DISCO! 1970’s & 1980’s Disco Music
What is Disco? It’s a style of dance music that was popular in the 70’s & 80’s and is influenced by funk, pop, soul and latin music
Discotheque (Disco-tek), which is another word for nightclub. Discothèque Disco is short for Discotheque (Disco-tek), which is another word for nightclub. A nightclub is a venue that plays music until very late, often with a bar/dancefloor etc
Musical Features of Disco Four on the floor bass drum Quaver & Semiquaver hi-hat patterns, often with an open hi hat on the offbeat Syncopated bass lines Lead vocal part Backing vocals Lush orchestral arrangements (e.g. strings/flute etc in background) Use of rhythm guitar to add ‘groove’ or ‘funk’ sound Brass ‘stabs’ to punctuate music
Instruments of Disco Male or female lead vocal Harmony backing vocals Drum machine (replacing drum kit) Brass section String section Rhythm guitar Synthesizer
Context of Disco Reaction against ‘rock music’ Very groovy, danceable Light shows and mirrorballs Neon dancefloors Large sound systems (speakers) Flared trousers, rollerskates Shirts with big collars Medallions
Disco Dance Moves Individual dancing – often improvised Lots of spins and hip movements Often competitive – who would be the best dressed/best dancer etc
Disco fell out of fashion as the 1980’s progressed Disco fell out of fashion as the 1980’s progressed. It virtually vanished in the 1990’s. However, as the 2000’s began, disco underwent a resurgence in popularity and began to influence modern music and bands. Check out the music blog : bishopbellmusic.wordpress.com for a playlist of disco tracks and tracks that have been influenced by disco.