Krautrock

Definition

Krautrock is a genre of experimental rock music that emerged in Germany in the late 1960s and early 1970s, characterized by its use of electronic instruments, unconventional song structures, and an emphasis on improvisation. This movement represented a break from traditional rock music and was heavily influenced by psychedelic rock, exploring new soundscapes and incorporating elements from avant-garde art and progressive rock.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Krautrock artists often rejected the commercialism of mainstream rock, instead favoring experimentalism and artistic freedom.
2. The genre's name derives from the German word 'kraut,' meaning 'herb,' which was a slang term for Germans used by British soldiers during World War II, reflecting the genre's roots in German culture.
3. Key bands associated with Krautrock include Can, Neu!, Kraftwerk, and Faust, each contributing unique sounds and innovations to the genre.
4. Krautrock had a significant influence on various music genres, including electronic, punk, and post-rock, impacting countless artists around the world.
5. The movement's emphasis on the use of technology in music paved the way for future developments in electronic music and digital production techniques.

Review Questions

• How did Krautrock differentiate itself from traditional rock music during its emergence?
  • Krautrock set itself apart from traditional rock by emphasizing experimental sounds and structure rather than conventional songwriting. Bands often used electronic instruments and focused on improvisation, creating lengthy tracks that deviated from typical verse-chorus formats. This departure allowed Krautrock artists to explore new sonic landscapes, influenced by both psychedelia and avant-garde art movements.
• Discuss the impact of key bands like Can and Kraftwerk on the evolution of Krautrock and its influence on future music genres.
  • Can and Kraftwerk played pivotal roles in shaping Krautrock, with Can's experimental rock sound pushing boundaries through improvisation and diverse influences while Kraftwerk pioneered electronic music with their innovative use of synthesizers. Their unique styles not only defined Krautrock but also influenced subsequent genres like electronic music, punk rock, and ambient music. The creative freedom they exhibited inspired many musicians to explore new technologies and soundscapes.
• Evaluate the legacy of Krautrock in contemporary music scenes and its relevance to current musical innovations.
  • Krautrock's legacy continues to resonate in contemporary music through its groundbreaking approaches to sound and technology. Modern artists across various genres draw inspiration from Krautrock’s experimental ethos and use of electronics. The genre has paved the way for subgenres like synth-pop, post-rock, and techno, showcasing its lasting impact on how musicians conceive of sound creation and genre boundaries today.

Related terms

Can: A pioneering Krautrock band known for their innovative sound that blends rock, jazz, and electronic music, often featuring long improvisational pieces.

Neu!: A German band that was influential in Krautrock, recognized for their minimalist approach and driving rhythms, which laid the groundwork for later electronic music.

Kraftwerk:

A groundbreaking electronic band from Germany that played a crucial role in the development of Krautrock, known for their use of synthesizers and themes of technology and modernity.