Bow Wow Wow

Definition

Bow Wow Wow was a British new wave band formed in 1980, known for their unique fusion of punk, pop, and world music influences. They were characterized by their energetic sound, exotic instrumentation, and playful approach to music, which made them emblematic of the early New Wave movement. Their innovative use of rhythm and beats, often incorporating tribal drumming and catchy melodies, played a significant role in shaping the soundscape of the 1980s.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bow Wow Wow was formed by Malcolm McLaren, who was also the manager of the Sex Pistols, aiming to create a band that combined punk's rebellious spirit with African rhythms.
2. The band's breakthrough hit 'I Want Candy' showcased their catchy hooks and playful lyrics, making it an iconic track of the new wave era.
3. Their debut album 'See Jungle! See Jungle!' was notable for its experimentation with tribal rhythms and eclectic influences from various musical genres.
4. The band's lineup featured Annabella Lwin as the lead vocalist, whose distinctive voice and stage presence contributed significantly to their identity.
5. Bow Wow Wow's innovative approach to music videos helped set the standard for visual storytelling in pop music during the early MTV era.

Review Questions

• How did Bow Wow Wow contribute to the development of New Wave music in the early 1980s?
  • Bow Wow Wow contributed to New Wave music by fusing punk rock energy with world music influences, particularly through their use of tribal drumming and catchy melodies. Their playful approach to songwriting and performance resonated with audiences looking for something fresh and exciting. This helped establish a new direction for New Wave, making it more diverse and rhythmically complex.
• Analyze how Bow Wow Wow's use of exotic instrumentation influenced their overall sound and appeal during the new wave movement.
  • Bow Wow Wow's use of exotic instrumentation, including African drums and unconventional musical elements, set them apart from other bands in the New Wave scene. This incorporation of diverse sounds added layers of complexity to their music, appealing to a wider audience beyond traditional pop fans. By embracing different cultural influences, they not only enriched their sound but also encouraged other bands to explore similar experimental approaches.
• Evaluate Bow Wow Wow's impact on pop culture in the context of visual media during the early MTV era.
  • Bow Wow Wow had a significant impact on pop culture by utilizing innovative music videos that combined striking visuals with their dynamic sound. Their creative storytelling and bold aesthetics helped set a precedent for how music videos could enhance an artist's image and connect with audiences. As one of the pioneering bands during the early MTV era, Bow Wow Wow demonstrated that visual media could be just as important as the music itself, influencing countless artists to adopt a more visually-driven approach to their work.

Related terms

New Wave: A genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, blending punk rock with pop sensibilities and incorporating electronic instruments.

Synthpop: A genre characterized by the use of synthesizers and drum machines, prevalent in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, often creating a polished, futuristic sound.

Adam Ant: The frontman of Adam and the Ants, a band closely associated with Bow Wow Wow; both groups shared a vibrant visual style and a focus on rhythm.