Blog 2 - Britpop Part 1

Cool Britannia –

In 1994 the musical landscape was changing, Kurt Cobain's death had spelled the end for the now commercial heavy American grunge and the birth of the boyband had begun. By combing the melodies of the Beatles and the Stones with the aggression of Generation x, an up and coming group of British bands would pave the way for a new genre of music.

Building an Army –

Although the term “Britpop” is seen as more a marketing term and cultural movement that a genre, the bands who pioneered the style all have connections. Drawing from elements of sixties rock, glam rock, punk, grunge and the Madchester scene Britpop would rely on using catchy upbeat melodies full of optimistic lyrics juxtaposing the shoegazing and American grunge being produced at the same time. Early bands such as Suede and Manic Street Preachers would bring British guitar music back to the charts expanding upon the indie rock of the 80’s with louder, harder songs. Along with Pulp, Blur, and Oasis these bands would become the leaders of the movement. Along with the music “Britpop” would also mark a cultural change throughout Britain, the rise of new labour and Tony Blair marked with the art of Damien Hirst, British models like Kate Moss and movies such as Trainspotting made Britain the hip place to be for those creating art. Once again, being British was cool.