DISCO
ORIGIN
Disco music is a genre that contains elements of funk, soul and pop. It began in the U.S in the mid 1960s and rose to popularity in the 1970s. The free-form dancing and overwhelming sound from the performers made it increase in popularity. The genre emerged out of urban subculture. The dominance of rock music had a major impact on the emergence of disco. The genre became so popular because clubs that were centered around disco became a safe haven for minority groups where they could congregate to have fun.
CHARACTERISTICS
INFLUENCES
Disco music uses heavy bass and drums to create a pulsing beat. In disco clubs, DJs will typically boost the bass to vibrate the floor. Disco features a few defining points to its beat that include a “four-on-the-floor” pattern, use of an eighth note or 16th note hi-hat pattern and a heavy, thumping, electric bass line. Disco songs typically feature electric piano, electric rhythm guitar, flutes, horns and string sections.
Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Thelma Houston, and Kool and The Gang are some of the most influential artists to disco music. Their music continued to influence future artists. Gloria Gaynor’s, Never Can Say Goodbye, was one of the first disco hits and one of the first records mixed specifically for being played in clubs.
