Post-punk
Post-punk is a loosely defined music genre and period that emerged in the late 1970s in the wake of punk rock, characterized by a departure from punk's fundamental elements and raw simplicity, adopting instead a broader, more experimental approach that incorporated a variety of avant-garde sensibilities and non-rock influences.
The concept of post-punk was originally outlined by Jon Savage in his "New Musick" editorial for Sounds magazine in November 1977. This editorial marked the beginning of a new era in music, as artists began to push the boundaries of punk's raw energy and DIY ethic. Post-punk musicians drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including German krautrock, funk, electronic music, jazz, and dance music, as well as the production techniques of dub and disco. They also incorporated ideas from modernist art, cinema, literature, and politics, creating a unique and innovative sound that would come to define the genre.
As the post-punk movement gained momentum, artists began to establish independent record labels, create visual art, stage multimedia performances, and produce fanzines. This DIY ethos, which emphasized creativity and self-expression over commercial success, was a key aspect of the post-punk movement. Among the early post-punk bands, only Siouxsie and the Banshees and Public Image Ltd. achieved commercial success in 1978, with debut singles reaching the top ten of the UK Chart.
Origins
The post-punk movement emerged in the late 1970s, as punk rock's raw energy and DIY ethos began to lose momentum. Many punk bands had already begun to experiment with new sounds and styles, incorporating elements of art rock, electronic music, and avant-garde sensibilities into their music. The term "post-punk" was first used by Jon Savage in his "New Musick" editorial, which highlighted the emerging trend of punk bands pushing the boundaries of their sound and style.
Early Influences
Post-punk musicians drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including German krautrock, funk, electronic music, jazz, and dance music. Bands such as Can, Neu!, and Faust, who were part of the German krautrock scene, were particularly influential, with their use of repetitive rhythms and electronic textures. Other influences included the production techniques of dub and disco, which were used by artists such as Lee "Scratch" Perry and Giorgio Moroder to create new and innovative sounds.
Characteristics
Post-punk music is characterized by its experimental and avant-garde approach, which often incorporated elements of art rock, electronic music, and avant-garde sensibilities. Post-punk bands often used unconventional instruments and production techniques, such as synthesizers, drum machines, and tape loops, to create new and innovative sounds. The genre also emphasized creativity and self-expression over commercial success, with many artists releasing music on independent labels and creating their own visual art and multimedia performances.
Key Bands and Artists
Some of the key bands and artists associated with the post-punk movement include Siouxsie and the Banshees, Public Image Ltd., Joy Division, The Cure, Wire, and Gang of Four. These bands, along with others, helped to define the sound and style of post-punk, and many of them went on to achieve significant commercial success and critical acclaim.
Legacy
The post-punk movement had a significant impact on the music industry, paving the way for a wide range of new and innovative genres, including gothic rock, industrial music, and electronic dance music. The DIY ethos and emphasis on creativity and self-expression that characterized post-punk also influenced a wide range of other art forms, including visual art, literature, and film.
Influence on Later Genres
Post-punk's influence can be heard in a wide range of later genres, including gothic rock, industrial music, and electronic dance music. Bands such as The Sisters of Mercy, The Cure, and Depeche Mode, who were all influenced by post-punk, went on to achieve significant commercial success and critical acclaim. The genre's emphasis on creativity and self-expression also influenced a wide range of other art forms, including visual art, literature, and film.
Criticism and Controversy
The post-punk movement was not without its critics, with some accusing the genre of being overly pretentious and self-indulgent. Others criticized the genre's emphasis on creativity and self-expression, arguing that it led to a lack of commercial success and mainstream recognition. Despite these criticisms, the post-punk movement remains an important and influential part of music history, and its legacy can be heard in a wide range of later genres and art forms.
