Minimalism in New and Dark Wave Music

New Wave and Dark Wave music are powerful because they create mood and depth-and they often do it in only a few minimalist notes or chords. I wanted to celebrate a few New and Dark Wave artists for their use of minimalism to create drama, mood, depth, hope, or even dread.
"She's Lost Control" by Joy Division, 1979
"Wishing" by Flock of Seagulls, 1983
"The Promise" by When in Rome, 1987.
And, BONUS! This video comes with a NAME THAT TUNE game. The winner will be the first I (Erin) will proclaim "RAD" on this show. OMG!
I'll share the opening notes of the song to guess two ways:
through a phone music app
on the piano.
Please share the name of the song and artist, and if you're the first to do so, you'll be declared rad in the next video! Wowza!
Also, I would love to hear your thoughts about minimalism in New and Dark Wave music. What's your favorite song from this era-or now-that invokes this sound through minimalism?
#newwave #darkwave #music #genx #80s #musictheory #musicgirl #old

[@HeatherLamkins]

This is fascinating! Thank you.

[@newishwavemusic]

Thanks so much, Heather; glad you enjoyed!

[@orri-bile]

Nice video! I really learned. I would pick Cranes' Adoration as my fave minimalist song. (The record 'Wings of Joy' was my first approach to the dark wave music: lots of minimalist keyboard melodies, clock-like rhythm drums and raw guitars. It was a marvellous experience).

[@newishwavemusic]

Thanks so much, Oscar, and great to "meet" you! Wow, you're right: "Adoration" is an absolute great example of minimalism in music! And in that song too, I just love the mood it helps create.

[@LucretiasReflections]

I looooove Doot Doot by Freur!! I'm a college girl but my da has educated me on all his music, and that was one of the songs he passed on to me (thanks to a little pink iPod Nano). It's become such an important song to me based on all the memories of him attached - plus it's just a great song.

[@newishwavemusic]

Amazing, @LucretiasReflections! And how cool of your dad! What a gift that playlist on the Nano must've been. And, I love Sisters of Mercy! I'm going to talk about them at some point too. Did your dad introduce you to them too? "Lucretia, My Reflection" is my favorite song of theirs. Thanks for your comment! You are rad and will be called so on my next vid. 🤪

[@gnugen]

What a nice story. 😊

[@newishwavemusic]

Yes and it's so amazing to connect across time and space with others who share the love for this music.

[@kevincassell288]

Nice... or, rather, KOOKOO!!

[@newishwavemusic]

Hey you! Thanks Kevy!

[@stevenr5149]

She lost control by JD. Also The Trails & Amazonia by Gojira. With minimalism, I get a chance to soak up and feel those emotional tones without getting lost in a wall of complex sounds distracting from it.

[@newishwavemusic]

Great point-sometimes it's the wall of noise I want, in that soothing, overwhelming way. But with the minimalist pieces, you get to really engage with each little thing, and as you say, soak up the emotion being offered in every single note or musical choice. Thanks, Steven!

[@gnugen]

YES! 80's college radio in the bay area was RAD! Love your channel.

[@newishwavemusic]

Super rad! A lucky place to grow up in that way. Thanks for your comment, Gnugen!

[@moses7353]

Promo_SM 😈

[@newishwavemusic]

Thanks for your comment!