The 1980s was a decade that brought a revolution to the music industry. In this era, diverse genres of pop, rock, and R&B music changed the way people listened and enjoyed music. One of the most popular genres of the time was funk music, which had its heyday in the late 70s and early 80s.
Funk developed as a genre in the United States during the 1960s and grew in popularity during the 1970s. It was characterized by its heavy emphasis on rhythm and groovy bass lines. The genre was closely linked to the African-American experience and culture of the 60s and 70s. As the 80s dawned, a new wave of funk music was about to be born – the 80s funk.
What is 80s funk?
80s funk is essentially a subgenre of funk music that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its highly danceable rhythms, electronic instrumentation, and the tight grooves that became so popular at the time. Driven by funk legends like Prince, Rick James, and George Clinton, it made use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments to create a new sound that was fresh, funky and instantly recognizable.
Unlike funk of the 70s, 80s funk took a turn towards a more electronic and synthesized sound. This is because the inroads of technology had made it possible for musicians to experiment with sounds and create unique rhythms that were not possible in earlier times. As a result, 80s funk had a lot of electronic instrumentation and samples.
It was an era when the funk movement also began to take cues from other genres including soul, rock, and even hiphop. This development, in turn, aided in crafting the different sub-genres of funk that rose over the course of the decade, including boogie, electrofunk, funk rock, and G-funk.
Characteristics of 80s Funk Music
80s funk music had several defining characteristics that set it apart from the 70s version. Here are a few of the most important ones:
1. Electronic instrumentation
The use of electronic instrumentation was very prominent in 80s funk music. One of the big draws of the era was the development of the synthesizer which made it possible to create new and unique sounds that could not have been produced otherwise. This electronic element gave 80s funk a distinct sound that was not heard before.
2. Deep and Diverse Basslines
The deep and diverse basslines were the hallmark of this genre. The funk bass drove the music, providing the backbone for the entire composition. The bass players in 80s funk took their cue from James Brown’s legendary bassist Bootsy Collins, using it as the engine that powered their music.
3. Danceable Grooves
80s funk was all about rhythm and danceability. Whether it was the simple grooves of “Atomic Dog” by George Clinton or the complex syncopation of “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire, this music was built to get people moving on the dance floor.
4. Funky Synth Melodies
80s funk also had a lot of funky synth melodies that would get stuck in people’s heads for days. These synth melodies were catchy and helped to break down musical boundaries, making funk accessible to a wider audience.
5. Flamboyant Style
Finally, 80s funk was characterized by flamboyant style and dress sense. The artists of this era were known for their outrageous fashion choices, such as the purple suit and ruffled shirts of Prince or the bright red leather jackets of Rick James. This flamboyant style played as big a role in the genre as the music, both of which are closely associated with the 80s.
Conclusion
80s funk was a genre that is still remembered fondly to this day. It had a unique sound that set it apart from other genres and was known for its distinctive basslines, synth melodies, and highly danceable rhythms. Its flamboyant style and fashion sense made it instantly recognizable and helped to cement its place in music history. While the era may be over, the legacy of 80s funk lives on, inspiring a whole new generation of musicians, producers, and artists.
FAQ
What makes up funk music?
Funk music is a genre that emerged in the United States in the mid-1960s as a distinct blend of soul, R&B, and jazz. The music sought to bring together the best aspects of each genre, resulting in a unique sound that features prominent basslines, strong beats, and a highly rhythmic style. There are several key characteristics that define funk music and set it apart from other genres.
One of the most defining characteristics of funk music is its use of syncopation. In funk, the emphasis is often placed on the offbeat, resulting in music that feels lively and upbeat. Whether it’s the guitar riff in James Brown’s “Sex Machine” or the thump of the bass guitar on Parliament’s “Flashlight,” funk music often features complex rhythms that require a high degree of precision in order to create the desired effect.
Another defining characteristic of funk is the use of strong downbeats followed by a 16th note groove. This creates a syncopated rhythm that gives the music its characteristic bounce and energy. Funk beats are typically driven by the drums, which play a prominent role in creating the complex rhythms that define the genre.
In addition to syncopation and complex rhythms, funk music is known for its use of seventh chord variants. These chords add a sense of tension and resolution to the music, contributing to the overall funky feel of the genre. Many funk songs also make use of extended chord voicings, which add a richness and complexity to the harmony.
Finally, no discussion of funk music would be complete without mentioning the prominent role that the bass guitar plays in the genre. Funk basslines are often complex and highly rhythmic, providing the backbone for the entire song. From Bootsy Collins’ legendary basslines on songs like “Flashlight” and “One Nation Under A Groove” to Larry Graham’s innovative slap bass technique on “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” funk basslines have become known for their incredibly groovy and infectious quality.
There are several key characteristics that define funk music: syncopation, strong downbeats followed by a 16th note groove, seventh chord variants, and basslines driven by the bass guitar. These elements work together to create the distinctive sound and feel of funk music, a genre that has had a lasting impact on popular music ever since its inception in the mid-1960s.
What does funk sound like?
Funk is a music genre that emerged in the mid-1960s in the United States. It is characterized by its groovy and rhythmic sound that makes listeners want to dance to its upbeat and catchy tune. In terms of musical elements, funk features strong bass lines, heavy syncopated beats, and a distinctive groove that sets it apart from other genres.
One of the defining features of funk music is its strong bass lines. Bass lines are the music lines played by low-pitched instruments, such as bass guitars and keyboards. In funk, the bass line is often prominent, giving the music a strong foundation and a sense of depth. The bass line is usually repetitive but also complex, with intricate rhythms and melodic patterns that add to the overall texture of the music.
Another important element of funk music is its heavy syncopated beats. Syncopation refers to an emphasis on off-beats and accents, giving the music its distinctive groove. Funk music often features a strong backbeat on the second and fourth beats of a four-beat measure, but with many variations and rhythmic subtleties that keep the music engaging and interesting.
Finally, funk music is known for its distinctive groove, or sense of rhythm and movement. The groove is created from the interplay of the bass line, drums, and other instruments, as well as the use of syncopation and repetition. Funk grooves can be slow and sultry, or fast and energetic, but they always have a funky and infectious quality that gets people moving.
Funk music is characterized by its strong bass lines, heavy syncopated beats, and distinctive groove. It is a genre that has influenced many other styles of music and continues to be popular today for its upbeat and energetic sound. If you are looking for music that makes you want to dance, funk is definitely worth checking out!
What are the common funk instruments?
Funk is a popular music genre that emerged during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Funk bands utilize many different musical instruments to create their distinct sound. Some of the most commonly used instruments in funk include electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, and keyboard instruments. These instruments are typically played in a way that emphasizes the rhythm and groove of the music.
The electric guitar is one of the most essential instruments in funk music. The guitar is used to create the signature funky rhythms and melodies that are a hallmark of the genre. The guitar is played by strumming, picking, and plucking the strings in various rhythmic patterns that create the distinctive funk sound.
The bass guitar is another essential instrument in funk music. The bass guitar provides the low-end foundation for the other instruments in the band. Basslines in funk are often melodic and syncopated, emphasizing the groove of the music. Bass guitarists often play with their fingers to get a more rhythmic and punchy sound.
Drums are also a crucial element of funk music. Funk drumming requires a deep understanding of rhythm and groove. Drummers play complex rhythms and syncopated patterns that are designed to get people dancing. They also often incorporate various percussion instruments, such as cowbells, tambourines, and congas, into their playing to add to the rhythm and texture of the music.
Keyboard instruments are another common feature of funk music. Synthesizers and electronic organs add a unique sound to the overall funk sound. Keyboard players often play rhythmic and melodic parts that add an extra layer to the already complex rhythms of the music.
Finally, horns are also an essential part of funk music. Saxophones, trumpets, and trombones play melodic and rhythmic lines that add to the overall sound of the band. Horn sections are often used to create dramatic, soulful, and funky sounds that are unique to the genre.
Funk music is a highly rhythmic and groovy music genre that relies on a variety of instruments to create its unique sound. Electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, and keyboard instruments are all essential to the funk sound, along with the addition of horns. Together, these instruments create the infectious rhythms and grooves that define the funk genre.
What makes a beat funky?
When it comes to music, the word “funky” is often associated with a particular sound and feeling that is often difficult to describe. However, there are certain elements that can make a beat sound and feel funky.
One of the most important characteristics of a funky beat is the use of ghost notes and multiple layers of dynamics. Ghost notes are the unaccented notes that are played between the main beats. They are often played softly and create a subtle groove that adds depth and complexity to the rhythm. Multiple layers of dynamics refer to the way in which the different instruments in the ensemble contribute to the overall sound. In a funky beat, the bass and drums often play together and support each other in creating a tight groove that is both rhythmic and melodic.
Another essential element of a funky beat is syncopated patterns on the bass drum. Syncopation refers to playing accents on off-beats or in unexpected places. In funk music, the bass drum often plays a syncopated pattern that creates a lively and energetic groove. This is often combined with a bassline that is played in a rhythmically complex and syncopated way.
Finally, a funky beat often features the art of displacing the backbeat on the snare drum. The backbeat is the accented second and fourth beats of a measure. In funk music, the snare drum is often emphasized on the third beat, which results in a rhythm that is pushed forward and creates a sense of urgency and excitement. This technique is known as “displacing the backbeat” and is an essential element of many funk grooves.
Many, but not all, funk grooves are distinguished by three main traits: the use of ghost notes and multiple layers of dynamics, syncopated patterns on the bass drum, and displacing the backbeat on the snare drum. These elements combine to create a funky beat that is both rhythmic and melodic, and that gets people moving and grooving.