Ultravox -
Ultravox displayed considerable cojones on their album Vienna by beginning the album with “Astradyne,” a seven-minute instrumental. But the tune served to clear the decks right from the start as to what Ultravox was all about.
Besides showing off the band’s style, it featured what would quickly become their instrumental signature: the ARP Odyssey, a beast of a machine I am proud to own myself. Billy Currie had played the Odyssey synth previously, but in this newly electronic-based context it just naturally leapt to the fore.
Within just the next couple of years (and probably still to this day) electronic instrument makers would be programming patches into their synths based on Currie’s soaring Odyssey sound.
Killing Joke -
Between Killing Joke, its output and swagger, and the ripples in the water caused by its massive approach, there is no disputing the band’s influence on the landscape of music. Key figures like Trent Reznor, Justin Broadrick, and Robert Smith may not have left their indelible marks upon culture were it not for Jaz Coleman, Martin ‘Youth’ Glover, Paul Raven, Geordie Walker, and Paul Ferguson. They had to push, they had to struggle, and we’re all better for it.
RIP Paul and Geordie, may your ancestors welcome you home.
Kraftwerk -
Germany’s Kraftwerk is arguably among the very best when it comes to influential electronic music.
With a signature style that also includes some pretty awesome hooks, Kraftwerk remains a leader in the genre, influencing everyone from David Bowie to Afrika Bambaataa.
Ben Watkins (Juno Reactor) -
Ben Watkins aka Juno Reactor is a pioneer of the electronic trance scene, originating from the Goa underground music scene in Europe and India circa 1990. Ben’s work is constantly morphing; exploring new areas in music and visuals and it is this versatility that I find so appealing.
There is a magic in his work, blending influences from all over the world into uniquely compelling soundscapes that are simultaneously dark and light. Ben has worked with some of the world’s finest musicians, collaborating and touring with South Africa’s traditional tribal percussion group Amampondo; Steve Stevens of Billy Idol; Budgie from Siouxsie and the Banshees; producing for the Zulu band Skeleton and many others.
Gary Numan -
Exploring new sounds has been an obsession of Numan’s. There was, and still is, a lot of resistance to synths; people say you can’t replicate that warm, human feel. My argument is that electronic music can be very emotive. You can generate a sense of euphoria and menace with one note, it’s in the sound itself, not the melody or lyrics.
aPHEX TWIN -
The electronic musician Aphex Twin (aka Richard David James), is a tremendously successful contemporary electronic musician. Influences from Kraftwerk to Tangerine Dream can easily be heard in the music, which runs the gamut from ambient techno to trance and, of course, electronica.
JEAN MICHEL JARRE -
Omitting Jean-Michel Jarre from any list involving the most influential music pioneers would simply be a crime of epic proportions. This French composer and musician has put out decades of incredible, melodic electronic music. He’s also given stunning concert performances, particularly in the 1970s (where he achieved mainstream success).
THE PRODIGY -
With heavy back beats and a pounding tech rhythm, The Prodigy managed to influence while enjoying a great deal of mainstream popularity. Listen to The Prodigy and you’ll hear everything from rave music to industrial to rock and punk and, of course, electronica.
MASSIVE ATTACK -
Massive Attack is a true pioneer in the field of “trip hop,” offering up a remarkable blend of trippy, hypnotic music blended with dub and even dramatic melodies to fans for decades now. Massive Attack’s music has influenced a number of modern electronic artists, including Beth Orton, Portishead and Sneaker Pimps.
THE ORB -
The Orb is virtually synonymous with ambient house music. The band’s oft meandering tunes are without question totally trippy – and worth a listen, if you want to hear the beginnings of the ambient house genre (and totally chill out after being up all night).