Blue Plate Special: Art of Noise
Art of Noise, formed in 1983, was a pioneering British synth-pop group known for their avant-garde approach to music. Comprising engineer Gary Langan, programmer J.J. Jeczalik, and keyboardist Anne Dudley, with producer Trevor Horn and journalist Paul Morley, the group became iconic for their innovative use of digital sampling. Their unique sound, blending experimental textures with pop elements, produced hits like the Grammy-winning “Peter Gunn” and the Tom Jones collaboration “Kiss,” establishing them as a major influence in electronic music.Central to their music was the Fairlight CMI sampler, which allowed them to craft instrumental tracks that layered unconventional sounds over electronic beats. This approach challenged the boundaries of traditional music, turning albums like Who’s Afraid of the Art of Noise? and tracks such as “Beat Box” into defining works of the era. Their sound was a mix of innovation and accessibility, pushing the limits of what pop music could be.
Despite lineup changes and internal conflicts, The Art of Noise’s impact on electronic music endured. The trio of Dudley, Jeczalik, and Langan continued to explore digital sound, further solidifying their legacy with projects like In Visible Silence. Their groundbreaking work in sampling and electronic production left a lasting mark, influencing countless artists and reshaping the possibilities within pop music.
Here are some of my favorites from their catalog:
