A Brief History of Industrial Music: The Origins of the Genre and its Influence on Modern Music 

Industrial music has existed in one form or another for centuries, but it was the development of mechanical devices and computers that allowed it to blossom into the genre that it is today. Initially, industrial music was a reaction to the experimental sounds of the early 20th century. These artists used the new technologies at their disposal to create dark, foreboding music that stood in sharp contrast to the optimism and bright melodies of classical music. Over the years, industrial music evolved and grew as new technologies were introduced and musicians experimented with different sounds and styles. Today, the genre continues to develop and influence modern music, with many musicians creating their own versions of industrial music and exploring the possibilities of the genre. This blog post will explore the history of industrial music, its origins, and how it has influenced modern music. 

What is Industrial Music? 

Industrial music is a genre that has existed since the late 1950s. At first, the genre was a reaction to the sounds of traditional folk music. Modern folk music was soft, sweet, and cheery, and the artists who created it sought to contrast it with the darker sounds of the city at night and the industrial age that was taking place. However industrial music is a broad term that draws inspiration from a number of other styles of music. 

Industrial music is characterized by dark and foreboding sounds, often accompanied by harsh noise. The genre often explores themes of alienation, powerlessness, and the futility of modern life. Many industrial artists use electronic music to create their sound, resulting in music that is often very loud and intense. 

 industrial music is also often associated with political and social themes, as well as issues such as war and global affairs. 

The Birth of Industrial Music: From Folk to Electronic 

At the beginning of the 20th century, electronic devices were still in their infancy. The use of radios and phonographs had only recently become common and there were very few other machines that could produce sounds electronically. One of the most popular forms of entertainment in this period was the phonograph record. These records captured the sounds of the city at night and created a dark and foreboding atmosphere that was unlike anything heard on traditional instruments. Artists such as Charles “Doc” Phillips, Harry Smith, and William Burroughs began experimenting with recording and found that they could create sounds that were at once mechanical and organic. 

These artists were among the first to use electronics to create “an otherworldly soundscape”, a sound that was a far cry from the bright sounds of traditional folk music. In the early 20th century, electronic music began to reject the traditional sounds of classical music and look to more modern sources for inspiration. Dancers and avant-garde composers began to explore the possibilities of electronic music, combining it with more traditional sounds like bells, gongs, and microphones. 

The Electronic Revolution and its Influence on Industrial Music 

As electronics developed and became more accessible, artists began experimenting with new sounds and using electronic devices to create music. These musicians often focused on exploring the darker elements of traditional musics and ethnic sounds. Artists such as Gary Gilmore and Cabaret Voltaire created music that combined electronic sounds with more traditional instruments, creating a sound that was both modern and foreboding. The electronic revolution also had a profound influence on industrial music, as musicians began exploring the possibilities of combining electronic sounds with more traditional instruments. 

Industrial artists often experimented with different types of sounds, combining electronic sounds with instruments like the Hammond organ and the bass guitar. Some artists even combined vocals with electronic sounds, creating songs that were both haunting and compelling. These artists also frequently explored social and political themes, stating topics such as the futility and alienation of modern life. The electronic revolution and the expansion of electronic devices allowed industrial artists to create sounds that were both modern and foreboding. 

New Musical Developments and the Rise of Post-Rock 

With the expansion of technologies, industrial artists were able to create sounds that had never been possible with traditional instruments. Artists such as Throbbing Gristle and Richard H. Kirk created music that combined harsh noise and electronic sounds with more organic instruments. These artists also explored new possibilities in sound, creating music that was often very loud and intense but combined with melodies that were often unsettling. 

These sounds also combined the dark themes of industrial music with more abstract ideas, creating music that was often difficult to discern from a social and political standpoint. Other artists explored more experimental sounds, creating sounds that were often very alien-sounding. Many artists explored these new possibilities with a combination of electronics and more traditional instruments, exploring the possibilities of a range of sounds. 

Conclusion 

Industrial music has existed for decades, with artists creating music that combines electronic sounds with more traditional instruments. The electronic revolution and new musical developments also influenced the creation of this genre. Industrial music explored the darker elements of traditional music and combined those elements with more abstract ideas, creating a sound that was often very loud and intense.