|
The term Electronica came about when a group of, primarily European, musicians decided in the early 90s to 'play around' with Detroit Techno in an attempt to create tracks more suited to chill-out rooms than to the dancefloor. By taking the music away from its original function of danceability these artists were able to experiment with more abstract, often a-rhythmical, drum patterns, etc. This led to an interest in certain types of modern classical and jazz music which in turn lent the music a more 'high brow' status.
I agree almost entirely with what Sarramkrop has said about The Chemical Brothers. Just to add a few points though: that they came from (or at least became associated with) a growing interest among 'rock types', who liked the idea of dance music, but couldn't deal with the faceless DJ thing and lack of 'authentic' instruments. They (along with such 'bands' as The Prodigy, The Orb and Orbital) managed to overcome this by providing spectacular live shows with a sound that fused (as Sarramkrop has said) Techno, Hip Hop, Rock, Dub and Pop influences. In many ways they were trying to re-ignite the earlier energy and euphoria of late 80s Acid House (or, in the case of The Orb, the more blissed out feel of the chill out room) but in a way that could be packaged more easily into a 'gig' format, thus accommodating a new, traditionally non club-going, audience. However, most people with any interest in original House and Techno looked down on this scene. Recognising it as the rather cynical attempt at commodifying the earlier Rave scene that it was.
|