Electro
A 1980s style that mixed funk with drum machines and futuristic electronic sounds.
History
Electro appeared in 1982 with Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force's 'Planet Rock' s1. The record used the melody of a Kraftwerk song. It also used the drum sound of a Roland TR-808, a drum machine with a deep bass drum s1. It was produced by Arthur Baker and became a huge hit in clubs and on the streets s1. In Detroit, Juan Atkins's group Cybotron released 'Clear' in 1983, mixing electro with a cold, futuristic feeling s1. Hashim's 'Al-Naafiysh (The Soul)' (1983) was another important record with a heavy drum machine sound s1. Electro was linked to hip hop, breakdancing and graffiti culture s2. Its drum machine sounds and robotic style shaped Detroit techno and later dance music s1. The style was danced to in a robotic way, and its sound shaped early hip hop records s1. The TR-808 drum machine used in these records became famous worldwide s2.
Sound
- The deep, booming Roland TR-808 drum sound
- Robotic or vocoder voices
- Futuristic synthesizer melodies
- A funk-influenced but electronic groove
- Science-fiction sound effects
Key figures
- Afrika Bambaataa — Artist behind 'Planet Rock'
- Arthur Baker — Producer of 'Planet Rock'
- Juan Atkins — Member of Cybotron and later a techno founder
- Hashim — Producer behind 'Al-Naafiysh'
Labels
- Tommy Boy Records — New York City , 1981
- Fantasy Records — San Francisco , 1949
- Cutting Records — New York City , 1982
Defining tracks
Connections
Came from: Funk and Boogie , Early Electronic , Hip Hop Breaks
Led to: Electro House , Detroit Techno
Sources
- Electro (music) — Wikipedia
- Afrika Bambaataa, hip hop and electro pioneer, dead at 68 — WUTC (2026)