Nu-Disco

A brief history of Nu-Disco

Nu-disco is a musical genre that combines elements of classic disco and funk with modern electronic dance music. It emerged in the late 1990s as a response to the nostalgic revival of disco in the UK and Europe. Nu-disco is characterized by a smooth, groove-driven sound, funky basslines, and catchy melodies. It is often played in clubs and at festivals, and has gained a devoted following among dance music fans.

Nu-disco can be seen as a continuation of the disco revival of the 1990s. In the UK, bands like Primal Scream and The Happy Mondays incorporated disco and funk elements into their music, and sparked a renewed interest in the genre. At the same time, DJs and producers started digging into the crates and rediscovering classic disco tracks, which they then remixed and updated for a new generation.

One of the key figures in the development of nu-disco was French producer and DJ Daft Punk. Their 2001 album Discovery featured a mix of disco, funk, and house music, and spawned hits like “One More Time” and “Digital Love”. The album was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish the sound of nu-disco as a viable genre.

Other influential artists in the early days of nu-disco include fellow French producers like Alan Braxe and Fred Falke, as well as UK acts like The Avalanches and Fatboy Slim. These artists drew on disco and funk samples to create new, dancefloor-friendly tracks that appealed to a broad audience.

In the mid-2000s, nu-disco started to gain a more distinct identity. Producers like Lindstrøm and Todd Terje incorporated live instrumentation into their tracks, giving them a warmer, more organic sound. They also experimented with longer, more complex arrangements that emphasized the groove and allowed for extended dancefloor workouts.

By the late 2000s, nu-disco had become an established genre in its own right. Producers like Aeroplane and Moon Boots added a modern sheen to the classic sound of disco, using cutting-edge production techniques to create slick, catchy tracks that appealed to both club audiences and indie music fans.

Today, nu-disco is a thriving genre with a global following. It continues to evolve and adapt, incorporating new influences from house, techno, and other dance music genres. But at its core, nu-disco remains true to the spirit of classic disco, with a focus on tight grooves, soulful vocals, and infectious melodies that get audiences moving.

Notable Nu-Disco artists

Lindstrøm: Hailing from Norway, Hans-Peter Lindstrøm is often credited as one of the pioneers of nu-disco. He’s been producing music under this genre since the early 2000s, and has released several acclaimed albums, including “It’s Alright Between Us As It Is” and “Six Cups of Rebel.”

Daft Punk: Although Daft Punk is primarily known for its contribution to the French house genre, their 2013 release, “Random Access Memories,” marked a departure from that sound and dabbled in elements of nu-disco. The album featured a range of collaborators, including Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers.

Disclosure: The English electronic music duo is known for blending elements of house, garage, and bass music. Their debut album, “Settle,” featured several nu-disco-influenced tracks, including the hit single “Latch.”

Breakbot: French producer and DJ Thibaut Berland, better known as Breakbot, is known for his funk-inflected take on the nu-disco genre. His 2012 album, “By Your Side,” features collaborations with Irfane and Pacific!

Todd Terje: Another Norwegian producer, Terje’s music falls somewhere between nu-disco and space disco. His 2012 track, “Inspector Norse,” is considered a classic of the genre.

Poolside: This Los Angeles-based duo’s music incorporates elements of chillwave, disco, and boogie. They gained attention with their cover of Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon,” and their debut album, “Pacific Standard Time,” received critical acclaim.

Tensnake: German DJ and producer Marco Niemerski has been active in the nu-disco scene since the late 2000s. He’s known for his catchy hooks and house-influenced production, as heard on his tracks “Coma Cat” and “Love Sublime.”

Metro Area: Morgan Geist and Daniel Wang make up this American duo known for their minimalist approach to nu-disco. Their tracks are often characterized by their use of live instrumentation, including bass guitar and saxophone.

Classixx: The Los Angeles-based duo’s music mixes elements of house, disco, and funk. Their debut album, “Hanging Gardens,” received positive reviews and spawned several popular singles, including “All You’re Waiting For” and “Holding On.”

Hot Chip: Although Hot Chip is primarily known for their indie electronic sound, their music often incorporates elements of disco and funk. Their 2006 album, “The Warning,” features the hit single “Over and Over,” which is often cited as a nu-disco classic.

25 Nu-Disco records you should hear

1. “Valley of Paradise” - Psychemagik
2. “Black Van” - Moments of Excellence
3. “Love Like This” - Huxley
4. “Moon Boots” - Got Somebody
5. “Todd Terje” - Inspector Norse
6. “Tensnake” - Coma Cat
7. “Poolside” - Harvest Moon
8. “Flight Facilities feat Giselle” - Crave you (An-2 Remix)
9. “Cherokee” - Take Care Of You
10. “Escort” - Cocaine Blues
11. “Roisin Murphy” - Overpowered (Seamus Haji Remix)
12. “The Swiss” - Bubble Bath
13. “Breakbot ft. Ruckazoid” - Fantasy
14. “Lindstrom and Christabelle” - Lovesick
15. “Hot Toddy” - Down to Love
16. “Hercules & Love Affair” - Blind
17. “Satin Jackets” - You Make Me Feel Good
18. “Chordashian - Don’t Wait Up”
19. “Tiger & Woods” - Don’t Hesitate
20. “Com Truise” - Flightwave
21. “Classixx feat. Nancy Whang” - All You’re Waiting For
22. “Lauer” - Hump Acid
23. “Munk” - Live Fast Die Old
24. “Mexicans with Guns ft. Freddie Gibbs” - Highway to Hell
25. “Benoit & Sergio” - Walk and Talk"

Nu-Disco and the charts

One of the most successful Nu-Disco records of all time was Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories, which was released in 2013. This album topped the charts in 37 countries and sold over 6 million copies worldwide. It features hits like “Get Lucky,” which peaked at number one in 32 countries and “Lose Yourself to Dance,” which went on to become a dancefloor anthem. Random Access Memories won Album of the Year at the 2014 Grammy Awards, solidifying the genre’s place in the mainstream.

Another highly successful Nu-Disco record was “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. This track topped charts worldwide, including in the UK and US, and was the best-selling single of 2015. It spent fourteen consecutive weeks at number one in the US and became the second-longest-running number-one single in Billboard’s history. “Uptown Funk” won Record of the Year at the 2016 Grammy Awards and has since become a pop culture phenomenon.

In addition to Daft Punk and Mark Ronson, artists like Chromeo, Breakbot, and Todd Terje have also made significant contributions to the Nu-Disco genre. Chromeo’s 2014 record, White Women, reached number 11 on the US Billboard 200 and was well-received by critics. Breakbot’s 2012 track “Baby I’m Yours” featuring Irfane, reached number one on the UK Indie Chart and has over 187 million views on YouTube. Todd Terje’s “Inspector Norse” has also become a staple in the Nu-Disco community, with over 15 million views on YouTube and critical acclaim.

In recent years, many up-and-coming artists have also found success in the Nu-Disco genre. French producer and DJ Darius released his debut album, Utopia, in 2017, which features hits like “Pyor” and “Lost in the Moment.” The album showcases Darius’ ability to blend disco and electronic music into a unique and cohesive sound. Another artist to watch in this genre is Yuksek, a French producer who has released multiple Nu-Disco records and collaborated with artists like Phoenix and Rüfüs Du Sol.

What people have said about Nu-Disco

In his book, “Discotheque: A User’s Guide to the Disco Era,” Peter Shapiro discusses the origins and evolution of disco music, including the emergence of nu-disco. Shapiro notes that nu-disco has “reclaimed the disco sound for a new generation” and that its popularity has been driven by “ethos and aesthetic as much as its sound.”

Similarly, music critic Simon Reynolds, in his book “Retromania: Pop Culture’s Addiction to Its Own Past,” touches on the importance of nu-disco in bringing back the disco sound. Reynolds writes, “nu-disco was one of the few reactions that re-embraced the original ethos of disco: the communal celebration of the body’s pleasure.”

Notable artists in the nu-disco genre include Daft Punk, who incorporated disco elements into their electronic music, and Justice, who blended elements of rock, house, and disco in their tracks. One of the most recognizable and successful nu-disco groups is Daft Punk, who included numerous disco samples in their 2001 album “Discovery” and 2013 album “Random Access Memories.” The latter album won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, cementing nu-disco’s place in mainstream music.

Music critics and authors alike have praised nu-disco’s ability to blend classic disco sounds with modern electronic music and create a unique and infectious sound. In his review of the album “Random Access Memories,” music critic Sasha Frere-Jones writes, “what is fascinating about this record is how traditional and deep it sounds, how the techniques used here hark back to the era of roomfuls of musicians and metallic-room reverbs.”

In a feature for Pitchfork, writer Mark Richardson discusses the appeal of nu-disco and describes it as “feel-good, party music” that is “fresh and exciting.” Richardson also notes that nu-disco’s influences extend beyond disco, incorporating elements of funk, soul, and house music into its sound.

Nu-Disco in context

The social context of Nu-Disco was shaped by a new generational perspective. This was a digital-savvy demographic of young people, who were eager to express their uniqueness through social media platforms and music. The interconnectivity provided by the internet facilitated the dissemination of music across geographical boundaries, thus allowing for the growth of new musical genres. It also allowed artists to connect with fans and collaborate with other artists, regardless of their location in the world.

Advancements in technology also played a significant role in driving the emergence of Nu-Disco. The rise of digital music production software made it easier and more affordable for producers to create music at home. Besides, the prevalence of social media tools made it possible for artists to gain recognition and fans through online sharing, up to the point where the genre became the beloved sound of contemporary nightlife across the world.

The cultural context of disco music in the 1970s was a significant influence on the emergence of Nu-Disco. Disco music was emblematic of the nightlife and club scene, which served as a cultural oasis for marginalized groups, including African Americans, women, and LGBTQ+ people. This context of acceptance and expression later became a cultural touchstone for Nu-Disco, where DJs spun Nu-Disco records in nightclubs and events around the world in support of upcoming artists.

The rise of record labels such as Permanent Vacation, Eskimo Recordings, and International Feel helped establish Nu-Disco as a genre in its own right. These labels provided a platform for emerging and established artists to share their music with the world. Many notable artists in the genre became associated with particular record labels, creating a unifying sound and aesthetic. With that in mind, Permanent Vacation played an essential role in helping the genre establish its footing, and its releases helped push the genre forward and legitimized it to the greater music-buying public.

Journalists and DJs played a significant role in popularizing and legitimizing the Nu-Disco genre. Journalists and critics began to take notice of the genre and write about it in publications such as Resident Advisor, Pitchfork, and Dancing Astronaut, bringing the genre to a wider audience. Notable DJs such as Dimitri From Paris, Todd Terje, and Late Nite Tuff Guy championed the genre, playing Nu-Disco records in their sets and incorporating it into their mixes.

If you like Nu-Disco you may like..

Disco: A dance-oriented genre that originated in the 70s, characterized by four-on-the-floor beats, funk rhythms, and soulful vocals.

Funk: A genre that came out of the 60s and 70s with a focus on groovy basslines, syncopated rhythms, and horn sections.

House: A genre that emerged from the 80s electronic music scene, defined by repetitive beats, samples, and synthesizers, often with vocal hooks and a soulful vibe.

Italo-Disco: A subgenre of disco from Italy that emerged in the late 70s, known for its upbeat synth melodies, spaced-out sound effects, and often cheesy lyrics.

Electro-funk: A style that emerged in the 80s as a fusion of funk and electro, characterized by synthesizers, drum machines, and robotic vocals.