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Synth Pop Musical Features
Synth Pop Musical Features
1980's ...
Inspired by Punk Rock, Disco and Glam rock
Beat and electronic features largely taken from Disco.
Further influenced all pop music since
Has a large influence on elements of EDM such as drum machines, synthesizers and riffs.
Subgenre of new wave
Lack of emotion and musicianship
Synthesizers removed the need for large groups - sometimes singer was part of a duo where their partner played all the instrumentation
Gary Numan
Yellow Magic Orchestra
A-ha
Alphaville
R
R
Rhythmic Techniques
Rhythmic Techniques
4/4 time
Moderate - fast speed
Tempo and beat set through Drum Machine and pushed by powerful electric bass parts
Synthesized riffs were sometimes syncopated to make them more catchy
Choppy rhythms
Recording Techniques & Developments
Recording Techniques & Developments
The increase in technology meant that the music became more complex
The invention of the synthesizer from Disco
The addition of Drum Machines and effects for organic instruments from genres like Prog Rock, Punk Rock and Krautrock led to a more complex style
The use of Drones and sequencers made the genre more flexible and complex
Monophonic synthesizers were a limiatation
S
S
Scales & Mode
Scales & Mode
Major or minor keys
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M
Melodic Techniques
Melodic Techniques
Tight controlled instruments roles i.e. when riffs come in and bass.
Tight control over Drones.
No improvisation used.
Lyrics - romance, escapism and aspiration
Vocal harmonies
Riffs/hooks - woven together from simple repeated riffs
I
I
Instrumentation
Instrumentation
Synthesizers
TR 808 Drum machine
Guitar
Bass
Sequencers
Vocals
Instrumental Techniques
Instrumental Techniques
H
H
Harmony
Harmony
Simple chord progresssions
Some extensions and sus chords used
Harmonies always based around synthesized riffs
Suspended and resolved chords add to tention and release of harmony
Drones
The use of "sus" chords for tension and release
Repetative chord sequences made room for powerful synthesized riffs
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