Dream Pop: A Journey Through Its History

Podcast: Ongoing History of New Music
Host: Alan Cross
Episode: Dreampop - A History
Release Date: November 27, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "Dreampop - A History," Alan Cross delves deep into the ethereal and immersive world of dream pop. He explores its origins, evolution, key influences, and resurgence in the modern music landscape. This comprehensive exploration highlights how dream pop has consistently pushed the boundaries of musical texture and atmosphere, leaving an indelible mark on various genres.

Origins of Dream Pop: The 1960s to Early 1980s

Alan Cross begins by tracing the roots of dream pop back to the 1960s, highlighting The Velvet Underground as a foundational influence. Their 1967 debut album introduced repetitive, droney passages that created a hypnotic effect at low volumes, laying the groundwork for future dream pop elements.

Alan Cross [00:31]: "The drone had that effect, but played at extreme volume, the drone could also completely alter your mental and physical state."

He points to The Velvet Underground's ability to create an immersive soundscape designed for dark environments, emphasizing how their music enveloped listeners in sound and texture.

The narrative then moves to the late 1970s, where the emergence of Goth music introduced ethereal and spooky elements that would later influence dream pop. Bands like Bauhaus exemplified this blend of atmospheric sound with heavy use of echo and reverb.

Alan Cross [06:24]: "It's, immersive, ethereal and dreamy. Okay, nightmarish, but that's in the same ballpark."

The 1980s: Emergence and Development

The early 1980s were a pivotal time for dream pop, coinciding with significant technological advancements in music production. The introduction of the CD and the rise of MTV revolutionized how music was consumed and produced, fostering experimentation with new electronic instruments and effects.

Key Developments:

• Technological Innovations: Synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, and multi-track recorders became more accessible, allowing artists to craft complex sonic textures.

• Post-Punk Influence: The spirit of experimentation from the post-punk era paved the way for dream pop as artists sought to push musical boundaries.

Influential Acts and Labels:

• 4AD Record Label: Founded in 1980, 4AD became a cornerstone for dream pop, signing influential bands like The Cocteau Twins. The label's strong visual identity and reputation attracted fans, ensuring a dedicated audience for its releases.

• The Cocteau Twins: Originating from Scotland in 1979, the duo of Elizabeth Fraser and Robin Guthrie became quintessential dream pop artists. Their 1984 EP The Spangle Maker and the 1990 album Heaven or Las Vegas are celebrated for their lush guitar layers and Fraser's ethereal vocals.

  Alan Cross [06:39]: "Elizabeth Fraser sings in her own made up language, it's all about atmospherics and sonic textures."

• M A R R S: A supergroup within the 4AD roster, featuring members from various influential bands, highlighted the genre's collaborative spirit with their cover of Tim Buckley's "Song to the Siren."

The 1990s: Dream Pop and the Rise of Shoegaze

By the early 1990s, dream pop had firmly established itself, but the landscape was about to shift with the advent of shoegaze—a genre closely related yet distinct due to its heightened use of loud, layered guitars and immersive sound.

Shoegaze Characteristics:

• Loud and Dense Soundscapes: Shoegaze amplified the atmospheric elements of dream pop, creating a more intense and enveloping experience.

• My Bloody Valentine: As a leading shoegaze band, their 1988 debut album laid the foundation for the genre, blending noise with melodic structures.

  Alan Cross [17:36]: "Galaxy 500 lasted for three albums before they broke up, with singer Dean Wareham, continuing in a group called Luna."

Notable Bands of the Era:

• Lush, The Sundays, Mazzy Star, and Cowboy Junkies: These bands achieved alt-rock radio success, blending dreamy atmospheres with accessible melodies.

• Sigur Rós: Emerging towards the late 1990s, they introduced "Hopelandic," a made-up language that emphasized sound over lyrical meaning, further expanding dream pop's boundaries.

Despite shoegaze and dream pop's overlap, the rise of other genres like Britpop, grunge, and punk rock in the mid-90s overshadowed dream pop, relegating it to the fringes of mainstream music.

The 2000s: Revival and Technological Empowerment

As the new millennium approached, dream pop experienced a resurgence, fueled by technological advancements and a shift in indie music tastes. The proliferation of laptops and accessible music software democratized music production, enabling bedroom artists to create richly textured dream pop sounds without the need for expensive studios.

Key Factors in Revival:

• Indie Rock Influence: Bands like The White Stripes, The Strokes, and Interpol spearheaded an indie revival that rekindled interest in alternative sounds, including dream pop.

• Technological Accessibility: Affordable synthesizers and music production software allowed artists to experiment with layered, atmospheric sounds characteristic of dream pop.

Emerging Artists:

• Beach House: Formed in Baltimore in 2004, they quickly became emblematic of the modern dream pop sound with their self-titled album recorded in a basement.

  Alan Cross [24:37]: "You might recognize this song if you know anything about the Weeknd. He sampled part of it for his song the Party and the after party."

• The xx, Grimes, Lana Del Rey, and Billie Eilish: These artists brought dream pop elements into the mainstream, each adding their unique flair to the genre.

Modern Dream Pop and Beyond

In the 21st century, dream pop continues to evolve, blending with other genres and adapting to contemporary tastes. Streaming platforms have made dream pop more accessible, allowing both classic and new artists to reach global audiences.

Noteworthy Modern Acts:

• Cigarettes After Sex, Japanese Breakfast, and Still Corners: These artists maintain the lush, atmospheric qualities of dream pop while incorporating modern production techniques.

• Billie Eilish: Often cited as a pinnacle of modern dream pop, her track "what do you want from me?" exemplifies the genre's contemporary form.

Technological Impact:

• Streaming and Accessibility: Platforms like Spotify have enabled the widespread dissemination of dream pop, fostering a dedicated global fanbase.

• Home Production: The ease of producing high-quality music at home continues to inspire a new generation of dream pop artists, ensuring the genre's persistence and evolution.

Cultural Context:

Alan Cross posits that the COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in dream pop's resurgence. With lockdowns confining artists to their homes, the increased production of dream pop provided a soothing escape during a period of widespread stress and isolation.

Alan Cross [25:31]: "Dreampop was just the prescription."

Conclusion

Alan Cross's exploration of dream pop in this episode provides a detailed and nuanced understanding of the genre's rich history and enduring appeal. From its roots in the experimental sounds of the 1960s to its modern incarnations, dream pop remains a testament to music's ability to evoke emotion and create immersive experiences. As technology continues to evolve, so too will dream pop, ensuring its place in the ever-changing landscape of new music.

For those interested in delving deeper, numerous streaming playlists offer a curated journey through dream pop's classics and contemporary gems, making it an accessible and continually evolving genre for new listeners and long-time fans alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Cross [00:31]: "With all this going on, the early 80s were an interesting time for music."

• The Velvet Underground [03:59]: "Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather Whiplash Girl child in the dark Comes in better."

• M A R R S [10:55]: "Were you here when I was Falsehood now my foolish boat is leaning Broken Love long."

• Alan Cross [25:44]: "If you're looking to explore dream pop further, there is no shortage of playlists available on any of the streaming platforms."

Further Listening

To continue exploring dream pop, consider the following artists and albums:

• The Cocteau Twins: Heaven or Las Vegas
• My Bloody Valentine: Feed Me with Your Kiss
• Beach House: Beach House
• Sigur Rós: Aegis Berjun
• Billie Eilish: When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?

This summary captures the essence of Alan Cross's exploration of dream pop, highlighting its historical context, key influences, and modern resurgence. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer, dream pop offers a richly textured and immersive musical experience worth discovering.