Industrial

Definition

In the context of noise music, 'industrial' refers to a genre that incorporates elements of mechanical sounds, found noises, and often harsh or abrasive audio textures. This genre emerged alongside the industrial revolution, reflecting a world increasingly dominated by machinery and technology, and is characterized by its experimental approach to sound production and its critique of modern society's mechanization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Industrial music emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with bands like Throbbing Gristle and Einstürzende Neubauten leading the way in experimenting with harsh sounds.
2. The genre often utilizes machinery as instruments, creating a unique blend of rhythm and texture that mirrors industrial environments.
3. Lyrics in industrial music frequently address themes of alienation, technology's impact on humanity, and societal critique.
4. Industrial music has influenced various genres, including electronic, metal, and even pop music, showcasing its far-reaching impact on contemporary sound.
5. Live performances often incorporate multimedia elements like video projections and visual art to enhance the experience and convey the themes of industrial culture.

Review Questions

• How does industrial music utilize sound to reflect societal changes brought about by technological advancements?
  • Industrial music uses mechanical and found sounds to mirror the impact of technology on society. By integrating harsh audio textures and non-traditional instruments, artists create a sonic landscape that reflects feelings of alienation and critique regarding modernity. This connection between sound and societal changes emphasizes the genre's role as both an artistic expression and a commentary on the industrial age.
• In what ways did early industrial musicians challenge traditional notions of music through their techniques and themes?
  • Early industrial musicians challenged traditional notions of music by using unconventional sound sources and embracing noise as a legitimate form of expression. They often rejected melody and harmony in favor of rhythmically driven compositions that highlighted dissonance. Themes of technological alienation and societal critique were prevalent, pushing boundaries around what constituted 'music' and prompting listeners to rethink their perceptions of sound.
• Evaluate the evolution of industrial music into its subgenres, particularly post-industrial, and discuss how these changes reflect broader cultural shifts.
  • The evolution of industrial music into subgenres like post-industrial illustrates significant cultural shifts over time. Post-industrial artists have expanded on the harshness of early industrial sounds by incorporating more ambient and experimental elements, reflecting changes in technology and social dynamics. This shift showcases a growing interest in blending noise with emotional depth, as artists respond to contemporary issues like globalization and digitalization. Such evolution highlights how music adapts to reflect ongoing societal transformations while maintaining its roots in critique.

Related terms

Noise Music: A genre of music that emphasizes the use of non-traditional sounds and noise as a fundamental component, often challenging conventional musical structures.

Post-Industrial: A subgenre that evolves from industrial music, often incorporating more ambient or experimental elements while continuing to explore themes of technology and society.

Found Sound: Sounds that are recorded from everyday life and used in music composition, emphasizing the use of non-musical elements in sound design.