User:SutterH/sandbox

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Characteristics[edit]

Disco Edits/ Re-Edits[edit]

A modified version of the original master, edited by disco and house DJs to extend and emphasize the best and most dance-friendly elements. Todd Terje's edit of the Bee Gees hit "You Should Be Dancing" does exactly that, downplaying the dated vocal riffs in favor of driving bass, lively percussion, and an overall sense of space.^[1]

Drum Groove[edit]

Since nu-disco is a dance genre first and foremost, the drum grooves are an essential part. They often feature four-on-the-floor beats with an organic, lively feel based on the sounds of classic disco recordings by Chic, Sister Sledge, and others^[2]. In some cases, producers will sample these grooves directly. Los Angeles-based producer Goldroom uses both house and disco influenced drum grooves in tracks such as "Waiting to Ignite"

Live Instrumentation[edit]

While modern production abundant with synthesized sounds, many nu-disco records are, in the disco tradition, driven by guitar or bass licks. Guitarist, producer, and songwriter Nile Rodgers brought riffs to the forefront of the groove with Chic in the 1970's and again with Daft Punk in 2013. ^[2] Other notable modern examples include "Baby I'm Yours" by Breakbot and "Holding On" by Classixx^[3]

Synthesizers[edit]

As with other electronic genres, nu-disco producers use both digital and analog synths to create melodic and harmonic lines, and add ambiance and color to their records. Gigamesh uses a heavily synthesized sound while still retaining old-school influences in tracks such as "Back To Life", and Poolside (band) uses atmospheric synths to compliment their drum, bass, and guitar sounds in "Do you Believe" ^[3]

Arrangement[edit]

Unlike it's disco precursors, nu-disco and disco house are not beholden to song forms that are essential to the modern pop idiom. Rather than following the traditional verse-chorus model, nu-disco tends to take after its electronic cousins, with more drawn-out, repetitive sections that slowly ramp up to the chorus and back down again. Otherwise monotonous lines are brought to life with the use of filters, samples, and other subtle changes in the sound or groove over time in ways that make people want to keep dancing. Daft Punk 's "One More Time" is considered one of the most influential examples of the application of "filter disco." ^[4]

Notable Labels[edit]

Black Cock Records (UK)[edit]

Founded by DJ Harvey and operating primarily in the 90s, Black Cock was one of the go-to labels for disco mixes and re-edits, and encouraged many young DJs to incorporate disco elements into their house mixes, despite it being out of fashion at the time.^[5]

Nuphonic Records (UK)[edit]

Known as a mark of quality for any number of electronic genres and sub genres, Nuphonic records help launch a number of important acts in the '90s and early '00s such as Faze Action and Raj Gupta, and was one of the early pioneers of collaboration, fusion of genres, and live performance in disco house and beyond. Some attribute their name to having influenced the creation of the nu-disco moniker. ^[6]

DFA Records (NYC)[edit]

DFA Records was initially started by James Murphy (electronic musician) as a platform to launch his and his band's music.While he is best known for his work with LCD Soundsystem, the label has played host to many iconic dance rock and nu-disco acts, including its very first hit with The Rapture and, more recently, nu-disco/ electronica project The Juan MacLean.^[7]

Roche Musique (FR)[edit]

In the past three years, progressive nu-disco and chill electronica label Roche Musique has been throwing parties and churning out hits on the French scene. While they do not subscribe to a particular genre label, their style is equally rooted in tradition as it is forward-thinking. Citing the importance of the "French Touch", artists such as FKJ and Darius create precise and memorable productions with a variety of influences, which are now just beginning to get noticed worldwide. ^[8]

Notable Artists[edit]

Daft Punk[edit]

This French duo has a significant influenced on nu-disco and just about every genre that surrounds it. From their unique reinterpretations of classic disco records on Homework and Discovery to their Nile Rodgers-driven super hit "Get Lucky" to side projects such as Thomas Bangalter's Stardust, the name Daft Punk is truly synonymous with the French house music scene. While countless Frenchmen have contributed to the distinctly French elements of nu-disco, Daft Punk takes most of the credit for bringing that style to America and into the mainstream.^[9]

Dmitri From Paris[edit]

Another major figure on the French scene, Dimitri from Paris is in many ways responsible for more of the nu-disco scene than any other individual in the business^[5]. Rather than focusing on quintessential 70's pop records, he draws inspiration from more esoteric sources such as 50's jazz, latin exotica, and film soundtracks. ^[10]

Lindstrom[edit]

Hailing from Norway, Hans-Peter Lindstrøm pioneered a new sound in the clubs of Europe that would become a precursor to nu-disco. With a musical background spanning from country and rock to gospel and jazz, ^[11] Lindstrom's "Norse House" brought all the style and substance of classic 70's jams to the modern dance floor, without the expense or the kitsch. Equally important are some of his peers, such as studio mate Prins Thomas and protege Todd Terje. Although the Norwegians' approach to nu-disco is distinct and hardly all-encompassing, elements of it can be hear in clubs and basements from London to Los Angeles.^[12]