Electronic: From Kraftwerk to the Chemical Brothers - by Jean-Yves LeLoup (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This book was published in conjunction with the exhibition Electronic: From Kraftwerk to the Chemical Brothers at the Design Museum, London, 1 April to 26 July 2020.

Book Synopsis

The visual culture of electronic music: how technology, design, art and fashion have contributed to its enduring power and appeal

With its roots in Detroit and Chicago in the early 1980s, electronic dance music was popularized across Europe through underground rave parties and clubs. Its impact on contemporary culture is still unfolding today. Containing interviews with early pioneers such as techno legend Jeff Mills, The Designers Republic's Ian Anderson, and those pushing the political dimension of electronic music, such as ballroom dancer and DJ Kiddy Smile, Electronic bears witness to the shifting nature of the genre.

Illustrated with over 300 images, some published here for the first time, Electronic features Jean-Michel Jarre's virtual studio; work by pioneer Daphne Oram of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop; audiovisual performances by musicians like Bicep and the Chemical Brothers; fashion collections by Raf Simons and Charles Jeffrey of Loverboy; iconic photography by Jacob Khrist and Tina Paul; artwork by Christian Marclay; club graphics from Peter Saville and Mark Farrow; tons of album cover designs; and iconic venues such as the Haçienda, Gatecrasher, Fabric, Berghain and the Warehouse Project.

Review Quotes

A multidimensional look at the visual culture of electronic dance music over the past 30 years, from art, fashion and photography to the design of venues such as Fabric and the Hacienda, and club graphics of Peter Saville and Mark Farrow.--Nathalie Atkinson "Globe and Mail"

A new show in London celebrates the ultra-sharp visuals and enlivening history of electronic music. It is the closest that most visitors will get to raving for a while, but it offers a powerful statement that this cannot be the end.--Arwa Haider "Elephant"

A thrilling history of design in club culture.--Jeremy Allen "AIGA"

Cuts through the origins and influence of EDM to examine how technology and design helped establish club culture for what it is today. [...] 'Electronic' makes an ecstatic case for why the club nights must go on, to quote Daft Punk, one more time.--Alice Bucknell "Metropolis"

From squat synthesisers to a gyrating cube, a new exhibition dedicated to dance music culture poignantly brings the spirit of communal celebration to a museum.--Dorian Lynskey "Guardian"

A look at the hypnotic world of dance music.--Jesse Dorris "PIN-UP"