Minimal wave

Minimal wave
Stylistic origins
Cultural origins1970s–1980s
Typical instrumentsSynthesisers, drum machine
Other topics
Minimal Wave Records

Minimal wave is a broad classification of music that comprises obscure, atypical examples of genres such as new wave, stripped-down electronic or synthesizer music, synth-pop, post-punk, and coldwave.[1][2] Most of the music tends to focus on electronic, pre-MIDI instrumentation and themes of sincere, rather than ironic, detachment.[1]

The term "minimal wave" draws some contention. Although much minimal wave is classified in the late 1970s and early 1980s and subsequently appeared on bootleg and one-off compilations, the genre didn't have a name until a record label of the same name began releasing compilations and reissues in the mid-2000s.[1]

  1. ^ a b c Gabriele, Timothy (11 June 2010). "Various Artists: The Minimal Wave Tapes Volume One [review]". PopMatters.com. Retrieved 18 June 2010.
  2. ^ Vasicka, Veronica (26 January 2010), "20 best: Minimal Wave", FACT magazine, retrieved 18 June 2010