Kraftwerk

There are many artists who leave their mark on the industry. Some of their styles come and go. Others remain a fixture for years to come but only a few carry on forever.

Kraftwerk’s first three albums were mainly instrumental groove sessions.

Their music was primarily rock with pop oriented hooks. Their image was clean and futuristic. They used specially made devices to create most of their music.

Kraftwerk and Kraftwerk 2 released in 1970 and 72 used more traditional instruments. Released in 1973 Ralf und Florian would see synths and drum machines come into play as got closer to their hallmark sound.

In 1974 Kraftwerk would release Autobahn. It features a 22-minute title track and vocoded vocals. A Minimoog and an ARP Odyssey were used to make this album along with other devices that were made by their own personal teamThis album reached 25 on US Billboard Hot 100 and spent 10 weeks there although all its music was not electronic.

Their next album, a concept named Radio-Activity would not be a hit in the US and UK but garners a gold disc in France.

Trans-Europe Express, which was released in 1977, would see better chart activity in the US than Radio-Activity but it would also influence a new genre of music breaking ground in New York’s adventuresome dance clubs.

Their next two albums The Man-Machine and Computer World were not commercially successful. They did however have a lasting effect on the industry.

As an early teen I can remember Hip-Hop starting to take shape. I remember big boxes and knocking drums. After the release of Trans-Europe Express Hip-Hop pioneers began to incorporate electronic sounds in their music.

As a listener it made a lasting impression on me. Electronic music although not well received in Black America at the time is one of the pieces that helped shaped Hip-Hop.

As a professional I view Kraftwerks work as genius. Since its inception Electronic music has evolved and branched in many different ways. In film it expanded the use of Foley. Video games old and new contain electronic sounds. Their sound has influenced some of the greatest artists and producers in the world. Its influence on Hip-Hop can be found in the groundbreaking film Breakin 2 Electric Boogaloo. For this reason I will forever indebted to Kraftwerk.