Author: Shauna Murphy
How Boy George’s Androgyny Fueled Culture Club’s 1980s New Wave Success
Explore how Culture Club's unique blend of new wave, soul, and reggae, combined with Boy George's groundbreaking androgynous image, drove their massive 1980s success and reshaped pop culture.
How 1980s Musicians and Designers Built the Modern Fashion Business
Explore how 1980s fashion collaborations with musicians transformed the industry. From MTV's visual impact to hip-hop's rise, discover the business models that shaped modern style.
The Business of 1980s Music Videos: Labels, Budgets, and ROI
Explore the high-stakes economics of 1980s music videos, from MTV's launch to six-figure budgets and recoupable artist debts.
How Compilation Tapes Connected Punk and Hardcore Scenes in the 1980s
Discover how 1980s compilation tapes connected punk, hardcore, and metal scenes globally. Explore the tech, tape-trading networks, and DIY culture that defined pre-internet music distribution.
Reggae’s Legacy in Dancehall: From Roots to Digital Riddims
Explore how roots reggae evolved into digital dancehall, sparked by King Jammy's Sleng Teng riddim. Learn about the one-drop rhythm, the riddim economy, and the lasting impact of digital production on Jamaican music.
Hall & Oates: How Blue-Eyed Soul Conquered the 1980s Charts
Explore how Hall & Oates dominated the 1980s charts with their unique blue-eyed soul sound. From 'Maneater' to 'Kiss on My List,' discover the hits, albums, and production secrets behind their legendary success.
Why Iconic 1980s Black-and-White Music Videos Still Define Visual Style
Explore why 1980s black-and-white music videos were a deliberate artistic choice, not a limitation. Discover how this aesthetic defined visual identity and continues to influence modern cinema.
MTV International in the 1990s: Regional Channels, Global Hits, and the End of an Era
Explore the impact of MTV International in the 1990s, from regional launches like MTV Europe to the global spread of grunge and pop. Learn why the recent closure of MTV 90s marks the end of an era for music television.
1990s Music Photojournalism: Iconic Shoots and Visual Narratives
Explore the raw, authentic visual narratives of 1990s music photojournalism. Discover how photographers like Guzman, Modu, and Sue Kwon captured the essence of hip-hop, grunge, and pop icons, shifting the industry from glamour to genuine human connection.
A-ha’s Take On Me: The Magic Behind the 1980s Rotoscope Animation
Explore the technical magic of A-ha's Take On Me. Learn how 1980s rotoscope animation turned a Norwegian band into global icons through a grueling hand-drawn process.
Napster in 1999: How P2P File Sharing Changed Music Forever
Discover how Napster sparked the digital music revolution in 1999, the legal battles with the RIAA, and how it paved the way for today's streaming services.
How 1980s Pop Superstars Mastered Radio, MTV, and Global Tours
Explore how 1980s pop superstars like Michael Jackson and Madonna mastered radio, MTV, and global tours to achieve unprecedented fame and commercial success.