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.
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.
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.
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