Hi-NRG
A fast, electronic disco style with a strong beat and powerful singing, popular in gay clubs.
History
Hi-NRG is a fast, electronic form of disco that grew at the end of the 1970s s1. It was played in gay clubs in San Francisco, New York and London and named after a record by Evelyn Thomas s1. Sylvester's 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' (1978), produced with Patrick Cowley, is an early example s1. Patrick Cowley's 'Menergy' (1981) and Evelyn Thomas's 'High Energy' (1984) are defining records s1. The style uses a very steady, quick beat, big synthesizers and strong, emotional singing s1. Producers in Britain, such as Ian Levine, made many Hi-NRG records for clubs and radio s2. The sound influenced Eurodisco, Italo disco and later house music s1. It is still played at specialist club nights s2. The style was closely linked to gay club culture and to the rise of dance music in the 1980s s1. Many of its records were made for DJs rather than for radio s2.
Sound
- A fast, steady electronic beat
- Loud, dramatic synthesizers
- Powerful, emotional singing
- Handclaps and bright percussion
- A celebratory, energetic mood
Key figures
- Patrick Cowley — Producer and electronic musician
- Sylvester — Singer of 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)'
- Ian Levine — British producer and DJ
- Evelyn Thomas — Singer of 'High Energy'
Labels
- Fantasy Records — San Francisco , 1949
- Megatone Records — San Francisco , 1981
- Record Shack Records — London , 1983
Defining tracks
Connections
Led to: Acid House , Balkan Pop House
Sources
- Hi-NRG — Wikipedia
- Hi-NRG: a list — Bandcamp Daily