The Influence of German Krautrock on Ambient and Electronic Music
Krautrock, a term coined in the late 1960s to describe experimental and unconventional music emerging from Germany, has had a significant influence on the development of ambient and electronic music. This avant-garde movement rejected traditional rock and pop structures, instead embracing a more free-form and improvisational approach to music making. With its emphasis on repetition, sonic experimentation, and incorporation of non-traditional instruments, Krautrock laid the foundation for genres such as ambient and electronic music. In this article, we will explore the influence of German Krautrock on the development of these genres and its continued impact on contemporary music.
The Origins of Krautrock
Krautrock emerged in the late 1960s in West Germany, a nation still recovering from the devastations of World War II. The country was undergoing major social and political changes, leading to a sense of rebellion and experimentation within its youth. This counterculture movement found expression in music, with bands like Kraftwerk, Can, and Tangerine Dream pushing the boundaries and challenging the traditional notions of what music should be.
The Krautrock Aesthetic
One of the defining characteristics of Krautrock was its rejection of conventional song structures and instrumentation. Instead, bands incorporated elements of free improvisation, discordant sounds, and non-traditional instruments such as tape loops, synthesizers, and experimental electronic gadgets.
Repetition and Minimalism
Repetition was a key element in Krautrock, with bands using it to create hypnotic and trance-like soundscapes. This emphasis on repetition laid the groundwork for the development of ambient music, which also relies heavily on repetitive patterns to create a sense of immersion and transport the listener to a different state of mind.
Sonic Experiments and Instrumentation
Krautrock bands were known for their use of experimental electronic gadgets and non-traditional instruments, such as the electric violin and the harmonium. This experimentation led to the creation of unique and otherworldly sounds that would later be adopted and expanded upon by ambient and electronic musicians.
Influence on Ambient Music
Ambient music, a genre that emerged in the 1970s, was heavily influenced by Krautrock. Brian Eno, often referred to as the “father of ambient music,” was greatly inspired by Krautrock bands and their use of repetition, drones, and electronic experimentation. His album “Music for Airports” is considered a seminal work in the ambient genre and was directly influenced by Krautrock aesthetics.
The influence of Krautrock on ambient music can also be seen in its emphasis on creating immersive and meditative soundscapes. Just like Krautrock, ambient music aims to transport the listener to a different mental space and provide an escape from the mundane. This is achieved through the use of electronic instruments, field recordings, and sound effects, all of which were techniques widely used by Krautrock bands.
Influence on Electronic Music
Krautrock’s impact on electronic music is also significant, with many electronic musicians citing it as a major influence. The genre’s experimental and avant-garde nature paved the way for the development of electronic music, as it challenged traditional notions of what constitutes music.
Kraftwerk, one of the most influential Krautrock bands, is widely credited with laying the groundwork for electronic music. Their use of synthesizers and drum machines, as well as their incorporation of robotic and industrial sounds, set a new standard for electronic music production, which would be further explored and expanded upon by later electronic musicians.
The use of repetitive patterns and minimalistic structures, another key element of Krautrock, can also be seen in electronic music. Techno and trance, two popular sub-genres of electronic music, heavily rely on this technique to create fast-paced and energetic tracks that are meant to be danced to.
The Continued Influence of Krautrock
Even decades after its conception, Krautrock continues to be a major influence on contemporary music. The rise of the post-rock and neo-psychedelia genres can be attributed to the legacy of Krautrock, with bands incorporating similar elements such as improvisation and experimentation into their music.
Krautrock’s influence can also be seen in the popularity of music festivals like All Points East and Moogfest, which celebrate experimental and electronic music. Bands like Radiohead and LCD Soundsystem have also incorporated Krautrock elements into their music, further cementing its enduring influence.
Conclusion
The influence of German Krautrock on ambient and electronic music cannot be understated. Its rejection of conventional structures and emphasis on experimentation and improvisation opened the doors for the development of new and innovative genres of music. From its origins in the late 1960s to its continued impact on contemporary music, Krautrock has left an indelible mark on the music world and will continue to inspire future musicians and push the boundaries of what is considered music.
