Disco

What is Disco?

Disco was the most popular style of dance music throughout the 1970s, and it continues to influence popular music today. It was in the disco era that deejays first took center stage and set the beat for nights of endless music. Disco was club-oriented, drawing its name from the discotheque, a new type of dance venue that originated in the 1960s. The genre brought a new focus on catchy beats, and an elevated emphasis on sexuality, to American music.

Though it grew out of the music played by Black, Latino, and Italian Americans at underground clubs, it quickly gained acceptance in the mainstream of both the USA and Europe. Disco music was and is driven by rhythm, and it often draws on elements of funk, soul, and salsa. In the 1980s, disco music served as the foundation of both house and techno, which continue to dominate clubs today.

When was the Disco Era?

The disco era began in 1970 and ended in 1980. Just as the sixties were the time of the hippies, the seventies were the time of sleek nightclubs and greasy hair. For many young people, disco was a form of rebellion, both against mainstream culture and counterculture. While the hippies were often unkempt, dirty, and primitivist, disco lovers were sophisticated, futurist urbanites.

Did disco start in the 70s?

Disco music began in the 1970s. Disco music proper can be traced back to the release of Soul Makossa in 1973.

What defines disco music?

Disco music is heavily beat-oriented, and it features elements of funk, soul, and Motown. Eurodisco often has a significant electronic element.

What started the disco era?

The disco era was launched by deejays and dancers in the discotheques of New York City. At first, it was confined to gay, Black, and Latino clubs.

Melody

Disco melodies are characterized by catchy and repetitive hooks, often driven by pulsating rhythms and infectious grooves. The melodies in disco music aim to create an irresistible urge to dance and celebrate, with an emphasis on uplifting and feel-good musical phrases.

Harmony

Disco harmonies often utilize major and minor sevenths chord progressions, creating a sense of warmth and jubilation. The harmonies in disco songs contribute to the overall celebratory atmosphere, often featuring soulful vocal harmonies and rich instrumental arrangements.

Rhythm

Disco music is defined by its pulsating and energetic rhythms, often featuring prominent bass lines, driving beats, and syncopated grooves. The rhythms in disco songs are designed to keep the audience on the dance floor, creating an electrifying and euphoric experience.

Structure

Disco songs typically follow a structured format with sections for verse, chorus, and instrumental breaks.

Instrumentation

Disco music features a blend of live and electronic instrumentation, including horns, strings, electric guitars, synthesizers, and pulsating rhythm sections. 

Texture

Often has many layers showcasing the different instrumental layers in the track.

Timbre

Disco explores a diverse range of timbres, often featuring bright and brassy horn sections, shimmering string arrangements, and soulful vocal timbres. The timbre in disco music contributes to its lively and exuberant sonic qualities, evoking a sense of joy and liberation on the dance floor.

Production

Disco music production often emphasizes a polished and often loud dynamic sound, with a focus on creating a larger-than-life sonic experience. It was often recorded on analogue

Example Artists

Gloria Gaynor,

Earth Wind and Fire

ABBA