New wave culture
The new wave culture! A fascinating and influential movement that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. New wave culture was a fusion of art, music, fashion, and attitude that rejected the mainstream and sought to create something fresh, innovative, and rebellious. Here's a brief overview:
Music: New wave music was a genre that blended post-punk, art rock, and pop elements. Bands like Blondie, The Cars, Devo, The Police, and Talking Heads were some of the most iconic acts of the era. New wave music was characterized by its use of synthesizers, keyboards, and distinctive vocal styles.
Fashion: New wave fashion was all about experimentation and self-expression. It was a time of bold, colorful, and eclectic styles, often inspired by punk, art, and science fiction. Think skinny ties, skinny jeans, leather jackets, and big hair. The iconic "new wave" look was characterized by its use of bright colors, geometric patterns, and a mix of masculine and feminine elements.
Art and Design: New wave art and design were heavily influenced by punk's DIY ethos and the avant-garde movement. Artists like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring were popular during this era. Graphic design, illustration, and photography were also key elements of new wave culture, often featuring bold, graphic, and futuristic styles.
Films and Television: New wave cinema and television were characterized by their experimental and avant-garde approach. Films like "Eraserhead" (1977), "The Blues Brothers" (1980), and "This Is Spinal Tap" (1984) were some of the most influential of the era. TV shows like "Saturday Night Live" (1975) and "Miami Vice" (1984) also played a significant role in shaping new wave culture.
Lifestyle and Attitude: New wave culture was all about embracing individuality, nonconformity, and a sense of rebellion. It was a time of social and political upheaval, and new wave culture reflected this. People were seeking alternative lifestyles, alternative music, and alternative forms of expression. The era was marked by a sense of excitement, experimentation, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Influence: New wave culture had a significant impact on the development of subsequent music genres, such as alternative rock, indie rock, and electronic music. It also influenced fashion, art, and design, with many of its aesthetic and stylistic elements still visible today. New wave culture's emphasis on individuality, creativity, and self-expression continues to inspire new generations of artists, musicians, and fashion designers.
Some notable new wave icons and influences include:
- David Bowie
- Debbie Harry (Blondie)
- The Ramones
- The Sex Pistols
- Andy Warhol
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Keith Haring
- Talking Heads
- The Cars
- Devo
- The Police
- MTV (Music Television)
Overall, new wave culture was a vibrant, eclectic, and influential movement that continues to shape our understanding of art, music, fashion, and popular culture today.