Is Synthpop Dead?

[Red and Shiny]

So I was reminiscing on the days when synthpop was a keyword and such and that style or at least what it was called was popular in the electronic music circles and some of the clubs. Is Synthpop dead? I heard some parodies on myspace about this and it sounds like the style got dissed or dropped or something.

Some of the bands are still around so is the style dead or was it just a word that is no longer used? Just do not hear anyone talk about synthpop anymore on the forums here or other places too.

:huh:

[Synthere]

From what I have seen, the word indeed lost the steam it used to have a few years ago. The music and the bands that are making it are still the same and some are still around. Technically even the big bands like Depeche Mode and Erasure etc., are all synthpop proper.

Also, lots of TV commercials and show intros would qualify as Synthpop so the word may be dead but the music is most certainly not.

[Nautilus]

Honestly, in the last few years it seems that the "whole" scene related to synthpop and even industrial is dead. Lots of electronic music out there just not under the same umbrella or with the same audience. Small pockets of resistance can be found here or there :) but those groups are very small and mostly spend time just arguing among themselves over what music is good or bad or what exactly ruined the scene. Sad, but that is what I have seen.

[Vicky]

Honestly, in the last few years it seems that the "whole" scene related to synthpop and even industrial is dead. Lots of electronic music out there just not under the same umbrella or with the same audience. Small pockets of resistance can be found here or there :) but those groups are very small and mostly spend time just arguing among themselves over what music is good or bad or what exactly ruined the scene. Sad, but that is what I have seen.
I agree completely.

For the older generation (30+) it seems to be on the dying trend. Funny how most of these "adults" can not even hang out on the same sites without endless bickering and flame wars igniting. It just leads to the eventual end of all such gatherings.

[duhb]

in short, yes. like vicky said
i have been lurking at the 2-3 other forums that have any sort of activity left and it is a sad state of affairs fer sho'

[MaxwellNeon]

Some of the bands are still around so is the style dead or was it just a word that is no longer used? Just do not hear anyone talk about synthpop anymore on the forums here or other places too.:huh:
Everything dies eventually.

We wrote a short eulogy here....
http://www.synthpopisdead.com/

We don't think Synthpop died because no one talks about it.
We think it died because....
1. Technological (de)evolutions such as midi sequencing and (F@#!$) protools allowed musicians to be lazy and still get their crap signed (by A Different Drum).

2. It's simply a very difficult genre because making a song interesting while still retaining some minimalism requires zen like concentration and creativity. Same reason that Haiku or Dadaism died long ago, it's simply too difficult to come up with an original idea.

3. Western civilization has become to docile and pacified for any revolutionary musical movements. Green Day is considered punk.

We do believe in a natural cosmic balance and the power of natural law to maintain that balance and we do believe that as long as synthpop isn't forgotten, it will decompose and be recycled into future genres.

Everything dies, but nothing ends. Death is just a change of state. Never forget.

[Red and Shiny]

WTF? Synthpop is dead is a website? LMAO. I just posted this topic and there is a whole thing out there on it. But hey cool, thanks for the info. Nice to see the style was significant enough to warrant a site and discussion about it.

Nice.

[Nautilus]

Pretty cool.

I thought I saw some song that someone put out there that had the same sort of theme, now I need to go look it up. It sort of made fun of synthpop in general I think.

[MiscGenius]

you mean this?

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CX9czcVXYXU&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CX9czcVXYXU&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[Trentreant]

If that is what synthpop sounds like then it is a good thing that it is dead. :)

[Nautilus]

Yes Misc that is the one I was talking about. Entertaining at least. I think mostly what is the case is that underground synthpop is what has tapered off. Mainstream (loosely speaking) synthpop like DM for example is still alive IMO.

[Trentreant]

Yes Misc that is the one I was talking about. Entertaining at least. I think mostly what is the case is that underground synthpop is what has tapered off. Mainstream (loosely speaking) synthpop like DM for example is still alive IMO.
Yup, the underground scene fuddled and fizzled underground for a while and then instead of scratching upwards started to dig downwards.

I guess when you are underground and it is all dark and shit, it is easy to get your bearings messed up and the scene thought it was going up but the whole time it was diggin' down. And then the oxygen ran out. AAAAAAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Centurion]

Yup, the underground scene fuddled and fizzled underground for a while and then instead of scratching upwards started to dig downwards.

I guess when you are underground and it is all dark and shit, it is easy to get your bearings messed up and the scene thought it was going up but the whole time it was diggin' down. And then the oxygen ran out. AAAAAAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
LMAO Yessirriebob that is what heppened. Hey T were you aroung in the old EGN days, you sure sound like someone who was around then.

Bottom line is that yes it is all dead :)! And maybe it would have faded regardless or maybe not, but one thing is for sure: at the current time ALL THIS AND RELATED IS DEAD

[ERIC31]

No. Because as long as there are fans of it like me, it won't die. I don't care if everybody bails on it and claims not to like it, I'll still be here. Listening to the old stuff and looking for new groups doing it like that. If I can't find any, then I'll start making it myself.

I remember what happened with the second Synthcon and what a fiasco that was. People have said that was the end of it right there.

It's just that simple.

[Synthere]

It would be nice if some new music made it on to the scene to help clear up the "dead or alive" debate. :)

[ERIC31]

It would be nice if some new music made it on to the scene to help clear up the "dead or alive" debate. :)

Take the D.I.Y. punk rock approach and make it happen. I think I'm going to have to do the same. :thumbup:

After it's put out, if anyone talks sh*t about it...then you ask them "what are YOU doing for the scene?" 99% of the time the sh*t talkers are the ones doing NOTHING at all.

[Synthpopalooza]

Need proof that synthpop ain't dead? Have a listen to these:

http://www.marsheaux.com
http://www.northernkind.co.uk
http://www.hyperbubble.net

Marsheaux is a two woman outfit from Greece which oozes style. You must listen to their new single "Ghost". These two ladies have style and class!

Northern Kind is from Sheffield, and has a major Human League and Yazoo sound. "On and On" makes me want to start my radio station again!

Hyperbubble is the Texas version of Freezepop. My favorite is the track "Leon", a song about a cat, complete with cutesy "meowww" samples. It's damn addictive.

There's more out there. My old favorites Ganymede and NukleoN have new songs out and new albums on the horizon, Empire State Human has a new album called Audio Gothic due out this year ...

I've been remiss in promoting this scene. No more ... I am back!

[ERIC31]

thanks for those links! I'll be checking them out as soon as I'm done typing this!! I'm always happy to hear of new groups coming out. I'm sure they aren't thinking about synthpop being "dead"!!

[Nautilus]

Can synthpop have guitars in it? I don't see why not if it is part of the layering in the sound and not the main driver. Lots of synth sounds sort of emulate the guitar anyway. There was a synthpop definition somewhere online but I can not remember where.

[ERIC31]

Marsheaux is a two woman outfit from Greece which oozes style. You must listen to their new single "Ghost". These two ladies have style and class!

Northern Kind is from Sheffield, and has a major Human League and Yazoo sound. "On and On" makes me want to start my radio station again!

OK now that's the sound I really like! Both of those groups are my kind of deal right there. Excellent!:thumbup:

Is it my imagination or is the European continent much more synthpop friendly than the US?

[Centurion]

Can synthpop have guitars in it? I don't see why not if it is part of the layering in the sound and not the main driver. Lots of synth sounds sort of emulate the guitar anyway. There was a synthpop definition somewhere online but I can not remember where.
I would say guitars are absolutely ok within the "synthpop" sound. There is an overall layering in many synthpop tracks that can certainly include some guitars, especially acoustic guitars. It would tend to move away from a synth sound if those guitars were the main meoldy drivers or so prominent in the mix as to totally overwhelm the synthetic aspect of the track.

[Synthpopalooza]

Can synthpop have guitars in it? I don't see why not if it is part of the layering in the sound and not the main driver. Lots of synth sounds sort of emulate the guitar anyway. There was a synthpop definition somewhere online but I can not remember where.

Did you mean this?

http://pub27.bravenet.com/faq/show.php?usernum=2241026534&catid=1670

From my old Synthpopalooza website:


The Most Basic Question of All: WHAT IS SYNTHPOP?
Put simply enough: Pop music played on synthesizers. As a general rule, the genre emphasizes strong vocal melody, catchy lyrics and melody, and is predominantly electronic. It doesn't have to be 100% electronic, but the electronics should be prominent.

[Nautilus]

Did you mean this?

http://pub27.bravenet.com/faq/show.php?usernum=2241026534&catid=1670

From my old Synthpopalooza website:
I think so, can't be sure it has been a while. Is that something new or has that been up for some time? There was some site called Synthpop Netowrk or SPN or something like that. My memory fails me.

[Synthpopalooza]

Actually, I did the FAQ back in 2001 when Synthpopalooza Radio (then known as www.synthpop.fm) went up. There was also, as you said, the Synthpop Network (http://www.spn.nu) which was an extensive resource as well. Unfortunately, it hasn't been updated since 2002 with the last news item posted being the formation of Cohaagen Music by Patrick and Dave from Ganymede.

I'm hard at work updating the new Synthpopalooza website, with a goal of having everything fully functional by the end of the month. By which time, I should have a few surprises for you!

[ERIC31]

The Most Basic Question of All: WHAT IS SYNTHPOP?
Put simply enough: Pop music played on synthesizers. As a general rule, the genre emphasizes strong vocal melody, catchy lyrics and melody, and is predominantly electronic. It doesn't have to be 100% electronic, but the electronics should be prominent.

That's probably the best answer to that question I've read! :socool: I agree with it.

[MiscGenius]

i think it also has to do
with the singing style
there is a certain way of singing
in synthpop songs that is not the same
as in other styles
not sure how to describe it

[marknicholas]

So, after reading all of this, it seems like we all kind of agree. Synthpop as an organized "scene" has been dead for a while, but the music still thrives.

I myself would vote for Plastic Operator or Emilie Simon as current newer discoveries proving that synthpop is still alive and kicking. Of course, Emilie Simon pushes the easy-access pop boundaries a bit, but hey, that's just what I'm into lately (hence my change of sound away from what I was doing as Cosmicity a few years back to something a little less bouncy). And I do have a couple of Marsheaux tracks in my iTunes too. Hard to resist - especially their fun covers of 80's songs.

-m
(Download my 7 best new songs as MP3s for free: http://www.marknicholas.org/listen.html)

[Synthere]

I find it interesting that IMO electronic music is so similar across the board yet the importance of the genre or sub-genre name is still high. People tend to get behind names so if "synthpop" is dead then it is just the support for that name really that is dead. A group can form up and stand behind a concept or a moniker when in many ways that "thing" can really be called more than just by one name.

Overall, the support for synthpop is what died. Curious thing for me is what caused this and how and why it happened, especially considering we all agree that the music is still here.

[ERIC31]

A couple of the other names it has gone by are Technopop and Electropop. I never liked either one that much. Synthpop just sounds right to me.

[seraphim]

I'm so far out of the loop that I've never heard it called either of those things. Although I have been calling, and most likely incorrectly, bands like IAMX, Shiny Toy Guns and the likes "Electropop"; bands like that are the closest you'll get to modern, updated "synthpop". Or something.

I don't know what killed off the support of synthpop, obviously there are a few people out there that like the music but not enough of them to make doing anything in that genre viable (ie profitable). It's been that way for a long time and hasn't gotten any better. People just don't go out anymore...to shows, to clubs, to...anything.

[Vicky]

I think that the scene or base for synthpop was or is just as big as the industrial scene which is still alive in some ways. Both of these scenes are heavy on the artists and low on the pure fans. Because of this heavy artists ratio and what comes with it the synthpop scene imploded from within with infighting and various dramas and the interest decreased over time as a result from all sides. The industrial scene has its share of fighting and all that ofcourse but they deal with it better IMO and it just seems to persevere. The synthpop or whatever crowd just ate itself to death from the inside and fragmented into a few pockets that are left here and there.

[ERIC31]

Good points made there Vicky. I think if we want to build this scene back up again, everyone has to put away petty differences and pull together. Support each others projects and be welcoming to new people. None of that elitist crap i.e. "i'm ok, you're a poser" that sort of thing that has been the downfall of many scenes.

[CaseInPoint]

Hee hee. So whatever happened to electroclash or something like that? Thought I used to hear about that one as a big new thing some time ago.

[duhb]

the people that liked this music are all still around somewhere and i am sure that they continue to enjoy the synthpop of whatever. a scene though is formed when those people enjoy hanging out online or wherever and clearly as a group those people just decided that is not what they want lol

[Synthpopalooza]

Well, if it's forums, and groups of people who hang out together, then perhaps our "scene" has splintered into a bunch of "mini-scenes" as such. I think the job is on us, as people who like the music, to spread the word, introduce it to others, and help it grow. And when the bickering comes along, just remember that we're all different and have our own likes and dislikes.

[Synthere]

I think that the scene or base for synthpop was or is just as big as the industrial scene which is still alive in some ways. Both of these scenes are heavy on the artists and low on the pure fans. Because of this heavy artists ratio and what comes with it the synthpop scene imploded from within with infighting and various dramas and the interest decreased over time as a result from all sides. The industrial scene has its share of fighting and all that ofcourse but they deal with it better IMO and it just seems to persevere. The synthpop or whatever crowd just ate itself to death from the inside and fragmented into a few pockets that are left here and there.
Interesting point. Seems valid and true though. I lurk at several other forums but choose to post here as it has not gotten nasty and dirty if you know what I mean. There are one or more places that have far more activity but the attitudes and content is not really my cup of tea. However, for a group to exist you do need lots of activity so it is a catch 22.

[Vicky]

Yesseriebob
When things pick up there is so much drama that sometimes you would wish for a slowdown :)

[Nautilus]

Like I said in another thread, personally this is fine for me too. Small and tight groups are a way to go IMO. If things pick up it would be nice but could be a problem at the same time.

[Red and Shiny]

Like I said in another thread, personally this is fine for me too. Small and tight groups are a way to go IMO. If things pick up it would be nice but could be a problem at the same time.
Lets not get too small and tight since that just leads to eventual shutdown.

[duhb]

no shit. its been quiet everywhere lately.

[MiscGenius]

its quiet cuz synthpop is dead
you fools!!!!!!

[ERIC31]

its quiet cuz synthpop is dead
you fools!!!!!!


BULLSH*T. I'm here. I'm buying CD's, I'm looking for new groups, I'm working on my own stuff. I'm stoked. If it's dead then I must be a zombie....RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD!!!

[Trentreant]

Right on man. What we need is for people to post and stop just fucking lurking. Even if it is in the sections or threads that are not about music. Hell, people have to have opinions right? Don't be scared just talk about anything I promise I won't put anyone down. Heh heh heh..........

[Synthpopalooza]

Synthpop: Not dead. Not as long as I live and breathe and make or play the music. There are some killer releases out this year too. No kidding.

It's quiet because no one knows this place is back yet. Give it time. :) Meanwhile I will go and do my part and spread the word.

[Trentreant]

If there is not enough topics on music then it would not hurt to have people just voice out about other things. It's not like there is nothing else but music to comment on.

[duhb]

just learn to enjoy the silence man

[Red and Shiny]

If there is not enough topics on music then it would not hurt to have people just voice out about other things. It's not like there is nothing else but music to comment on.

No kidding. Either way I am cool with whatever though.

[CaseInPoint]

+1 from me. The other places I have seen are sickening with a) know it all's that act like they know what good music is and basically say everything else is garbage b) bad mood members that are constantly just vitrol spilling c) combination of the two so it is better to have a little of good then a mountain of crap.

[duhb]

i know what you mean. unfortunately it seems like no one is really talking about synthpop anymore and even the industrial or ebm discussions are slow. mostly forums today are communitites where people just talk about a whole lot of other day to day news and stuff and then the music parts are in there somewhere.

[Red and Shiny]

Exactly. A community does not get created on the topic of music alone and in this case with the music being so underground or unknown it will never happen. :(

People need to feel like they can just rap aboutn whatever and then there is a sense of a group which attracts more and more people. Music is just one small par t of that. Check out other places where there are more activity and you will see some posts on bands plugging themselves or labels and then so many community styled thread fests on a various topics of all scope.

[ERIC31]

Any Arizona people on here besides me? Anyone else skateboard besides me? Any S.P.O.C.K fans here besides me? LOL

[MiscGenius]

there were several people from arizona
here not too long ago
it was too boring so they left

i am into video games or weightlifting
but can talk about news items or whatever too

[Trentreant]

there were several people from arizona
here not too long ago
it was too boring so they left

i am into video games or weightlifting
but can talk about news items or whatever too
LOL Boring indeed. Synthpop is not dead, it is undead.

[MaxwellNeon]

The latest maggot feasting upon the festering remains of what we used to call music.

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=jFCjv4_jqAY

It seems like a sick abhorration, but remember that even maggots serve a vital purpose in the greater scheme.

Gone are the days when technological limitations forced musicians to work.

[ProAudioX]

The latest maggot feasting upon the festering remains of what we used to call music.

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=jFCjv4_jqAY

It seems like a sick abhorration, but remember that even maggots serve a vital purpose in the greater scheme.

Gone are the days when technological limitations forced musicians to work.
Wow, all the singer needs now is to just have a pleasant tone. Looks like pitch and even timing can be arranged after the fact. I agree that true music and artistry is slowly going out the window, certainly in popular music. :(

[OneOnOne]

I think that the scene or base for synthpop was or is just as big as the industrial scene which is still alive in some ways. Both of these scenes are heavy on the artists and low on the pure fans. Because of this heavy artists ratio and what comes with it the synthpop scene imploded from within with infighting and various dramas and the interest decreased over time as a result from all sides. The industrial scene has its share of fighting and all that ofcourse but they deal with it better IMO and it just seems to persevere. The synthpop or whatever crowd just ate itself to death from the inside and fragmented into a few pockets that are left here and there.


WTF? This place is still here so I must comment?

Boo hoo and this is so true. The scene which built up on the net and was also killed on it. The drama queens and band versus band blather was like some kind of sick kindergarten where the actors on top of being out of place had no nuts to stay in the fight so should not of been kicking each other to begin with. All the anti certain label or anti religion attacks and just plain who is liked by whom and why and who deserves praise and who does not and i can say anything cuz it is imo and such crap was all just a matter of jealousy and it swelled up over and over until the patient was dead.

Too bad on that since the music had a chance to perk up beyond the scene if the actual scence held together at the seams.

Now just lay in crap with nothing.

[Vicky]

@OneOnOne

EGN is still here and doing fine. Not kicking around quite like the olden days but still here for sure. I would not have put things quite so bluntly but since you did quote me I will say that I do agree for the most part with your comment.

Were you a member of the old site/forum?

[ERIC31]

I'm stoked to be involved and was bummed when the old EGN went down. Hopefully more of the positive people that were there will find their way back. WE will build it back up!!

[MiscGenius]

there is a synthpop label
that still carries the torch
called a different drum
they seem to be very synthpop focused
so things look ok for them

[MaxwellNeon]

there is a synthpop label
that still carries the torch
called a different drum
they seem to be very synthpop focused
so things look ok for them
In our opinion, ADD neutered synthpop by lowering the standards.
We must give them credit as they redefined a genre.
But unfortunately, it's rubbish compared to what synthpop used to mean.
It was born out of punk rock and glam rock.
If you listen to ADD, their acts do not rock, they're clean protools aberrations.
There's no grit, no dirt, no rebellion and no truth.
Of course this is just our opinion and though we may not agree, we welcome all opinions and perspectives.

[ERIC31]

In our opinion, ADD neutered synthpop by lowering the standards.
We must give them credit as they redefined a genre.
But unfortunately, it's rubbish compared to what synthpop used to mean.
It was born out of punk rock and glam rock.
If you listen to ADD, their acts do not rock, they're clean protools aberrations.
There's no grit, no dirt, no rebellion and no truth.
Of course this is just our opinion and though we may not agree, we welcome all opinions and perspectives.

Hmmm.....opinions vary. You have to give Todd credit for really putting himself out there to carry the torch in such a manner. Starting up ADD when synthpop was "dead" took a lot of balls and $$$$. I have gotten many good synthpop CD's from ADD. I go there first when I want something new before looking elsewhere. I fully support his efforts. Some of the groups on his label I like, some I hate. Personal taste. I happen to like a very 80's style of synthpop and have no use for the more modern "industrial noise" styles that some groups play. That's fine. That's why there are groups out there for every style and fan. :thumbup1:

[Red and Shiny]

Well it just feels like it was just that one same group that was into the music and when that group got older and wore out of the scene there were not younger people to take over and continue.

So I guess synthpop did sort of die when then 30+ got too old to care about a scene or got to be 40 something and no one came to take their place.

[MaxwellNeon]

We wish there was a database of synthpop musicians/djs/fans. There's two in our little conglomerate and it's been hell to find other locals who are interested.

[Vicky]

Electrogarden has a whole series of artist profiles that are categorized or in the synthpop genre. There is also http://www.allsynthpop.com that has lists.

[seraphim]

I did not know about that site, thanks Vicky. I'm glad it covers genres outside the synthpop realm as well. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for synthpop but there seems to be fewer and fewer really good, stand out bands in that genre (but I guess the same could be said for any genre these days). Lots of people making music but so few true musicians and fewer artists.

[THLC]

It's a faulty business model that's been used for years.

More money in promotions equals more money in revenues, whereas more money in R&D means a better product, but maybe not so much in revenues due to lack of promotion.

It's the whole Tommy Boy principle of marketing. If you take a piece of shit and put it in a box with a guarantee on it, people will buy it.

[THLC]

Probably because the terrorists are increasing the gas prices so dramaticaly it's lowering the collective standard of living as extra money that was once spent on the arts and entertainment is being forced into daily necessities as America slowly braces itself to become a 3rd word country after breaking it's bank on empirical conquests instead of personal development.

But that's just my opinion. Could just be that people are tired of hearing music and going to shows and would much rather sit on their couches and watch re-runs of Seinfeld.

[Nautilus]

I think that the latter in you post is closer to the point. Perhaps in this long thread all of the reasons have been sighted in one way or another.

The Internet created the scene and killed it too, I think someone said.

[duhb]

Probably because the terrorists are increasing the gas prices so dramaticaly it's lowering the collective standard of living as extra money that was once spent on the arts and entertainment is being forced into daily necessities as America slowly braces itself to become a 3rd word country after breaking it's bank on empirical conquests instead of personal development.

But that's just my opinion. Could just be that people are tired of hearing music and going to shows and would much rather sit on their couches and watch re-runs of Seinfeld.
more likely the current episodes of "who is smarter than a 5th grader" or "deal or no deal" or the new flava flav one where it is critical to see who gets the clock of immunity lmao

[ERIC31]

I don't watch tv pretty much except for Grey's Anatomy (guilty pleasure #65) Workout and CSI (Vegas). All of these new game show type programs are stupid and I refuse to waste my time watching them. My free time is spent on music and skateboarding basically. I do like watching movies though.

[MiscGenius]

ran across this
and thought of this thread
looks like the writer is more into synths
and not the style of synths

http://www.jusnhlado.sfbg.com/entry.php?catid=160&entry_id=3743

[Trentreant]

Uh, so what is the final answer to the original question? Is synthpop dead or are the people that used to make the synthpop collective dry and powdery? LMAO

[seraphim]

Why does there need to be a definitive answer on "Is Synthpop Dead"? Is it financially sound to run a night dedicated to Synthpop? Most likely not. Not unless you also play a mixture of New Wave, 80s and Modern Synth. Will you make money being in a straight forward Synthpop band? Again, most likely not. You'll enjoy moderate success most likely, but it's a nitch market that really only attracts people looking for nostalgia for the most part. With all that said, so what. The question is, do *you* like and enjoy it? Do *you* support it. Do you have friends who also enjoy and support it? Then you're doing your part to keep that little synthpop world alive, that's all that matters, right? Come on, seriously, it'll most likely never make a full or even partial comeback. That's the reality of it.

[Trentreant]

I guess there does not have to be one. Just asking.

For me it is more of a curiousity since I am not even into synthpop all that much. I like some songs but that is about it. I am more interested in why something that was popular or more so at one time is now dead or whatever you want to call it. So what happened? Huh? Huh?

[seraphim]

What happened? Time and music evolution happened. Lets be honest, Synthpop artists for the most part aren't very progressive, most of them (I said "most") rely heavily on (rehash) a sound that was established almost twenty years ago; the only true progression has been in production and the quality of the instruments they use to make the music. I really don't think that there is enough in the music to make it marketable to a wide audience (and if labels can't make money off it, they won't sign or push it). I really think if bands like say, Depeche Mode were to come out today, they'd be suffering like all the others in trying to get noticed.

I like Synthpop, don't get me wrong. I'd like to see some of the bands out there (both old AND new) get the recognition that they deserve, some are really fantastic musicians but that's unlikely to happen. Synthpop, like most electronic genres (that aren't part of the "Electronica" scene) was driven back underground. Though it's nice to hear it's influences on some of the more popular bands.

[Trentreant]

That sort of makes sense. I am not a music expert but what I have heard on myspace and places like this is that there is a wide variety of synthpop. Plenty that really merits little in terms of musical talent but yet some that is very articulate and well developed. Ditto on DM, they developed and had the chance to grow due to a fortunate timeline in their career for sure.

I am not sure how much music evolution had to do with it, but more social and technology evolution. Lots of music is struggling now, I do not see why synthpop seemed to suffer more or flat out lose compared to these other styles.

I still think that in many ways it was the people that abandoned support for this style since there is plenty in the music itself from those that are skilled at making it. Some examples may be bands like Iris, which some may say is not synthpop but that is just one of several bands that come to mind. So my point is that lots of bands have depth to their music and a polished crafted sound but their stars have dimmed with the lost support by the fans which is some cases turned on the style altogether.

[Centurion]

That sort of makes sense. I am not a music expert but what I have heard on myspace and places like this is that there is a wide variety of synthpop. Plenty that really merits little in terms of musical talent but yet some that is very articulate and well developed. Ditto on DM, they developed and had the chance to grow due to a fortunate timeline in their career for sure.

I am not sure how much music evolution had to do with it, but more social and technology evolution. Lots of music is struggling now, I do not see why synthpop seemed to suffer more or flat out lose compared to these other styles.

I still think that in many ways it was the people that abandoned support for this style since there is plenty in the music itself from those that are skilled at making it. Some examples may be bands like Iris, which some may say is not synthpop but that is just one of several bands that come to mind. So my point is that lots of bands have depth to their music and a polished crafted sound but their stars have dimmed with the lost support by the fans which is some cases turned on the style altogether.
That is correct. And even though this is rehashed over and over again. One more time for posterity.

"The synthpop scene was killed by people within the scene, artists attacking other artists and labels within the scene and drama, drama, drama, etc."

Bumdom and loserdom always lends the same hand. A hand filled with turds.

[seraphim]

It's the same story all over, there's a lack of support and community. Theres no support between fans and bands and between bands themselves. It's really a strange time for music. People can't be bothered to venture out past their front doors any more. Ah, the internet, a blessing and curse. Of course if bands actually put on some form of live show, a *gasp* performance, then maybe people would feel like they were actually going to miss something if they didn't go to a show. Mostly the bands out there are neither musicians nor performers.

[Centurion]

And we have a winner!!!!

The community part is the key. When the community splintered into sand the whole gambit was up. And damn that Internet, it was far better for everyone before music was raped by sites like myspace that made the 1000 bands we knew a little about into 10000000000000000 we could not give a fuck about! The NET was OK when it was evolving as it brought us together and now it has matured into shit that has made us into one big crapolaverse, YouTube not excluded.

"Mostly the bands out there are neither musicians nor performers." Seraphim

Hahahaha, I love you for saying that! Damn right brother.

[seraphim]

And we have a winner!!!!

The community part is the key. When the community splintered into sand the whole gambit was up. And damn that Internet, it was far better for everyone before music was raped by sites like myspace that made the 1000 bands we knew a little about into 10000000000000000 we could not give a fuck about! The NET was OK when it was evolving as it brought us together and now it has matured into shit that has made us into one big crapolaverse, YouTube not excluded.

"Mostly the bands out there are neither musicians nor performers." Seraphim

Hahahaha, I love you for saying that! Damn right brother.

Why dance around the truth, right? I can't tell you how many bands I've gone out in support of and just ended up standing there thinking sometimes to myself and sometimes aloud, "how dull, they're just standing there in the clothes they most likely rolled out of bed in and doing nothing; I could have put on the CD and gotten the same effect." The performance aspect has been lost. Sometimes this could be because the music is itself is too complicated and therefor played on laptops, but damn it....when 85-95% of your music is coming from the laptop....don't expect me to be excited about your "performance". At least give me a good visual show...a video in the background to spruce things up? Nice lights? Naked dancing girls?!

Yeah. There needs to be a sense of community again. People have to take part in, ownership of and pride in their scene (what ever that scene is). DO something, otherwise you'll be left with what you're quickly getting...nothing; the bare minimum.
!

[Vicky]

The truth will set you free, right?

On that note. It is very uncomfortable to watch a "just stand there and let the laptop play" bands "perform". I saw one show where the audience was getting ill having to watch a few guys barely move as the "laptop" performed.

[duhb]

so negative and so true. fuk the stoopid scene

[ERIC31]

I don't think Vince Clarke and Alison Moyet (YAZOO) think synthpop is dead! Check out these live clips from their current tour. TONS of people having a great time with those great songs! This tour certainly could help synthpop come back up hopefully.

SYNTHPOP IS NOT DEAD!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1VNPSMKugA&feature=user

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-yoP-E3DXc&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NN-9c-obto&feature=related

[Synthere]

I don't think Vince Clarke and Alison Moyet (YAZOO) think synthpop is dead! Check out these live clips from their current tour. TONS of people having a great time with those great songs! This tour certainly could help synthpop come back up hopefully.

SYNTHPOP IS NOT DEAD!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1VNPSMKugA&feature=user

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-yoP-E3DXc&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NN-9c-obto&feature=related
Nice. Thanks for the links. This brings back some memories. Moyet is still holding a tune too. Synthpop lived that night alright. Here is a killer, sound is a little lame though.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JK6Y7fsymbc&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JK6Y7fsymbc&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[Nautilus]

Oh wild stuff.


I heard about this tour but seeing it and hearing some of those old songs again is really tops. Thanks for that!

[nulldevice]

Is synthpop dead?

Who cares?

Is it mostly irrelevant as a genre name? Assuredly.

The big deal of synthpop in its heydey was that...hey, it's pop music! Made on synthesizers! That was novel and new and trailblazing.

Now, it's nearly impossible to find pop music that *doesn't* have synthesizers. So that definition is pretty useless.

Define it as a style of sound...well, that's just marketing death. As hip as it is, or at least was, to romanticise the sound of the 80's, nostalgia is always best appreciated ironically. All this sincere 80's emulation stuff didn't sell, whereas the tounge-in-cheek stuff got called "electroclash" or, later, "that DFA sound" and sold like gangbusters to bored indiekids in tight jeans.

So that's kind of right out, too.

And then there are a ton of bands out there raised on the synthpop of the 80's, making what you could call synthpop, yet who are rarely called as such. TPS, PlayRadioPlay!, Styrofoam, Psapp, and a score of other "indie synth" bands are doing just fine.

So, go figure.

Also, respect to Mr. Neon, but blaming the advance of technology for the death of a genre is, frankly, the easy scapegoat. And like most sucharguments, it ain't strictly true. Every advancement has its own set of pros and cons. ProTools and the rise of the DAW may have made it easier for everyone to be a producer, but, hell, it made it easier for *anyone* to be a producer. If it weren't for the DAW, I certainly wouldn't be able to record music, and I love recording music. Sure, it's capable of removing live spontanaeity from a performance, but it's also capable of fantastic and previously-unattainable effects and sound design. Tools are tools - they have no inherent nature of their own. It's all about what you do with them.

In the end, these discussions are futile, though, because time has shown that this will shortly devolve into a rose-colored nostalgia trip discussing how music was categorically better in the 80's and how every single piece of music written today sucks. Remember, kids, your parents said roughly the same thing 20 years ago!

[THLC]

Music today doesn't suck.

Just the music they play over and over again on MTV sucks.

Not that I would know, I haven't seen that station in probably over a year now... and no withdrawls, so I think it's safe to quit.

LOL

[Centurion]

I do not think that this is about synthpop and what style/category of music it is or even how it grew out of a base of music from the 80's or anything like that and it is not about how maybe today's music is not good enough or it was better before or whatever.

This is about a community, a scene that died. A group that used to hang together. They would go to similar shows and gatherings like Synthcon or SPGTW or yes even DM concerts. They went to the same club nights. They listened to radio stations like WDRE on Long Island, or WHFS in Maryland for example. When MP3.com was the shit they were all on there together in their New Wave, Synthpop and Darkwave charts. That group/scene was host to many styles of music and synthpop was just one of those monikers. The music was electronic music in many flavors. This group/scene broke apart and is basically dead though all the members are still around.

Synthpop is just a term that gets tossed around for some reason, and has been associated with negativity.

Funny part was (at the time) watching "artists" try and distance themselved from synthpop as a genre and attempt to assign new "genres" to themeselves which has/had nothing to do with their success or failure.

[Trentreant]

Watch it!!

I have never been to a DM concert. :)

[Vicky]

I can not believe that this site is still online.

http://www.spn.nu/

Weird, this has not been updated in 7 years or more.

[MaxwellNeon]

Tools are tools - they have no inherent nature of their own. It's all about what you do with them.

What lost soul hasn't regaled in the unique splendor of an oil painting, a marble statue, a grand piano or an 8mm film?

Me and Neon are both depressed that you and so many others don't see their inherent nature.

[duhb]

i also disagree with the tools statement. when tools are so powerful and automated that they degrade the required effort down below any artistic levels so then the tools become impediments to real art.

[Synthere]

I can not believe that this site is still online.

http://www.spn.nu/

Weird, this has not been updated in 7 years or more.
LOL.

After reading that first line I though you meant the Electrogarden.

[eM-dibroM]

Slowly this is catching back on and the hardcore EBM/Electro groups are welcoming it back as something new and fresh because these are trying times we are in again. The dollar is worth next to nothing and the price of GA$ is impossible to believe. Sometimes a happy melody and a catchy tune are needed to put a good ole Synthpop smile on the face. Check out A DIFFERENT DRUM.com if you think the POP is dead. They have about 100 reasons and more that this is not true.

[Centurion]

Slowly this is catching back on and the hardcore EBM/Electro groups are welcoming it back as something new and fresh because these are trying times we are in again. The dollar is worth next to nothing and the price of GA$ is impossible to believe. Sometimes a happy melody and a catchy tune are needed to put a good ole Synthpop smile on the face. Check out A DIFFERENT DRUM.com if you think the POP is dead. They have about 100 reasons and more that this is not true.
I agree, and yet there are still 4-5 or so retards roaming around bad mouthing ADD most likely because their crappy music was rejected at one point or another by ADD or they are not in a band but somehow failed in the scene in other ways. Now these dweomors (sp?) have thousands of myspace friends, 2-3 real friends, one or two forums to act like they now anything, and of course, still no label and no deal. Congrats losers.

Now back to your regularly scheduled program.

[MaxwellNeon]

I agree, and yet there are still 4-5 or so retards roaming around bad mouthing ADD most likely because their crappy music was rejected at one point or another by ADD or they are not in a band but somehow failed in the scene in other ways. Now these dweomors (sp?) have thousands of myspace friends, 2-3 real friends, one or two forums to act like they now anything, and of course, still no label and no deal. Congrats losers.

Now back to your regularly scheduled program.

We wish this was the case but ADD apparently doesn't reject crappy music.

If you want an example of a label that is breaking ground with anachronistic genres, check out.

http://www.minimal-wave.org/

She searches out the best unsigned acts from the 80's and releases their old material. While bands do submit demos to her, she finds most of the stuff herself. She's like....the Indiana Jones of new wave. In one case, the renewed interest even motivated a band to reunite after 20 years apart.

She also spins a 2 hour show every sunday night on east village radio.

We should also comment that your vocab is quite immature. :thumbdown:
We don't think we'd EVER go so far as to label someone a loser for liking or disliking something.

You killed synthpop.

[Trentreant]

Reading this thread is about as pleasant as watching the "The Love Guru".

Monkey mustard, anyone?

[duhb]

lmao
centurion watch your mouth and heed the wind

[SynthPop Isnt Coool]

This weirdo doesn't think so... Let's make fun of him..

http://www.last.fm/music/SynthPop+Isn%27t+Coool/It%27s+Just+SynthPop

[Synthpopalooza]

More proof that synthpop is not dead:

HYPERSOUL - http://www.hypersoul.co.uk/ - not from the UK, but actually Raleigh, North Carolina. This is some of the highest quality electronic pop I have heard since the heyday of Electrogarden. Recommended track is "Sensational". The debut album "Getaway" is now on iTunes.

THE DOSSIER - http://www.myspace.com/thedossierofficial - does that voice sound familiar to you? It should ... he was the lead singer of the legendary mp3.com band Joy Machine ... the project which eventually spawned Brand New Idol. Check out "Another Night Another Day".

EDEN - http://www.myspace.com/edenofficial - no, Empire State Human isn't the only electro outfit coming out of Ireland these days. Give these guys a listen!

[MiscGenius]

guess this will never get answered
can a genre really die or just get sleepy

[MaxwellNeon]

Nothing so poignantly displays the death of synthpop like a good old analog crapping out.

Juno 106 voice just gave out. I love analog but sometimes it seems like it's not worth the trouble as they're so unreliable compared to softsynths or digital.

[brand new day]

I can not believe that this site is still online.

http://www.spn.nu/ (http://www.electrogarden.com/forum/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spn.nu%2F)

Weird, this has not been updated in 7 years or more.

Yeah, I remember when I first got real involved on the internet in 2002 with EuroVision, I tried to contact whoever ran this site above to add us, and never got a response. Nor have I seen any updates or changes to it since.

Joe

[brand new day]

Nothing so poignantly displays the death of synthpop like a good old analog crapping out.

Juno 106 voice just gave out. I love analog but sometimes it seems like it's not worth the trouble as they're so unreliable compared to softsynths or digital.

Yeah my Juno 106 died too, sounds messed up and warping on me, then i put it in the closet for about a year, until June of this year, when my house burned down and finally killed the Juno along with the rest of my house and equipment.

I miss my juno, but not the headaches though. Mine had been in the shop several times over the years getting repaired for this and that, but mostly for the sound going out or warping out of tune at anytime.

Joe

[MaxwellNeon]

Yeah my Juno 106 died too, sounds messed up and warping on me, then i put it in the closet for about a year, until June of this year, when my house burned down and finally killed the Juno along with the rest of my house and equipment.

I miss my juno, but not the headaches though. Mine had been in the shop several times over the years getting repaired for this and that, but mostly for the sound going out or warping out of tune at anytime.

Joe

We want cases shaped like coffins so we can bury our dead synths and give them a proper funeral. I have the replacement chips and I could theoretically keep them around forever, but I don't know if they would like that.