Mad World An Oral History Of New Wave

Mad World An Oral History Of New Wave is a comprehensive look at the New Wave music scene from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. The book is composed of interviews with many of the key players in the genre, including artists, producers, and fans. It covers the US and UK versions of New Wave, and includes interviews with artists such as Duran Duran, The B-52s, Talking Heads, the Cure, Blondie, and more. It provides an in-depth look at the evolution of the music, the culture and the people behind it. Mad World An Oral History Of New Wave is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of New Wave music.

Origins of the New Wave Music Genre

The new wave music genre emerged in the late 1970s as a reaction to the conventions of classic rock. Its roots can be traced to a number of different musical styles, including punk, new romantic, synthpop, and post-punk. It was a genre that defied traditional music industry conventions, combining elements of rock, pop, and disco with a more experimental and avant-garde approach. The genre’s popularity blossomed in the 1980s, thanks in part to the rise of MTV and the emergence of the music video. The success of new wave acts like The Police, Duran Duran, and The B-52s helped to launch the genre into the mainstream. It’s influence can still be heard in today’s music, with a number of current artists citing new wave as a major influence. From its diverse musical roots to its influence on today’s music, the new wave genre has long been an important part of the musical landscape.

New Wave Music in the 1980s

The 1980s saw the emergence of New Wave music, a genre that blended elements of punk, funk, and pop music to create a unique and captivating sound. This new sound quickly gained popularity among the youth of the day, and soon New Wave music was everywhere. From the iconic sounds of bands like The Human League, Duran Duran, and The Cure, to the underground vibes of Devo and Talking Heads, New Wave music was the soundtrack of the decade. But what is it about New Wave music that made it so successful?

The success of New Wave music can be attributed to its genre-spanning sound and its ability to incorporate elements from a broad range of musical influences. It drew heavily from punk and new romantic music while also incorporating elements of funk, pop, and synthpop. This broad range of influences created a sound that was unique and engaging, appealing to a variety of music fans. Furthermore, the lyrics of New Wave songs often focused on issues of youth culture, providing a perfect soundtrack for the youth of the day.

The success of New Wave music was further enhanced by the emergence of MTV and other music video channels, which provided a platform for these bands to showcase their music in a visual format. This allowed the bands to reach a larger audience, and quickly become household names.

The 1980s was a time of great change in the music industry, and the emergence of New Wave music was a major part of this. Its broad range of influences and its appeal to the youth of the day made it a genre that still resonates today.

Evolution of the New Wave Music Style

The ‘New Wave’ music style emerged in the late 1970s as a distinct genre of popular music. It was a mix of punk, pop, and post-punk that blended the punk attitude with pop sensibilities. The genre quickly grew in popularity and developed a distinct sound, with bands like The B-52’s, Devo, and Talking Heads becoming household names.

New Wave music was characterized by its experimental nature, with bands incorporating electronic instruments and synthesizers into their sound. Additionally, the genre featured prominent vocals, often featuring female lead singers. The lyrical content of many songs was often dark and introspective, dealing with issues such as alienation, heartbreak, and political themes.

The New Wave sound was also heavily influenced by the punk and post-punk genres, with bands often featuring heavy, distorted guitars and driving rhythms. Additionally, the genre often featured complex song structures and strange, avant-garde arrangements.

New Wave music greatly influenced the subsequent musical landscape, with a number of artists citing the genre as a major influence. The genre paved the way for the ‘Alternative’ music scene of the 1980s and 1990s, and its influence can still be heard in the music of today.

The ‘Mad World’ oral history of New Wave is an in-depth look at a pivotal era in popular music. Through interviews with the genre’s most influential artists, producers, and engineers, it provides an insightful look into the evolution of the New Wave sound. It’s a must-read for any music fan interested in the history of this groundbreaking genre.

Cultural Impact and Legacy of New Wave Music

New Wave music was an influential movement that changed the face of popular music in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was a reaction to the blandness of the mainstream music at the time, and it spawned a new wave of artists who were willing to take risks and experiment with new sounds. This new wave of music had a huge impact on both the music industry and popular culture. The influence of New Wave can still be felt today in the way music is created and consumed.

The genre was a fusion of punk, synth-pop, and rock and roll, and it was characterized by its eclectic sound and subversive lyrics. New Wave artists were willing to take risks and experiment with new sounds and styles, and this helped to create a more diverse music scene. The genre also helped to launch the careers of many of today’s most iconic artists, such as The Cure, Depeche Mode, and New Order.

The cultural impact of New Wave music was far-reaching. The genre was embraced by the youth of the time, and it became a symbol of rebellion and a way to express their frustrations with the status quo. It also helped to create a new kind of musical culture, one that was more open-minded and accepting of different genres and styles. This spirit of experimentation and acceptance is still alive in the music industry today, and it is a testament to the lasting legacy of the New Wave movement.

The Future of New Wave Music

The 1980s saw a revolution in music, as the New Wave genre ushered in a new era of sound. Blending elements of punk, pop, and rock, New Wave music created a unique and vibrant soundscape. But what does the future hold for this genre?

New Wave music has always been a source of creative energy and exploration. With its emphasis on synthesisers and experimentation, it has been a platform for artists to push boundaries and create something new and unique. It is this spirit of innovation that will allow New Wave to continue to thrive in the future.

The genre has already gone through some major changes since its heyday in the 1980s. New Wave has become more accessible, with mainstream acts like The Killers and Franz Ferdinand incorporating it into their sound. It has also become more diverse, incorporating elements of hip-hop, electronic, and pop music.

The digital age has also had a major impact on New Wave, with an ever-growing number of artists using streaming services to reach new audiences. This has allowed artists to easily share their music with listeners from all over the world.

The future of New Wave is bright. As the genre continues to evolve and incorporate new influences, it will remain a vibrant and exciting form of expression. It will continue to inspire and challenge both musicians and listeners alike, creating captivating and unique sounds.

Notable New Wave Artists and Their Contributions

The 1980s saw a revolutionary shift in the music industry with the emergence of the New Wave genre. With its unique blend of punk, funk, and pop, New Wave became a major influence on the world of music. Notable artists like Blondie, Talking Heads, and The Clash helped shape the genre, making it a global phenomenon.

From the iconic Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” to The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go”, New Wave music was a hit with both critics and fans alike. Artists like Talking Heads, Duran Duran, and The Police helped to further establish the genre, pushing the boundaries and creating a sound that was both innovative and ubiquitous.

The growth of New Wave music was not limited to the United Kingdom. In the United States, bands like The Cars and Devo helped to popularize the genre, while in Canada, acts like The B-52s and The Viletones made their mark.

New Wave music has had a lasting impact on the music industry and the world. Its influence can still be felt today, with many modern artists citing it as a major influence. Whether it’s the punk-inspired guitar riffs of The Clash or the synth-pop sound of Duran Duran, New Wave music has left an indelible mark on the world of music.

FAQs About the Mad World An Oral History Of New Wave

Q1: What type of book is Mad World An Oral History Of New Wave?
A1: Mad World An Oral History Of New Wave is a nonfiction book that provides a comprehensive overview of the new wave music scene of the 1970s and 1980s.

Q2: Who wrote Mad World An Oral History Of New Wave?
A2: Mad World An Oral History Of New Wave was written by Lori Majewski and Jonathan Bernstein.

Q3: What topics does Mad World An Oral History Of New Wave cover?
A3: Mad World An Oral History Of New Wave covers topics such as the history of the new wave music genre, the people behind it, and its influence on popular culture.

Conclusion

Mad World: An Oral History of New Wave is an invaluable source of information about the New Wave era, documenting the stories of the musicians, producers, and fans who lived and worked during this time. It paints a vivid picture of the movement, from its beginnings in the late 1970s to its eventual decline in the late 1980s. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of the genre, providing a comprehensive overview of the music, its creators, and its impact on popular culture. Its comprehensive coverage of the genre makes it a must-read for any fan of New Wave music.