The Underrated Origins Of Industrial Music

In high school, I was a fringe goth kid. I listened to the normal stuff like Souxsie and the Banshees, Depeche Mode, and more. I had a long black trench coat and words my fair share of black clothing. I was in the drama club and generally carried around this misanthropic malaise. If you looked up goth kid in the dictionary, I am pretty sure I would have been one of the pictures. A lot of that changed in college when I found EBM and industrial. They became the new soundtrack of my world. 

Industrial music is a unique genre that has been around since the 1970s. It’s known for its harsh, experimental sound and is often associated with dark, dystopian themes. However, the origins of industrial music are often misunderstood and underrated. Let’s take a historical overview of industrial music and explore its roots in experimental art, post-punk, and electronic music. From the early industrial pioneers such as Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire to the emergence of industrial rock in the 1990s, we will take a deep dive into the evolution of this fascinating genre. So, if you’re a fan of industrial music or curious to know more about its origins, keep reading!

What is industrial music?

Industrial music is a genre that originated in the 1970s and 1980s, primarily in the United Kingdom and Germany. The genre is characterized by its experimental and avant-garde nature, often incorporating unconventional sounds and themes into its music. 

The name “industrial” was coined by the band Throbbing Gristle, who used the term to describe their music’s harsh and mechanical sound. The genre drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including the industrial sounds and machines of factories, as well as various subcultures such as punk, goth, and electronic music. 

It’s sound is often harsh and abrasive with lyrics that are confrontations and politically charged. The genre has also been known to experiment with various forms of multimedia, including visual art, film, and performance art. 

Despite its relatively niche following, industrial music has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing a variety of other genres and art forms. From Nine Inch Nails to Aesthetic Perfection, industrial music has proven to be a genre with staying power, continuing to evolve and inspire new generations of musicians and artists.

Early Influences

The early influences of Industrial Music are fascinating, as they come from a variety of sources that might not immediately come to mind. One of the most significant early influences was the Futurist movement, which emerged in Italy in the early 20th century. Futurist ideas about the intersection of art, technology, and industry were foundational to Industrial Music’s embrace of harsh, mechanical sounds and its critique of capitalist society.

Another important influence on Industrial Music was the musique concrète movement, which emerged in France in the 1940s and 1950s. Musique concrète composers worked with recorded sounds – anything from environmental noises to spoken words – and manipulated them to create new, experimental compositions. Industrial Music would later adopt this approach, sampling and manipulating found sounds to create its distinctive sonic palette.

The avant-garde art movements of the 1960s and 1970s also had a significant impact on Industrial Music. Artists like the German group Kraftwerk, who were pioneers of electronic music, and the performance artist Genesis P-Orridge, who founded the influential band Throbbing Gristle, were both deeply influenced by the experimental art of their time. Their work would help to lay the foundations for the Industrial Music scene that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Overall, the early influences of Industrial Music reveal a movement that was deeply connected to the wider art world and the avant-garde. By drawing on a range of influences and pushing the boundaries of what was considered music, Industrial Music would go on to become one of the most innovative and influential genres of the 20th century.

1970s: The origins of industrial music

The early influences of Industrial Music are fascinating, as they come from a variety of sources that might not immediately come to mind. One of the most significant early influences was the Futurist movement, which emerged in Italy in the early 20th century. Futurist ideas about the intersection of art, technology, and industry were foundational to Industrial Music’s embrace of harsh, mechanical sounds and its critique of capitalist society.

Another important influence on Industrial Music was the musique concrète movement, which emerged in France in the 1940s and 1950s. Musique concrète composers worked with recorded sounds – anything from environmental noises to spoken words – and manipulated them to create new, experimental compositions. Industrial Music would later adopt this approach, sampling and manipulating found sounds to create its distinctive sonic palette.

The avant-garde art movements of the 1960s and 1970s also had a significant impact on Industrial Music. Artists like the German group Kraftwerk, who were pioneers of electronic music, and the performance artist Genesis P-Orridge, who founded the influential band Throbbing Gristle, were both deeply influenced by the experimental art of their time. Their work would help to lay the foundations for the Industrial Music scene that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Overall, the early influences of Industrial Music reveal a movement that was deeply connected to the wider art world and the avant-garde. By drawing on a range of influences and pushing the boundaries of what was considered music, Industrial Music would go on to become one of the most innovative and influential genres of the 20th century.

The role of Throbbing Gristle

Throbbing Gristle formed in 1975 London and were active until 1981, they were a pioneering band in the industrial music genre. They are often credited as being the first industrial band and had an immeasurable influence on the genre.The band consisted of four members: Genesis P-Orridge, Peter Christopherson, Cosey Fanni Tutti, and Chris Carter. They were known for their experimental sound, which incorporated elements of noise, avant-garde, and punk music.

Throbbing Gristle’s music was characterized by its use of found sounds, tape loops, and synthesizers. They also used disturbing imagery and provocative lyrics in their performances. Their debut album, “The Second Annual Report,” was released in 1977 and is considered a classic of the genre.

Throbbing Gristle’s impact can still be felt today. Their pioneering use of electronic instruments and their willingness to experiment with sound have influenced countless artists in the genre. They also paved the way for other industrial music pioneers like Ministry, Skinny Puppy, and Nine Inch Nails. Without Throbbing Gristle, it’s hard to imagine what industrial music would sound like today.

The birth of the genre

While Throbbing Gristle is often credited at the first “industrial group,” they were one of many that would go on to be the founders of this new genre. Another key player in the birth of Industrial Music was the German band Kraftwerk, who had been experimenting with electronic music since the early 1970s. Their 1974 album “Autobahn” introduced a new sound that was heavily influenced by the sounds of machinery and technology.

As the genre began to grow, other notable bands such as Einstürzende Neubauten, Cabaret Voltaire, and Skinny Puppy emerged, each bringing their own unique style to the genre. 

Over the years, the genre has continued to evolve and has influenced many other musical genres, including punk, metal, and electronic dance music. Today, Industrial Music remains a cult favorite among music fans who appreciate its experimental and boundary-pushing nature.

The spread from Europe to America

By the late 1970s, Industrial Music began to gain popularity in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom. Bands like Throbbing Gristle, Cabaret Voltaire, and Einstürzende Neubauten were at the forefront of this movement and their experimental sound quickly caught the attention of music enthusiasts around the world.

Industrial Music’s influence soon spread across the Atlantic to North America. Bands in the United States, such as Skinny Puppy, Ministry, and Nine Inch Nails, began to incorporate Industrial Music’s unique sounds and themes into their music. The Industrial Music scene in North America soon grew, with a number of festivals and concerts dedicated to the genre. Most of which was helped by a small company called Wax Trax and Wax Trax Records who helped being Industrial groups to America.

One reason for Industrial Music’s popularity in both Europe and North America was its ability to capture the feelings of discontent and disillusionment that were prevalent at the time. Many Industrial Music bands drew inspiration from the bleak landscapes of post-industrial cities and the harsh realities of modern life.

As the genre continued to evolve and expand, it took on new forms and influences. From the early days of experimental noise to the later sounds of electronic dance music, Industrial Music has remained a unique and influential genre that has left a lasting impact on the music world.

European Industrial vs American

American industrial music is characterized by its heavy use of distorted vocals and guitars, as well as its aggressive beats and rhythms. Europe, on the other hand, has a more electronic sound that is often characterized by its use of synthesizers and drum machines. European industrial music also tends to be more experimental in nature, often incorporating elements of other genres such as techno and metal. Despite these differences, both American and European industrial music share a common theme of political and social criticism, often touching on topics such as capitalism, consumerism, and the military-industrial complex. Ultimately, the differences between American and European industrial music reflect the unique cultural and artistic perspectives of their respective regions.

With European Industrial Music often focusing on political and social topics, their music often speaks to people rising up against those constraining their growth. It often takes its clues from New Wave, Synth Wave, and EBM. If you haven’t listened to, or unsure if you have,  European Industrial, there definitely are a few you should check out. Why not go old school like Throbbing Gristle, Wumpscut, and Kraftwerk. Don’t forget to check out Gary Numan, while he started off as Synth Wave, he belongs to a genre that was heavily influenced by and influenced Industrial music. 

American industrial music, like most things American, decided to do its own way while still keeping its roots. Bands like Nine Inch Nails, Orgy, Ministry, and Front Line Assembly, incorporated more heavy guitars and aggressive vocals. American Industrial often has strong guitars and a more aggressive rock vibe, layered in with electronic sounds of its European cousin. This genre spawned sub-genres like Black Metal which opened up the door for groups like Psyclon Nine. Stabbing Westward, and Revolting Cocks.

Industrial music’s evolution

Industrial Music has been around for quite some time and has undergone significant evolution over the years. It originated in the 1970s when experimental bands utilized unconventional musical instruments such as metal sheets, hammers, and power tools to create their music. The sound was often harsh and abrasive, with themes that explored the darker aspects of society and human nature.

In the 1980s, Industrial Music evolved into a more electronic sound, with bands such as Front 242, Nitzer Ebb, and Skinny Puppy gaining popularity. This new sound was characterized by the use of synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers, which allowed for a wider range of sound manipulation and experimentation. The lyrics also became more political, with a focus on social issues such as poverty, inequality, and war.

In the 1990s, Industrial Music experienced a resurgence in popularity with the rise of the “industrial rock” genre. Bands such as Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, and Marilyn Manson brought Industrial Music to the mainstream audience with their blend of heavy guitars, electronic beats, and dark lyrics. This new sound helped to break down the barriers between alternative and mainstream music, bringing Industrial Music to a wider audience.

Today, Industrial Music continues to evolve and thrive, with new bands constantly emerging and pushing the boundaries of the genre. The sound has diversified, with elements of techno, metal, and even classical music being incorporated into the mix. The themes also continue to evolve, with a focus on issues such as environmentalism, globalization, and technology. Despite its niche appeal, Industrial Music has had a profound impact on the music industry and continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

Industrial music’s legacy

There are many legacies that Industrial music has left us with. Some of the more notable are sampling, found music, electronic instruments, and technology. These are the driving aspects of the multi-layers genre and what allows its fans to be so diverse in their love for it. Industrial Music has influenced a wide range of genres, including electronic, rock, metal, hip-hop, and more.

Sampling and found music was popularized by Industrial Music pioneers like Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire, who used tape loops and other unconventional sounds to create their music. Today, sampling is a fundamental part of many different music genres, from hip-hop to pop.

Industrial Music was one of the first genres to fully embrace electronic instruments and sound manipulation, paving the way for modern electronic music as we know it today. Many contemporary electronic musicians continue to draw inspiration from Industrial Music’s use of synths, drum machines, and other electronic devices.

The provocative and confrontational stance towards authority and societal norms is another legacy of the genre. Industrial Music often deals with subjects like violence, sex, and political dissent, and many contemporary musicians continue to use it as a platform to address social and political issues. It is a way to challenge the status quo and push boundaries in its unique way, much like the punk bands of old.

Music in the shadows

I hope you enjoyed this historical overview of the underrated origins of industrial music. Industrial music is a genre that has been around for decades, but many people may not realize its fascinating history and the impact it has had on modern music. By exploring the roots of industrial music, we hope to shed light on its importance and encourage more people to appreciate this unique genre. 

What about you, did you know about this genre of music before today? If so, what bands do you like and why? If not, has this article made you curious enough to check it out? Would you like a list of bands to start your journey? Let me know in the comments below. If there are aspects of this genre  you would like more information on, let me know that as well.