Genre Definition
What is Post-Punk music?
Post-Punk is a music genre that originated 1977--1985 (revival 2000s, 2020s). UK and USA, 1977-1984.
Origin of Post-Punk
UK and USA, 1977-1984. Punk's energy without punk's musical conservatism. Wire, Gang of Four, and Public Image Ltd dismantled rock orthodoxy -- syncopated rhythms from funk, dissonant guitar, bass as a melodic lead instrument, lyrics addressing politics and alienation abstractly.
Era: 1977--1985 (revival 2000s, 2020s)
Defining sound of Post-Punk
Angular guitar with deliberate dissonance, prominent bass, minimal drums. Influenced by dub, funk, and krautrock. Vocals often detached, deadpan, or theatrical. BPM varies -- can be slow and brooding or fast and jagged. Production is often sparse.
Essential Post-Punk albums
See all
Pioneers of Post-Punk
- Wire
- Gang of Four
- Public Image Ltd
- Joy Division
- The Fall
Key Post-Punk artists
Related genres
Frequently asked questions about Post-Punk
- When did Post-Punk start?
- Post-Punk originated 1977--1985 (revival 2000s, 2020s). UK and USA, 1977-1984.
- Who invented Post-Punk?
- Post-Punk was pioneered by Wire, Gang of Four, Public Image Ltd, Joy Division, The Fall. UK and USA, 1977-1984. Punk's energy without punk's musical conservatism. Wire, Gang of Four, and Public Image Ltd dismantled rock orthodoxy -- syncopated rhythms from funk, dissonant guitar, bass as a melodic lead instrument, lyrics addressing politics and alienation abstractly.
- Is Post-Punk still popular?
- Post-Punk continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Talking Heads, The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Television.
- What does Post-Punk sound like?
- Angular guitar with deliberate dissonance, prominent bass, minimal drums. Influenced by dub, funk, and krautrock. Vocals often detached, deadpan, or theatrical. BPM varies -- can be slow and brooding or fast and jagged. Production is often sparse.
- What is the difference between Post-Punk and punk?
- Post-Punk and punk are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the punk definition page for a full comparison.
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