Author: Bryan Crosby
The 1980s Video Game Soundtrack Revolution: Chiptunes, Synths, and Lasting Influence
Explore how 1980s video game soundtracks evolved from simple beeps to iconic chiptune masterpieces. Discover the hardware limits, key composers like Koji Kondo, and the lasting influence on modern music.
Glam Guitar Tones: How to Get Crunch, Chorus, and the 1970s Studio Sound
Master glam guitar tones with this guide to 1970s studio aesthetics. Learn how to dial in crunch, use chorus like the Boss CE-1, and recreate the wide, orchestral sounds of Brian May and Queen.
Country Songwriting: Mastering Storytelling and Rural Life Narratives
Learn the art of country songwriting by mastering storytelling and rural life narratives. Discover how to craft authentic hooks, structure compelling arcs, and capture the spirit of working-class America.
New Pop Divas Channeling 1980s Power Vocals: The Modern Revival
Explore how modern pop divas like Dua Lipa and Rina Sawayama are reviving 1980s power vocals. Discover the blend of retro synths, emotional belting, and contemporary themes defining today's biggest hits.
How TikTok Is Reviving 80s Songs for Gen Z
Explore how TikTok is reviving 1980s songs for Gen Z. From Kate Bush to Toto, discover the mechanics behind viral resurrections, streaming spikes, and the cultural shift in music discovery.
How the 1990s Loudness War Changed Mastering Aesthetics
Explore how the 1990s loudness war reshaped music mastering, trading dynamic range for volume. Learn about the technical shifts, aesthetic consequences, and how modern streaming normalization has changed the landscape.
Music Journalism Since the 1990s: From Critics to Creators
Explore how music journalism evolved from 1990s print gatekeepers to today's digital creator-critics, analyzing the impact of the internet, social media, and algorithms on music criticism.
Boy George’s Androgynous Look: Breaking 1980s Gender Norms
Explore how Boy George's androgynous style in the 1980s challenged gender norms, influenced pop culture, and paved the way for modern gender-fluid fashion.
1980s Lighting Design: How Lasers, Trusses, and PAR Cans Created Concert Spectacle
Explore how 1980s lighting design transformed live music with heavy truss structures, powerful gas lasers, and massive PAR can rigs. Discover the tech and aesthetics behind the decade's iconic concert spectacle.
How 1990s Teen Pop Used TV and Magazines to Build Fandom
Explore how 1990s teen pop acts like Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys used MTV's TRL and magazines like Tiger Beat to create a powerful, coordinated fandom ecosystem that defined youth culture.
The Future of Label Structure: How 1970s Record Labels Evolved
Explore how 1970s record labels evolved from indie shops to corporate empires. Discover the impact of mergers, genre stratification, and visual branding on the modern music industry.
Legacy Awards and Halls of Fame: How Institutions Honor the 1970s
Explore how legacy awards and halls of fame preserve the 1970s. Learn the difference between induction and legacy honors, and see how TV, music, and sports institutions recognize enduring impact.