainstream rock and pop.
Primary Genres
Some examples of popular artists at the time include:
- A Flock of Seagulls
- Duran Duran
- Depeche Mode
- Gary Numan
- The Fixx
- Erasure
- Frankie Goes to Hollywood
- Devo
- New Order
- The Cure
- Simple Minds
- Mr. Mister
- ABC
[edit] 1990s
In the 1990s, synth rock drew its style from combinations of '80s New Wave, '80s/'90s industrial music, glam rock, gothic rock and heavy metal.
Visually, synth rock tends to borrow heavily from its New Wave heritage, as well as its Glam and Goth heritages, and at times will soak this in futurism. The overall look has its similarities to the Futurepop-driven Cybergoth subculture. Synth rockers have been known to wear heavy, glamorous makeup regardless of gender (Orgy being particularly notorious for this), yet they can also have a slicker, more subtle look (such as Philler).
A common setup for a synth rock band involves a drummer using an electronic kit, a bassist (with numerous sound effects available, or possibly a bass guitar synthesizer), a guitarist (with a very large quantity of effects to choose from), a MIDI-guitarist (using a guitar as a synth controller, for example using a Roland G-Synth or a Starr Labs Z-Tar) and a keyboard synthesist. Usually, the guitarist or MIDI guitarist will handle vocals.
[edit] 2000s
In 2007, many bands currently described as "Synth-rock" are heavily or primarily influenced by New Wave music.
[edit] Bands
[edit] See also
- Disco Punk
- Electronic music
- Progressive Rock
- Can
- Neu
- Tangerine Dream
- Kraftwerk
- Deadsy
- Orgy
- Vanity Beach
Electronic dance music • Genres |
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| Ambient - Breakbeat - Drum and bass - Electro - UK garage - Hardcore - House - Industrial - Synthpop - Techno - Trance - Triphop |
Pop rock |
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| Arena rock - Baroque pop - British Invasion - Bubblegum pop/rock - Glam rock - Indie pop - New Wave - Piano pop/rock - Power pop - Pop punk - Soft rock - Sunshine pop/rock - Surf rock - Synthpop - Synthpunk - Synth rock |
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