It was coined by the guy who started the Electroclash parties in NY and he
used to be involved with Studio 54 (a friend of mine has been in touch
with
him and is trying to start something here in Minneapolis). As far as I'm
concerned it's as preconceived/prefabricated as that club was. It has
little to do with electro. The sound is closer to Italio disco/Euro New
Wave synthpop like Gary Numan (whom I've never considered electro... I'd
be
interested to know who does). Some tunes sound exactly like that. Electro
is rooted in hip-hop. Electroclash isn't.
But music is all one big melting pot anyway...
that's all I'm going to say
MEK
Actually I do think Gary Numan was a close relative of the electro
family. Electro is rooted in alot more styles then just hip hop. I think
anyone that ever made an electro record would have to say that Kraftwerk was
a major influence at some point in their life. As well as other styles of
music including Funk, Jazz ect. At the time electro started up hip-hop was
still a movement and had not completely inundated American culture. Although
it may have been an influence (Africa Bambata, BDP, ect) I don't think it
was as much of a factor as the majority of synthpop and what was considered
alternative at the time (Depeche Mode, New Order, EBN-OZN, ect..).
On the subject of Electroclash: I think it is a fresh change from the
worn out pop house trance sound that has been killing the mainstream clubs
for the last 3 years. Felix Da Housecat (Chicago/Detroit) native is I think
the biggest factor of the sound even seeing the light of day. The elements
are very closely related to electro and the older synth sound of Detroit,
Chicago and Europe. I love it and can't get enogh of it right now, although
most of the DJ's down here in Florida hate it, I still shove it down their
throats three nights a week at the clubs. Suggested groups or artists would
be Audio Bullies, FC Kahuna, Felix / Miss Kitten, Tomcraft, Ladytron,
Toktok, Mistress Barbra.
Ladytron is on in my car 24/7, and I feel like I'm driving with the
female version of Gary Numan.
Peace,
Will Web
