Cabaret Voltaire

Cabaret Voltaire was a highly influential Post-punk band from Sheffield, England, known for their experimental and avant-garde sound, which drew inspiration from Kraftwerk, The Velvet Underground, and William S. Burroughs. The band's music was characterized by its use of Synthesizers, Drum machines, and Tape loops, and was often associated with the Industrial music scene, alongside bands like Throbbing Gristle and Einstürzende Neubauten. Cabaret Voltaire's sound was also influenced by Dadaism and Surrealism, and they were often compared to other experimental bands like The Residents and Captain Beefheart. The band's members, including Richard H. Kirk and Stephen Mallinder, were also involved in other projects, such as The Hafler Trio and Sandoz.

● History

Cabaret Voltaire's history is closely tied to the Post-punk movement, which emerged in the late 1970s in United Kingdom. The band's early work was released on Rough Trade Records, a label that was also home to other influential bands like The Smiths and The Fall. Cabaret Voltaire's music was often played on John Peel's BBC Radio 1 show, which helped to establish them as a major force in the Post-punk scene. The band's live performances were often experimental and improvisational, and they were known to incorporate elements of Performance art and Theatre into their shows, similar to bands like The Birthday Party and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Cabaret Voltaire's music was also influenced by Brian Eno, David Bowie, and Iggy Pop, and they were often compared to other experimental bands like Talking Heads and Devo.

● Formation and Early Years

Cabaret Voltaire was formed in 1973 by Richard H. Kirk, Stephen Mallinder, and Chris Watson, who were all students at Sheffield University. The band's early sound was influenced by Krautrock bands like Can and Faust, as well as Electronic music pioneers like Karlheinz Stockhausen and Pierre Henry. Cabaret Voltaire's first album, Mix-Up, was released in 1979 on Rough Trade Records, and was followed by The Voice of America in 1980. The band's early work was often associated with the Industrial music scene, and they were compared to other bands like Throbbing Gristle and Einstürzende Neubauten. Cabaret Voltaire's music was also influenced by The Stooges, The New York Dolls, and The MC5, and they were often compared to other experimental bands like The Contortions and Teenage Jesus and the Jerks.

● Music and Style

Cabaret Voltaire's music was characterized by its use of Synthesizers, Drum machines, and Tape loops, which created a unique and experimental sound. The band's music was often compared to Kraftwerk and The Velvet Underground, and they were influenced by Dadaism and Surrealism. Cabaret Voltaire's sound was also influenced by Dub music and Reggae, and they were compared to other bands like The Pop Group and The Slits. The band's music was often experimental and improvisational, and they were known to incorporate elements of Performance art and Theatre into their live shows, similar to bands like The Birthday Party and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Cabaret Voltaire's music was also influenced by Brian Eno, David Bowie, and Iggy Pop, and they were often compared to other experimental bands like Talking Heads and Devo. The band's use of Sampling and Remixing was also innovative, and they were compared to other bands like The Art of Noise and Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

● Influence and Legacy

Cabaret Voltaire's influence can be heard in a wide range of bands, from Post-punk and Industrial music to Electronic music and Techno. The band's experimental sound and use of Synthesizers and Drum machines has been cited as an influence by bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and New Order. Cabaret Voltaire's music was also influential in the development of Acid house and Rave music, and they were compared to other bands like Phuture and Armando. The band's legacy can also be seen in the work of Aphex Twin, Autechre, and Squarepusher, who have all cited Cabaret Voltaire as an influence. Cabaret Voltaire's music was also influential in the development of Industrial rock and Electronic body music, and they were compared to other bands like Ministry and Front 242. The band's influence can also be heard in the work of Moby, The Chemical Brothers, and The Prodigy, who have all cited Cabaret Voltaire as an influence.

● Discography

Cabaret Voltaire's discography includes Mix-Up (1979), The Voice of America (1980), Red Mecca (1981), 2x45 (1982), The Crackdown (1983), Micro-Phonies (1984), The Covenant, the Sword and the Arm of the Lord (1985), Code (1987), and Groovy, Laidback and Nasty (1990). The band also released several EPs and Singles, including Nag Nag Nag (1979), Silent Command (1980), and Sensoria (1984). Cabaret Voltaire's music was released on several labels, including Rough Trade Records, Virgin Records, and Mute Records. The band's discography is highly regarded, and they are considered one of the most influential and innovative bands of the Post-punk era, alongside bands like Joy Division, The Wire, and Gang of Four. Cabaret Voltaire's music was also released on Some Bizzare Records, a label that was also home to other influential bands like Soft Cell and Depeche Mode.