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Looking back, EDM from the 80s-90s is a bit intimidating
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| Dj Pluviose |
I just randomly thought about this but after listening to so many older tracks and then listening to newer ones, there seems to be some interesting thoughts that cross my mind. For some reason EDM back then just seems a bit darker and more mysterious. Definitely more original, creative, and amazing, but something about it is scary for lots of people to look back at.
Think about it. I bet most producers, DJs, and artists are looking back and trying to figure out how the f*** are they going to surpass what's already been done?
As I dig back into older tracks I have discovered more and more that most of what you see in today's newer EDM has already been done, made better, and executed more harmoniously back then. From listening so much you can see that certain melodies, styles, composition, and structure has all inspired other artists. I could see DJ Tiesto in his prime taking influence from something older at the time.
So all I'm trying to say is, I think some people just look back at the older tracks from the 80s/90s and probably some honestly get scared at the idea of trying to come up with something good or original that hasn't been done, or has been done but better.
It's that whole feeling of looking at an ancient scripture carved in the wall and trying to figure out how the hell did the Egyptians build huge ass pyramids with such perfect architecture back then when they had no cranes, no technology, and no tools like we do today?
What do you guys think? |
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| AlphaStarred |
While I agree that older stuff is generally better, I think you're perceiving it the wrong way (probably from a listener's/observer's point of view). Artists are not generally out to try and surpass others and what has already been done, but rather to give expression to, and develop, their own style. At least that's what they should do. The end result is that an artist might emulate a certain style of a certain period, and eventually find his own artistic expression, if he continues to produce and experiment.
As some producer once mentioned, "if you want to make stuff that's of the older style, you need to use the same equipment they did back in the day [i.e. analog hardware, mostly]." |
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| Trance-M |
I said it a few times before, I'm not expecting anything really new.
Also because I'm convinced most already has been done by one or the other. Combining still can bring some nice surprises though.
Having listened to a lot of music in the 90's (and even 80's) I always try to answer the question if I would have liked a track when it would be made back then. Often the answer is that it would have blown me away for sure.
At the same time now I think certain producers were it's time ahead, God's Groove for instance were. |
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| Dj Pluviose |
| quote: | Originally posted by Trance-M
I said it a few times before, I'm not expecting anything really new.
Also because I'm convinced most already has been done by one or the other. Combining still can bring some nice surprises though.
Having listened to a lot of music in the 90's (and even 80's) I always try to answer the question if I would have liked a track when it would be made back then. Often the answer is that it would have blown me away for sure.
At the same time now I think certain producers were it's time ahead, God's Groove for instance were. |
Yeah I agree. I'd like to honestly see more NEW stuff of the old stuff... if that makes any sense. I wanna see more newer stuff have that oldskool flavor, ya know? Maybe it's just me.
Who's God Groove?? D:
| quote: | Originally posted by AlphaStarred
While I agree that older stuff is generally better, I think you're perceiving it the wrong way (probably from a listener's/observer's point of view). Artists are not generally out to try and surpass others and what has already been done, but rather to give expression to, and develop, their own style. At least that's what they should do. The end result is that an artist might emulate a certain style of a certain period, and eventually find his own artistic expression, if he continues to produce and experiment.
As some producer once mentioned, "if you want to make stuff that's of the older style, you need to use the same equipment they did back in the day [i.e. analog hardware, mostly]." |
That's true too. I'll admit I'm still very naive about all these so that's why I like to ask questions to find out how I should be putting things into perspective. I even appreciate the many time System-J scolds me for coming off as way too opinionated.
So I appreciate all feedback. I do agree that each artist should come out and do their own twist and spin on things. but nowadays they still sound "all the same" and pretty boring tbh. Isn't there this whole fiasco of artists being afraid of sounding too different because they'll get fired / black listed / ostracized for being too experimental? Which totally shoots away all opportunity for creative movement?? |
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| meriter |
| quote: | Originally posted by Dj Pluviose
From listening so much you can see that certain melodies, styles, composition, and structure has all inspired other artists. I could see DJ Tiesto in his prime taking influence from something older at the time.
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of course, musicians are always just reacting to their influences, whether they are aware of it or not. It happens to all musicians. Something else to consider.. age not only plays a part but there's also cross-pollination of different styles that can create something new. A lot of the major leaps forward have been because of this
I think the current downward trend of quality (which everyone agrees is happening except system-j) really boils down to money. And also a generation of people with questionable musical taste due to lack of education/being fed prescription meds since childhood. This sounds cynical but I think those artists with something interesting to say are looking around, realizing there isnt an audience and perusing a career where there is actual potential to make money. Half-kidding about the audience, serious about the money |
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| Floorfiller |
| quote: | Originally posted by Dj Pluviose
Think about it. I bet most producers, DJs, and artists are looking back and trying to figure out how the f*** are they going to surpass what's already been done?
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I bet most producers can barely tell Afrika Bambaataa from Duran Duran... |
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| Lews |
| quote: | Originally posted by Dj Pluviose
What do you guys think? |
I think you're autistic.
| quote: | Originally posted by meriter
I think the current downward trend of quality (which everyone agrees is happening except system-j) really boils down to money. |
Do you honestly think music these days is bad? I don't remember the last time I had a bad night out. I've had great nights, good nights, and fun nights. Yeah, Trance is , but Trance has been for a decade now, with some odd good albums and EPs here and there. |
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| Dj Pluviose |
Well I think rock, hip hop, most EDM, j-rock, k-pop, alternative rock, video games, movies, and many other stuff sucks nowadays.
I mean seriously does anybody consider "young thug" and "lil Wayne" to be the true representatives of hip hop?
There are some decent stuff made nowadays but its longevity doesn't have much lackluster.
I keep looking and looking though. |
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| Watts |
Nah, I look back at a lot of music I used to like (Detroit techno) and the tracks that didn't stand the test of time are embarrassing to listen to -- even if they were cutting edge for that period.
These last couple of years have been great for mainstream and underground music, and in my opinion, it's only going to get better.
To each his/her own, though. |
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| Psyshell |
| I think generally it really depends on the genre. Sure there's more crap, but in terms of the quantity of good music there's more now than ever. Some genres that were good then are a bit dead now but others have come to replace them. |
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| Dj Pluviose |
Would you like to show me something good that has come out in these recent years?
Cuz right now I'm having no problem listening to older music. Haha
80s EDM is hella sick yo.
That's my jam right now. |
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| Psyshell |
| Depends on what you're into and what counts as recent years. First few things that come to mind are shpongle, petar dundov and solar fields. There's some really ace psytrance, techno and house that's come out recently (I assume we're talking post 2000?). If we're talking ebm, italo disco or trance/hard trance then it might a little more difficult to find quality stuff. |
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