Dance-Punk Guide

• Definition:
  • Dance-punk is a fusion genre that combines elements of punk rock and electronic dance music, such as techno, house, and electroclash.

• History:
  • Emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s
  • Bands like Suicide and Liquid Liquid experimented with combining punk's energy and ethos with electronic sounds and rhythms.

• Characteristics:
  • Fast-tempo electronic beats (typically 120-160 BPM)
  • Punk-inspired vocals (e.g., shouted, aggressive)
  • Distorted guitars and bass
  • Synthesizers, sequencers, drum machines, and samples
  • Danceable, often repetitive rhythms

• Notable Bands:
  • The Rapture
  • !!! (Chk Chk Chk)
  • LCD Soundsystem
  • Daft Punk
  • Justice
  • Hot Chip
  • Fischerspooner
  • Peaches

• Influence:
  • Has influenced a wide range of artists, including:
    • Lady Gaga
    • Rihanna
    • Katy Perry
    • Beyoncé
    • M.I.A.
    • The Killers
    • Paramore

• Current State:
  • Remains a popular subgenre of electronic dance music, with many contemporary artists continuing to blend punk and electronic elements in their music.

The History Of Dance-Punk

Dance-punk emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, drawing inspiration from the energy and DIY ethos of punk rock, the dancefloor-oriented rhythms of disco and funk, and the experimental sounds of post-punk. Here's a brief history of the sub-genre:

Origins and Pioneers:

• 1970s: During the late 1970s, bands like The Ramones, Talking Heads, and Blondie began incorporating elements of disco and funk into their music, creating a sound that was more dance-oriented than traditional punk.

• ESG: Formed in 1978, ESG is often considered one of the first dance-punk bands. Their minimalist, groove-based approach to punk rock laid the foundation for the genre's development.

Early 1980s:

• New York City: In the early 1980s, New York City became a hub for dance-punk, with bands like Liquid Liquid, ESG, and Konk popularizing the sound at underground clubs like Danceteria and The Mudd Club.

• James Chance and the Contortions: This band, led by singer James Chance, fused punk energy with dance rhythms, creating a unique and provocative sound.

Mid-1980s:

• Expansion and Evolution: Dance-punk began to spread beyond New York City, gaining popularity in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London.

• **Bands like Minutemen, X, and Red Hot Chili Peppers incorporated dance elements into their music, broadening the genre's appeal.

• Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force: This hip-hop group's 1982 song "Planet Rock" featured a dance-punk-inspired sound that influenced the emerging electro and hip-hop scenes.

Late 1980s and Beyond:

• Second Wave: A second wave of dance-punk bands emerged in the late 1980s, characterized by a more polished and accessible sound.

• **Bands like New Order, Depeche Mode, and The Cure blended elements of punk, dance, and synth-pop, creating a sound that appealed to both underground and mainstream audiences.

• Influence on Indie Rock: Dance-punk influenced the development of indie rock in the 1990s and beyond, with bands like Pavement, Sonic Youth, and The Pixies incorporating dance elements into their music.

• Revival and Contemporary Dance-Punk: In the 21st century, there has been a revival of interest in dance-punk, with bands like !!! (Chk Chk Chk), LCD Soundsystem, and DFA 1979 carrying the torch and incorporating elements of dance music into their punk-influenced sound.

Dance-punk continues to evolve and influence new generations of musicians, remaining a vibrant and dynamic sub-genre of punk rock.

Dance-Punk Band

• LCD Soundsystem
• !!! (Chk Chk Chk)
• Hot Chip
• New Order
• Joy Division
• ESG
• Liquid Liquid
• The Rapture
• Death From Above 1979
• !!! (Chk Chk Chk)
• The Faint
• Liars
• The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• Radio 4
• Metronomy
• Cut Copy
• Justice
• Daft Punk
• Kavinsky