New Wave

New wave music emerged in the late 1970s and flourished throughout the 1980s, characterized by its distinctive blend of punk's energy, art rock's experimentation, and pop's catchiness. Defined by prominent use of synthesizers, drum machines, and angular guitar work, new wave's rhythmic landscape was often marked by driving beats, staccato rhythms, and atmospheric textures. Vocal styles ranged from introspective and emotive to detached and ironic, often incorporating distinctive accents and phrasing. Born from the post-punk scene, new wave drew upon art school sensibilities, fashion, and futuristic aesthetics, reflecting the era's cultural fascination with technology and modernity. As a genre, new wave bridged the gap between punk's raw energy and the commercial viability of mainstream pop, influencing subsequent styles like synth-pop, gothic rock, and indie rock. Its unique blend of artistry and accessibility helped shape the musical landscape of the 1980s, leaving a lasting impact on popular music.

Latest New Wave Release
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Marciano 2001
Album - 12 Tracks - Released November 8, 2024

RecentMusic users are tracking 793 New Wave artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 12,343 releases .

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ALEXANDER
ARXX
Accaoui
Alisa Xayalith
Andy Rourke
Anthony Moore
Art Directors
Axl Rhodes
BIG SPECIAL
BILBAO
BLITZ VEGA
Bauhouse
Ben Hillier
Benito Cerati
Bloque
Bronski Beat
Bryan Ferry
DELLA NOVA
Daniel Miller
Darkways
Depeche Mode
Duran Duran
Echoella
Elias Rønnenfelt
Elisabeth Elektra
Elvis Costello
Fashion Club
Faux Real
Francia 98
Gavin Friday
George Daniel
George Jacomel
Hipflask Virgins
HotWax
INXS
JX-3P
Jagwar Twin
Josha Daniel
Juliana Gattas
Kate Pierson
Kimonos
Kiss Bang
L-Punk
L.A. Exes
LAU
LAYNE
La Broma Negra
La Sécurité
Lauren Mayberry
Lava Gulls
Len
Linea Personal
Lou Kil
Lucky Guess
Madam Company Union
Madison Rose
Marciano Cantero
Midday Wednesday
NSL TRULY
New Order
Next Door But One
Nicolò Balducci
Nightcall
Peter Murphy
Peter Perrett
Rec Hall
Resentvul
Reverse Pathogen
Semantics
Sick-Days
Sister Scarlet
Sixteen 101
Skilda Världar
Son of the Challenger
Spray
Stained With Silver
Talk In Code
Talking Heads
Tears For Fears
The Aether
The After Hours
The Criticals
The Cure
The E-Block
The Eggmen Whoooooo!
Thompson Twins
Twen
ULTRA SUNN
Ultraligera
VANÈS
Vampire Sex
Violent Vickie
WICKED
Weather Park
White Gold
Xanadu
Yazee
fuse.
grasior
ultravividpink
The Smiths
The Cure
Depeche Mode
Tears For Fears
a-ha
Annie Lennox
Talking Heads
Men At Work
Wham!
INXS
Duran Duran
Eurythmics
Billy Idol
Pet Shop Boys
Simply Red
The Cars
Simple Minds
White Gold
Bronski Beat
Carbonne
Soft Cell
New Order
Cocteau Twins
Joy Division
Culture Club
Peter Gabriel
Jagwar Twin
Cutting Crew
The Bangles
Pretenders
The Human League
Erasure
Madness
Dexys Midnight Runners
Spandau Ballet
Fine Young Cannibals
Marciano Cantero
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Resentvul
Drumla
The B-52's
Siouxsie and the Banshees
The Cult
Bananarama
Morrissey
Linea Personal
Yazoo
Bryan Ferry
Roxy Music
Adèle Castillon
The Romantics
Robert Palmer
Feather
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Paul Young
Kim Wilde
Talk Talk
Samuel T. Herring
Mike + The Mechanics
A Flock Of Seagulls
The Stranglers
Echo & the Bunnymen
princess paparazzi
The Psychedelic Furs
Bens
The Specials
The The
Nik Kershaw
The Jam
Oingo Boingo
Bauhaus
Honey Revenge
Patrick Stump
The Knack
DEVO
Rockwell
South Arcade
Richard O'Brien
John Waite
Elvis Costello
REYNE
The Jesus and Mary Chain
The Go-Go's
Squeeze
Joe Jackson
Y2K SPORTS
Go West
matthias valentine
Kimonos
ABC
Thompson Twins
Bono
iDS
Ultravox
Black
10,000 Maniacs
Xolidayboy
The Housemartins
Ellice
Howard Jones