What is the primary definition of New Wave music as a genre?

New Wave music is defined as pop-oriented musical styles that emerged in the mid-to-late 1970s. It is characterized as a lighter and more melodic evolution from punk culture, encompassing various contemporary popular music styles.

Who coined the term 'New Wave' in the context of music, and for what purpose?

The term 'New Wave' was coined by Seymour Stein, the founder of Sire Records. He used it as a broad category to encompass the diverse musical styles that emerged following the punk rock movement, aiming to market these sounds effectively.

What were the key stylistic origins that influenced New Wave music?

New Wave drew influences from a variety of genres and styles, including punk rock, pop rock, power pop, glam rock, electronic music, krautrock, pub rock, art pop, funk, reggae, progressive rock, disco, and bubblegum music.

How did New Wave music differ from Punk Rock in terms of its overall tone and approach?

While sharing punk's do-it-yourself ethos, New Wave music generally adopted a lighter, more melodic, and often quirky or humorous tone. It moved away from the abrasive and overtly political stances sometimes associated with punk, focusing more on pop sensibilities and experimental electronic sounds.

What were some of the defining musical characteristics of New Wave?

New Wave music often featured choppy rhythm guitars, angular riffs, fast tempos, prominent use of keyboards and synthesizers, and stop-start song structures. Jerky rhythms and high-pitched, sometimes geeky or suburban-sounding vocals were also common characteristics.

How did MTV contribute to the popularity of New Wave music in the United States?

The launch of MTV in 1981 significantly boosted New Wave's popularity in the US. The channel heavily promoted new-wave acts by playing their music videos, which were often readily available from British artists who had been producing them for television programs since the mid-1970s.

What was the commercial peak period for New Wave music?

New Wave music reached its commercial peak during the late 1970s and extended into the early 1980s, a period marked by numerous hit songs and artists associated with the genre.

How did the term 'New Wave' relate to the French New Wave film movement?

The use of the term 'New Wave' in music was partly inspired by the French New Wave, a 1960s cinematic movement known for its experimental techniques and departure from traditional filmmaking conventions. This connection highlighted a shared spirit of innovation and artistic departure.

According to Simon Reynolds, what was a notable characteristic of New Wave vocalists?

Music critic Simon Reynolds noted that New Wave vocalists often sounded high-pitched, geeky, and suburban, contributing to the genre's distinct persona.

What kind of persona was commonly associated with New Wave fans and artists?

A nervous, nerdy persona was often associated with New Wave fans and artists. This was reflected in styles like robotic dancing, jittery vocal delivery, and fashion choices such as suits and large glasses that tended to obscure the body.

How did New Wave's aesthetic contrast with popular music trends of the late 1970s like disco and 'cock rock'?

New Wave's nervous, often reserved or intellectual persona contrasted sharply with the more hedonistic and overtly sexual styles of disco dancing and the macho bravado associated with 'cock rock,' which emphasized a 'hang loose' philosophy.

Which earlier artists and movements are considered forerunners or influences on New Wave?

Key influences and forerunners of New Wave include The Velvet Underground, glam and art rock artists like Roxy Music and David Bowie, experimental artists such as Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa, and German electronic music scenes like Krautrock, particularly Kraftwerk.

What role did the 'Don't Call It Punk' campaign play in the early development of New Wave?

Seymour Stein of Sire Records initiated a 'Don't Call It Punk' campaign to distance artists from the negative stigma associated with punk rock in the American media. This marketing strategy helped popularize the term 'New Wave' for more accessible music emerging from the punk scene.

Which New York City music scene was a significant incubator for early New Wave bands?

The early New York punk scene, particularly centered around the CBGB club, was a crucial incubator for many early New Wave bands, including Talking Heads, Mink DeVille, and Blondie.

How were the terms 'New Wave' and 'Punk' used interchangeably in the mid-to-late 1970s?

Between 1976 and 1977, the terms 'New Wave' and 'Punk' were often used interchangeably by music journalists and fans. 'New Wave' was frequently applied to bands that were related to the punk scene but were exploring slightly different sounds or aesthetics, making the distinction blurry at the time.

What was the significance of the song 'Video Killed the Radio Star' by The Buggles in relation to New Wave and MTV?

'Video Killed the Radio Star' by The Buggles was a significant New Wave hit that became historically notable as the very first music video played on MTV when the channel launched in 1981.

How did New Wave music evolve in the US during the early 1980s?

In the early 1980s, New Wave in the US gradually shed its direct association with punk. It evolved into a broader category encompassing various pop and rock acts, many of whom heavily utilized synthesizers and adopted distinct visual styles, further popularized by MTV.

What did music critics Robert Christgau and Lester Bangs say about the longevity and impact of New Wave?

Robert Christgau described New Wave as a polite term for those scared by punk, enjoying only a brief run before fading. Lester Bangs felt it was an exciting burst but lacked follow-through, lamenting that musicians didn't build upon its initial energy.

What musical trends eventually overshadowed New Wave in the mid-to-late 1980s?

In the UK, the New Romantic movement gained prominence, while in the US, New Wave's popularity declined as other genres like 'new music' (encompassing new pop and New Romanticism) gained traction. MTV also shifted its focus away from New Wave by 1987.

How did New Wave influence later internet microgenres in the 2000s and beyond?

New Wave's influence extended to later internet microgenres such as zolo, bloghouse, chillwave, synthwave, vaporwave, and devocore (later renamed egg punk). These genres often incorporated elements of New Wave's electronic sounds, aesthetics, or nostalgic appeal.

What was the 'Second British Invasion' in the context of New Wave music?

The 'Second British Invasion' refers to the period in the early 1980s when numerous British artists, often associated with New Wave and the New Romantic movement, achieved significant commercial success in the United States, partly due to MTV's promotion of their music videos.

Which 1980s films significantly featured New Wave soundtracks, and who was a key director involved?

New Wave soundtracks were prominently featured in 1980s 'Brat Pack' films like 'Sixteen Candles,' 'Pretty in Pink,' and 'The Breakfast Club,' as well as the lower-budget hit 'Valley Girl.' Director John Hughes was particularly influential, frequently incorporating songs from New Wave and related British acts into his films.

What critical perspectives emerged regarding the commercialization and definition of New Wave?

Some critics viewed New Wave as a marketing ploy that diluted punk's energy, while others found the term too broad and 'virtually meaningless.' By the 2000s, critical consensus often saw 'New Wave' as an umbrella term encompassing diverse styles like power pop, synth-pop, and ska revival.

How did the DIY ethic of punk relate to New Wave artists?

New Wave artists shared punk's do-it-yourself (DIY) artistic philosophy. However, they often channeled this ethic into exploring pop songwriting structures and electronic experimentation, sometimes distancing themselves from punk's more aggressive or overtly political leanings.

What specific musical elements did artists like Adam and the Ants and Talking Heads incorporate that reflected broader influences?

Artists like Adam and the Ants and Bow Wow Wow incorporated Burundi-style drumming, while Talking Heads' album 'Remain in Light' famously blended New Wave with African musical styles, demonstrating a willingness to integrate diverse global influences into the genre.

What was the role of fanzines and music weeklies in popularizing the term 'New Wave' in the UK?

In the UK, the term 'New Wave' gained currency through publications like the punk fanzine 'Sniffin' Glue' and music weeklies such as 'Melody Maker' and 'New Musical Express' in late 1976. These outlets helped define and disseminate the term for bands emerging from or adjacent to the punk scene.

How did the US music industry's perception of 'punk' affect the adoption of the 'New Wave' label?

Due to negative media portrayals of punk as dangerous and violent, the American music industry, including record labels and radio consultants, found 'punk' unmarketable. Consequently, 'New Wave' was adopted as a more commercially viable label for similar emerging artists.

What specific characteristics defined the 'post-punk' and 'new musick' terms coined by Jon Savage?

Jon Savage coined 'post-punk' and 'new musick' to describe bands moving beyond the garage rock conventions of punk rock and incorporating wider influences. These terms were often used interchangeably with 'New Wave' during that period before the genres became more distinct.

How did the 'Second British Invasion' differ from the first British Invasion in terms of musical style?

While the first British Invasion in the 1960s was largely rooted in American blues and rock and roll, the 'Second British Invasion' of the 1980s was characterized by the sounds of New Wave, synth-pop, and New Romanticism, often featuring electronic instrumentation and distinct visual styles.

What was the significance of the 'Modern Rock' chart launched by Billboard in 1988?

The launch of Billboard's 'Modern Rock' chart in September 1988 reflected the legacy of New Wave. The chart featured artists influenced by the genre, including many from the UK and those popular in rock discos, with the term 'modern' echoing New Wave's marketing as contemporary music.

How did the 'new wave of new wave' movement in the 1990s relate to the original genre?

The 'new wave of new wave' (NWONW) was a revival movement in the 1990s, particularly in the UK, featuring bands influenced by punk and New Wave. Although promoted by the music press, it was ultimately overshadowed by the rise of Britpop, which also drew from New Wave's legacy.

What role did the 'indie sleaze' internet aesthetic play in relation to New Wave?

The 'indie sleaze' internet aesthetic, which emerged in 2021, drew inspiration from the electroclash and bloghouse scenes of the 2000s. These scenes, in turn, were influenced by New Wave and post-punk music, linking the aesthetic back to the broader New Wave lineage.

What were some of the key characteristics of the 'egg punk' or 'devo-core' microgenre?

The 'egg punk' or 'devo-core' microgenre, emerging from an internet meme in the mid-to-late 2010s, was characterized by the zany, lo-fi, and edgier aspects reminiscent of the New Wave band DEVO.

How did the cultural context of the late 1970s US influence the reception of New Wave music?

In the mid-1970s, arena rock and disco dominated US charts, leaving New Wave acts with limited radio play and industry support. Despite critical acclaim, public interest was initially confined to niche audiences, with a perceived resistance to the genre's perceived rawness and working-class associations.

What was the impact of 'corporate rock' on the New Wave movement?

New Wave artists often positioned themselves in opposition to mainstream 'corporate' rock, which they viewed as creatively stagnant. They embraced a more independent and experimental approach, contrasting with the perceived commercialism and lack of innovation in corporate rock.

Which influential television show is associated with showcasing underground New Wave acts?

Peter Ivers hosted the television program 'New Wave Theatre,' which provided a platform for emerging artists within the underground New Wave scene, contributing to the genre's visibility.

How did the music industry's slump in the late 1970s indirectly benefit New Wave?

During a significant slump in the music industry, New Wave albums were notably cheaper to produce. This economic factor, combined with the commercial success of hits like The Knack's 'My Sharona,' encouraged record companies to sign more New Wave groups.

What is the connection between New Wave and the 'Minneapolis sound'?

New Wave influences were adopted by African-American musicians like Prince, who utilized these elements to lay the groundwork for the distinctive 'Minneapolis sound,' showcasing the genre's cross-cultural impact.

What were some of the criticisms leveled against New Wave acts promoted on MTV in the 1980s?

Critics sometimes described the New Wave acts heavily featured on MTV during the 1980s as shallow or vapid. Additionally, some musicians faced homophobic slurs, reflecting societal attitudes of the time.

How did the 'indie spirit' of New Wave contribute to later rock genres?

According to Steve Graves, the independent spirit inherent in New Wave was crucial for the development of college rock and later genres like grunge and alternative rock in the late 1980s and beyond.

What is the significance of the 'Neue Deutsche Welle' in relation to New Wave?

Neue Deutsche Welle (New German Wave) is a related scene that emerged in Germany, drawing inspiration from and contributing to the broader New Wave movement, particularly in its use of electronic elements and experimental pop structures.

What does the term 'New Wave of New Wave' (NWONW) signify?

'New Wave of New Wave' (NWONW) refers to a revival movement in the 1990s, primarily in the UK, characterized by bands overtly influenced by the punk and New Wave sounds of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

How did the visual aesthetic of New Wave artists contribute to their success?

The visual style employed by New Wave musicians in their music videos and fashion was crucial to their success, especially with the rise of MTV. This distinctive look, often incorporating elements from art movements like Bauhaus, helped define the genre's identity.

What was the general sentiment regarding the term 'New Wave' by the 2000s?

By the 2000s, critical consensus tended to view 'New Wave' as a broad umbrella term encompassing various styles such as power pop, synth-pop, ska revival, and softer punk rock influences, sometimes leading to its dismissal as a marketing ploy.

Which UK pub rock artists were influential in the New Wave scene?

The mid-1970s British pub rock scene was a significant source for commercially successful New Wave acts, including Ian Dury, Nick Lowe, and Ireland's Boomtown Rats.

What connection exists between New Wave and the 'Minneapolis sound'?

New Wave influences were integrated by artists like Prince, contributing to the development of the 'Minneapolis sound.' This demonstrates how New Wave elements were adopted and adapted across different musical contexts and cultural influences.

What commonality did The Smiths share with the New Wave movement, according to the music press?

The Smiths were characterized by the music press as part of a move back towards guitar-driven music, serving as a reaction against the perceived excesses of 'New Pop' and the keyboard-heavy sound of the New Romantics, while still echoing some of New Wave's jangling guitar work.

How did New Wave music fare in the US compared to its lifespan in the UK and Western Europe?

New Wave music had a relatively shorter and more intense period of popularity in the UK and Western Europe compared to the United States, where it maintained its influence for a longer duration into the mid-1980s.

What specific aspect of New Wave did Seymour Stein believe would lead to poor sales if associated with the 'punk' label?

Seymour Stein believed that the term 'punk,' due to its negative media portrayal, would result in poor sales for artists associated with it. He felt that the more accessible and pop-oriented aspects of the emerging 'New Wave' sound were more marketable.

What did Paul Weller mean when he described New Wave as 'the pop music of the Seventies'?

Paul Weller's description implied that New Wave represented the contemporary, relevant pop music of its era, characterized by catchy hooks and guitar riffs, distinguishing it from the heavier or more negative aspects of other genres like Iggy Pop's music or the New York punk scene.

New Wave Music Wiki: The Electric Pulse: A Deep Dive into New Wave Music

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Origins & Definition

Emergence and Definition

New Wave emerged as a music genre in the mid-to-late 1970s, characterized by a lighter, more melodic, and often experimental approach that broadened from the initial punk rock movement. Coined by Sire Records founder Seymour Stein, the term became an umbrella for diverse pop-oriented styles, including synth-pop, alternative dance, and post-punk.

Stylistic Roots

Its stylistic origins are multifaceted, drawing heavily from punk rock, pop rock, power pop, glam rock, and electronic music. Influences also extended to krautrock, funk, reggae, disco, and art pop, creating a rich tapestry of sound that distinguished it from its predecessors.

Conceptual Links

The term itself alluded to the experimental and avant-garde spirit of the French New Wave cinema movement, reflecting a desire to depart from traditional musical structures and conventions.

Sonic & Visual Identity

Musical Characteristics

New Wave music is often recognized for its quirky, humorous, or detached pop sensibilities. Key musical elements include the prominent use of synthesizers, choppy rhythm guitars with angular riffs, fast tempos, jerky rhythms, and distinctive vocal styles often described as high-pitched or "geeky."

Aesthetic and Fashion

Visually, New Wave artists cultivated a distinctive style that complemented their music. This often involved avant-garde or art-school influences, drawing parallels with art movements like Dada, Cubism, and the Bauhaus school. Fashion choices frequently emphasized a departure from mainstream norms, sometimes incorporating elements of futurism or retro styles.

Artistic Sensibility

The genre's embrace of electronic sounds and experimental structures, coupled with its unique visual presentation, positioned it as a progressive force in popular music, often seen as a reaction against the perceived stagnation of mainstream rock and the intensity of punk.

Evolution & Impact

Rise to Prominence

New Wave achieved significant commercial success in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The launch of MTV in 1981 played a crucial role in popularizing New Wave acts, particularly those from the UK, through their innovative music videos, leading to what was termed the "Second British Invasion" of American music charts.

MTV and Global Reach

The visual component became integral to New Wave's success, with MTV providing a platform for artists to showcase their unique aesthetics. This era saw a crossover of pop and rock with African and African-American musical styles, further diversifying the genre.

Decline and Revivals

By the mid-to-late 1980s, New Wave's mainstream dominance waned as other genres like New Romanticism and synth-pop gained traction. However, the genre experienced revivals and continued to influence subsequent musical movements, including electroclash, chillwave, synthwave, and the broader "indie sleaze" aesthetic.

Pioneers & Scenes

Influential Artists

Key artists who defined the New Wave sound and aesthetic include Talking Heads, Devo, Elvis Costello, Blondie, The Police, and The Cars. Their innovative approaches to songwriting, instrumentation, and performance set the standard for the genre.

Global Footprints

New Wave was not confined to a single region. Notable scenes emerged in Germany (Neue Deutsche Welle), the Philippines, and Yugoslavia, each contributing unique interpretations and sounds to the global New Wave movement.

Precursors and Contemporaries

The genre's foundations were laid by earlier experimental and art-rock acts like The Velvet Underground, Roxy Music, David Bowie, and Kraftwerk. These artists provided crucial sonic and conceptual blueprints that New Wave musicians would later build upon.

Enduring Echoes

Lasting Influence

New Wave's impact resonates through contemporary music. Its blend of electronic textures, pop structures, and experimental leanings laid groundwork for alternative rock, indie pop, and numerous internet-driven microgenres, demonstrating its persistent relevance.

Genre Ambiguity

The term "New Wave" itself has been described as broad and sometimes ambiguous, encompassing a wide array of artists and styles. This flexibility, while challenging to categorize precisely, highlights its expansive influence and adaptability across different musical landscapes.

Digital Age Resonance

In the digital era, New Wave's aesthetic and sonic elements have been revisited and reinterpreted in genres like chillwave, synthwave, and vaporwave, proving the enduring appeal of its distinctive sound and cultural moment.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "New Wave Music" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about new_wave_music while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

References

Synth Pop at AllMusic

Reynolds, Simon Rip It Up and Start Again PostPunk 1978â1984 p.160

Bobby Vox: Gorgonen, Hydras & ChimÃ¤ren â Interview with Marquee Moon, E.B. music magazine, issue 3/86, p. 18, May 1986

New Life Soundmagazine, issue 38, description of the single "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division, p. 10, November 1988

Gendron, Bernard (2002). Between Montmartre and the Mudd Club: Popular Music and the Avant-Garde (Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press), pp. 269â270.

Cateforis, Theo. "New Wave." The Grove Dictionary of American Music, 2nd ed., Oxford University Press. 2014.

Rip It Up and Start Again Postpunk 1978â1984 by Simon Reynolds Pages 340, 342â343

Christgau, Robert (1996) "How to Beat the Law of Averages", from Details, 1996.

New Wave/Post Punk Revival. AllMusic.

A full list of references for this article are available at the New wave music Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional music criticism or historical analysis. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official music history resources or seeking advice from qualified musicologists or cultural historians. Always refer to primary sources and academic research for definitive insights.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Electric Pulse

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Origins & Definition 💡

🎶 Emergence and Definition

🎵 Stylistic Roots

🔗 Conceptual Links

Sonic & Visual Identity 🎛️

✨ Musical Characteristics

🕶️ Aesthetic and Fashion

🎨 Artistic Sensibility

Evolution & Impact ⏳

🚀 Rise to Prominence

📺 MTV and Global Reach

🔄 Decline and Revivals

Pioneers & Scenes 🌟

🎤 Influential Artists

🌍 Global Footprints

💡 Precursors and Contemporaries

Enduring Echoes 🚀

💫 Lasting Influence

🤔 Genre Ambiguity

🌐 Digital Age Resonance

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Origins & Definition

Emergence and Definition

Stylistic Roots

Conceptual Links

Sonic & Visual Identity

Musical Characteristics

Aesthetic and Fashion

Artistic Sensibility

Evolution & Impact

Rise to Prominence

MTV and Global Reach

Decline and Revivals

Pioneers & Scenes

Influential Artists

Global Footprints

Precursors and Contemporaries

Enduring Echoes

Lasting Influence

Genre Ambiguity

Digital Age Resonance

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice