STREETSOUNDS

In the early 80’s a new phenomenon changed music forever and was to influence and shape a new generation; ELECTRO was born! Electro (or as originally called ‘Electro- Funk’) had infectious basslines, relentless 808 beats, hypnotic and compulsive electronic rhythms and a fresh, new rebellious energy. Electro would cross all social and cultural barriers and be adopted by both black and white artists and audiences alike. If Electro was this earth moving sensation, who were the people and what was the catalyst behind this tidal wave of change that would bring to the streets a new lifestyle and ideology? In 1982 Afrika Bambaataa, a DJ from the South Bronx, blended Hip Hop beats with European techno-pop electronica pioneered by German group Kraftwerk and released the seminal Electro anthem “Planet Rock” based on Kraftwerk’s 1977 track “Trans Europe Express”. But Electro was not just a fusion of U.S. and European music; it was a statement of change. The ‘DJ’ and his new art of mixing and scratching would greatly influence this new movement. New heroes and legends would be born who would shape the sound of the street with their turntables. The first exponents were Jamaican born Kool Herc, Grand Wizard Theodore and Grandmaster Flash who would weave a seamless magic on the dance floor. The States and to some extent the UK had seen black music evolve by the end of the seventies into a Funk and Jazz-Funk scene. Various artists and producers including James Brown, Sly Stone, Edwin Starr, Stevie Wonder, the P-Funk family of artists....

The arrival of Electro heralded a new vitality in the U.S. recording industry. New labels and players emerged to challenge the establishment. In 1983 Import 12” singles cost a small fortune and were not readily available across the UK to this new Electro fraternity. THEN STREET SOUNDS arrived!

In 1982 a collection of albums were released that would change the world forever for millions of people. These albums were on the iconic Street Sounds record label and for almost a decade epitomised the sound of the street and were pivotal in changing the face of music, club and street culture.
The Street Sound ‘ELECTRO’ compilations would be considered to be one of the greatest compilation series ever It seems almost unbelievable that only a handful of people were championing the Electro cause from the beginning. Mike Allen (Capital Radio DJ) contributed tireless energy in promoting and playing over the airwaves the tunes other DJs were afraid to touch....

Each new Street Sound Electro release saw sales increase and by 1986 we had witnessed the growth of a scene that had its own language, fashion, art in the form of graffiti, dance; breakin’ and poppin’. In fact, even Hollywood saw it’s potential and released a series of movies including ‘Breakin’ (a.k.a Breakdance)’.

On the 19th July 1986 Street Sounds flew over the most happening and influential Electro artists and staged UK Fresh ’86. UK Fresh was the most successful Electro/Hip Hop event ever outside the U.S. Over 16,000 people crammed into Wembley Arena to watch Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Mantronix, Hashim, The Real Roxanne, Lovebug Starski, The World Class Wreckin’ Cru and many other seminal artists of the Electro scene. History was made.

Electro had seen a phenomenal growth in fans and influence. No longer were Electro artists and groups confined to the specialist charts, underground clubs and late night radio. Artists like Whodini, Run DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Kurtis Blow and Public Enemy became household names and defined a shift towards mainstream appeal. Electro was not confined to New York artists or one style. An alternative West Coast movement developed and was as innovative and distinctive in sound as their East Coast cousins; The Egyptian Lover, The Unknown DJ and The World Class Wreckin' Cru are best known and epitomise the West coast sound. Electro also found favour with artists from other musical fields, including Jazz veteran Herbie Hancock, who attained top 10 chart status and won a Grammy for “Rockit”; a brilliant Jazz/Electro fusion....

Over the next few month's or so I will be uploading :
The Definitive Collection of Streetsounds Electro 

Starting with Electro 1 This is the Ultimate Collection for any music lover because.... 

Electro defined a new era; It’s legacy is unquantifiable. Without Electro many genres of music would not have existed including Drum & Bass, Jungle, Breakbeat and Hip Hop as we know it today.