Industrial music is a genre of music characterized by its aggressive and noisy soundscapes, typically created using electronic instruments and heavily influenced by punk and experimental music. The spelling of this word is a bit unusual, as it features the combination of two vowel sounds ("i" and "u") in the same syllable. The phonetic transcription of the word is /ɪnˈdʌstriəl ˈmjuːzɪk/, which indicates that the stress falls on the second syllable and the vowel sound in the first syllable is a short "i" followed by a schwa sound.
Industrial music is a genre of experimental music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its dark, aggressive, and often confrontational sound, drawing influences from various musical genres such as punk rock, electronic music, and avant-garde music. With its origins rooted in the industrial working-class culture, its aesthetic often reflects the gritty, mechanical, and harsh nature of the industrial environment.
The sound of industrial music is characterized by heavily distorted electronic or electric instruments, prominent use of synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers, as well as unconventional sound sources like metal objects, power tools, and factory machinery. The repetitive and often monotonous rhythms mixed with discordant or dissonant noise elements create an atmosphere of tension and challenge the conventional understanding of music.
Lyrically, industrial music commonly explores themes of societal decay, authoritarianism, industrialization, and the dehumanizing effect of technology. Distinctive vocal styles range from abrasive shouting and screaming to spoken word or distorted and processed vocals. Moreover, the incorporation of provocative imagery, samples from movies, news broadcasts, and other sources further contributes to the genre's confrontational and raw expression.
Industrial music has had a significant influence on various subgenres and related genres, including industrial rock, experimental rock, electronic body music, and noise music. Its influence can also be seen in other art forms, such as visual arts and film.
The word "industrial" in the context of music originated from the genre known as "industrial music". The term was coined in the late 1970s, and its etymology is closely tied to the development and characteristics of the genre itself.The genre emerged in the United Kingdom, primarily in the city of Manchester, during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was characterized by its experimental nature, combining elements of post-punk, electronic music, and avant-garde aesthetics. Industrial music incorporated industrial sounds, such as factory noises, machinery, and other mechanical sounds, into its compositions.The term "industrial", when used to describe this genre, referred to the thematic and sonic qualities of the music rather than any direct association with heavy machinery or manufacturing. The use of mechanical and metallic sounds was meant to evoke a sense of urban decay, alienation, and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization.