EMI

Definition

EMI, or Electric and Musical Industries, was a major British music company established in 1931 that played a vital role in the development and distribution of popular music, particularly during the rise of New Wave and Synthpop. The company was known for its innovative approach to music production and marketing, embracing new technologies that were emerging at the time. EMI’s significance is highlighted by its relationships with influential artists and bands that shaped these genres, leveraging advancements in recording technology to produce iconic sounds.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. EMI was instrumental in the recording careers of major New Wave and Synthpop artists like Duran Duran and Depeche Mode, helping to popularize these genres worldwide.
2. The company embraced technological innovations in the 1980s, including digital recording techniques that revolutionized the music industry.
3. EMI was involved in the development of new promotional strategies that utilized video and television to reach wider audiences for their artists.
4. In 2012, EMI's recorded music division was acquired by Universal Music Group, which continued its legacy within the music industry.
5. EMI's influence extended beyond just music production; it also shaped trends in fashion and culture associated with New Wave and Synthpop during the 1980s.

Review Questions

• How did EMI's approach to technology influence the sound of New Wave and Synthpop?
  • EMI's embrace of new technologies significantly influenced the sound of New Wave and Synthpop by incorporating synthesizers and digital recording techniques into the production process. This allowed artists under EMI's label to experiment with innovative sounds and styles that defined the genres. As a result, EMI helped shape the sonic landscape of the 1980s music scene, making it more electronic and distinctive.
• Evaluate the impact of EMI on the marketing strategies used for New Wave and Synthpop artists during their rise to popularity.
  • EMI revolutionized marketing strategies for New Wave and Synthpop artists by leveraging emerging media formats like music videos and television appearances. They recognized the importance of visual presentation in attracting audiences, which was especially relevant for genres focused on style. This approach not only enhanced visibility for artists but also set a precedent for future marketing techniques in the music industry.
• Assess the long-term implications of EMI's innovations in recording technology on contemporary music production.
  • The innovations introduced by EMI in recording technology have had lasting effects on contemporary music production. By pioneering digital recording methods and integrating synthesizers into mainstream pop music, EMI laid the groundwork for modern music creation techniques. Today, many genres continue to build upon these advancements, utilizing digital software that mirrors the innovations that EMI championed during the New Wave and Synthpop eras, demonstrating how foundational these developments have been for today’s music landscape.

Related terms

Synthesizer: An electronic instrument that generates audio signals, often used in New Wave and Synthpop to create unique sounds and textures.

New Wave: A genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s, characterized by its use of synthesizers, punk influences, and a focus on style and aesthetics.

Record Label:

A company that manages the production, distribution, and marketing of music recordings and artists.