Archive: 2026/01

How Synths on FM Radio Became the Backbone of 1980s Pop Music

The Yamaha DX7 revolutionized pop music in the 1980s with its digital FM synthesis, delivering iconic presets that dominated the charts. Once seen as sterile, its clean, precise tones became the backbone of 80s hits-and it’s still shaping music today.

Sly and the Family Stone: How Psychedelic Soul-Funk Changed Music in the 1970s

Sly and the Family Stone fused soul, funk, and psychedelia to create groundbreaking music in the 1970s. With an integrated lineup and revolutionary sound, they changed the course of popular music-and their influence still echoes today.

How 1990s MTV Shaped Today's Social Video Culture

MTV's 1990s innovations in music videos and reality TV laid the groundwork for today's social media platforms. Discover how early MTV strategies power TikTok's viral trends and audience-driven content.

Funk in Film Soundtracks: How Urban Grooves Shaped Black Cinema

Funk soundtracks from the 1970s like Shaft and Superfly didn't just accompany films-they defined Black urban cinema. With raw grooves, live instrumentation, and cultural truth, they turned music into moral voice. Today, they're still moving listeners, selling vinyl, and inspiring new generations.

Songwriting Hubs: Nashville Publishing Houses and 1970s Catalogs

Nashville's 1970s music publishing houses shaped country music's golden era, where songwriters traded lyrics for royalties, publishers managed massive catalogs, and BMI kept the money flowing. The legacy of those catalogs still earns millions today.