Genre Definition
What is Darkwave music?
Darkwave is a music genre that originated 1980--present. USA and Europe, early 1980s.
Origin of Darkwave
USA and Europe, early 1980s. Grew from post-punk and gothic rock. Dead Can Dance and This Mortal Coil defined an American dark ambient variant. German EBM (Electronic Body Music) provided a parallel industrial-influenced strand. The Projekt Records label was a primary home.
Era: 1980--present
Defining sound of Darkwave
Synthesizers, programmed drums, bass guitar. Dark, romantic, or melancholy atmosphere. Vocals are often dramatic and literary. BPM varies from slow and dirge-like to propulsive EBM. Production emphasises atmosphere over commercial pop hooks.
Essential Darkwave albums
See all
Pioneers of Darkwave
- Dead Can Dance
- This Mortal Coil
- Clan of Xymox
- Lycia
- Faith and the Muse
Key Darkwave artists
Related genres
Frequently asked questions about Darkwave
- When did Darkwave start?
- Darkwave originated 1980--present. USA and Europe, early 1980s.
- Who invented Darkwave?
- Darkwave was pioneered by Dead Can Dance, This Mortal Coil, Clan of Xymox, Lycia, Faith and the Muse. USA and Europe, early 1980s. Grew from post-punk and gothic rock. Dead Can Dance and This Mortal Coil defined an American dark ambient variant. German EBM (Electronic Body Music) provided a parallel industrial-influenced strand. The Projekt Records label was a primary home.
- Is Darkwave still popular?
- Darkwave continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Zola Jesus, Chelsea Wolfe, Boy Harsher, Lebanon Hanover.
- What does Darkwave sound like?
- Synthesizers, programmed drums, bass guitar. Dark, romantic, or melancholy atmosphere. Vocals are often dramatic and literary. BPM varies from slow and dirge-like to propulsive EBM. Production emphasises atmosphere over commercial pop hooks.
- What is the difference between Darkwave and gothic-rock?
- Darkwave and gothic-rock are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach.
Rate Darkwave albums on Goat Music
Score every album on a 1-100 scale. Build your taste profile. Find listeners like you.