Synthpop facts for kids

Synthpop is a fun and catchy type of pop music. What makes it special is that it uses synthesizers as the main instruments. It's a kind of electronic music that also got ideas from New Wave music, punk rock, and disco music. Synthpop was super popular from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, but it's still around and inspiring artists today!

What Makes Synthpop Sound Unique?

Synthpop gets its cool sound from electronic instruments. The most important one is the synthesizer. A synthesizer is like an electronic keyboard that can make all sorts of sounds. It can sound like a piano, a guitar, or even something totally new and futuristic!

The Magic of Synthesizers

In synthpop, synthesizers create the melodies, bass lines, and even the "singing" sounds sometimes. Early synthesizers were big and complicated. But they let musicians create sounds that no traditional instrument could make. This gave synthpop a fresh, new feel.

Drum Machines and More

Besides synthesizers, drum machines are also very important. A drum machine is an electronic device that makes drum sounds. It helps create the beat for the songs. Sometimes, artists also used tape loops, which are short, repeated sounds. Later on, music sequencers and samplers were added. These tools helped musicians create even more complex and interesting electronic sounds.

Where Did Synthpop Begin?

Synthpop started to become popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It first appeared in countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Artists in these places were experimenting with new electronic sounds.

Early Influences and Pioneers

Bands like Kraftwerk from Germany were big influences. They used synthesizers a lot in their music, even before synthpop became a genre. Yellow Magic Orchestra from Japan also helped shape the sound. These groups showed how electronic instruments could be used to make exciting new music.

Who Are Some Famous Synthpop Artists?

Many artists became famous for their synthpop music. They helped define the sound and style of the 1980s.

Iconic Bands and Singers

• Gary Numan was one of the first artists to have big hits with synthpop. His unique style and electronic sounds captured everyone's attention.
• Ultravox was another band that used synthesizers to create dramatic and powerful songs.
• Eurythmics, with their catchy tunes and unique look, became huge stars.
• The Pet Shop Boys are known for their smart lyrics and danceable synthpop beats.
• Depeche Mode started as a synthpop band and grew into one of the most successful electronic groups ever. They were known for their deep lyrics and evolving sound.

Synthpop's Lasting Impact

Even though its biggest boom was in the 1980s, synthpop never really went away. It kept changing and influencing new artists.

Modern Synthpop Sounds

Today, you can still hear synthpop's influence in many songs. Newer artists like La Roux have brought the synthpop sound to a new generation. This shows how timeless and cool electronic music can be!

Images for kids

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  The Prophet-5, one of the first polyphonic synthesizers. It was widely used in 1980s synth-pop, along with the Roland Jupiter and Yamaha DX7.

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  Kraftwerk, one of the major influences on synth-pop, in 1976.

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  Yellow Magic Orchestra in 2008.

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  Gary Numan performing in 1980

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  Midge Ure performing with Ultravox in Oslo in 1981.

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  Eurythmics at Nürburgring, Germany, 1987

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  The Pet Shop Boys performing in 2006.

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  Elly Jackson of La Roux performing in 2010.

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  Martin Gore of Depeche Mode photographed in Los Angeles in 1986.

See also

In Spanish: Synth pop para niños