Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed a revival of electronic music with genres such as techno and classic house, and thanks to the combination of nostalgia, innovation, black and queer artists, and even film, it has welcomed a captivated audience of both older and younger fans. With the marriage of old-school beats and more modern production, these genres are forcing their way back into the mainstream.
The question still remains: why exactly is electronic music making a grand and loud return?
Like all trends, there are cycles. Although genres such as house and techno first emerged in the 80s and have such dedicated and long-lasting fanbases, new and typically younger fans, such as Gen Z, have also discovered this sound, as what was once deemed “retro” seems almost fresh and brand new. Oftentimes the repetitive beats provide some form of escape from complex production.
However, not only can we thank trend cycles for the resurgence, but we also have film to credit as a drive. Specifically, Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, and an honorable mention of The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat.
Film scores have been appreciated since the beginning of cinema, but due to social media, it’s much easier to pluck out exactly what people are enjoying due to the content that happens to go viral. In the midst of 2024’s Brat summer, we also had an immense amount of Challengers TikTok edits or simply people discussing just how fantastic the score is, as well as respecting the balance in The Substance.
From the very moment the Challengers trailer dropped, we knew we were in for a fun and sexy ride. After all, what else could we expect from a cast like that and promotion to the sound of “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado, but who would have predicted that we would also be gifted with Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor flirting with one another over the synths of a pretty awesome techno soundscape?
For Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, only the two people responsible for this creation and, of course, members of the rock band Nine Inch Nails, this isn’t their first rodeo. They’ve also worked heavily with director David Finch on the likes of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network, Gone Girl, and many more projects with a vast list of collaborators. Some might argue that this is some of their most recognisable work yet.
With around 40 minutes (according to the original score’s total length) of pure adrenaline mixed with the feeling of being far too powerful for your own good, the end product was nothing short of exhilarating. Starring in the social climate and pop culture realm alongside Charli XCX’s “Brat,” it was bound to become a hit, and that it did!
With the desire for scores, such as these, to be pumping through our veins (or to become tennis prodigies or even to take the mysterious green substance that makes a hotter version of yourself), it led to an increase in audiences seeking out artists that delivered a similar vibe, thus creating even bigger booms in our 80s revival! Some might even theorise that this is the very reason filmmakers are creating their next features within that very time period.
Whether it’s through future soundtracks or newer artists making their way onto our radars, electronic music and modern techno tracks still have plenty of room to evolve. As it continues to influence and shape the sound of our future and highlight music history, I can confidently say it’s here to stay.
WORDS PIPER GAIR
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