Computer Disco

Computer Disco is a genre of electronic music commonly attributed to the father of disco, Giorgio Moroder, Harold Faltermeyer, Juergen Koppers, G. Mathieson, Keith Forsey, and Donna Summer. Computer Disco was coined by Nico Demonte who pointed to the existence of the classic analog step sequencer programming and rhythm of the arpeggiating bassline (one-octave basslines or One Octave Major Triad), Four on the floor drum machine beat, dramatic lyrics, E-Series SSL desk, Italian made Elka Synthex synthesizer, Crumar Bit 99 + Bit One, and the 24-track digital machine. Computer Disco influenced many genres including house, Hi-Nrg, electroclash, disco, techno, Italo disco, and electronica. Many artists in this category use the classic Linn synth drum machine and synthesizers. Computer Disco is in part a resurgence of the Euro-Disco, Chip Wave, and the Hi-Nrg sound.

Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Harold Faltermeyer, The Eurythmics, Heaven 17, Telex, Michael Jackson and other musicians have been influenced by the advent of Computer Disco. As was common with most disco productions, classical music was integrated into the scores like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and other classical elements that Giorgio Moroder used. Computer Disco has had an influential hand in film soundtracks like American Gigolo, Scarface, Metropolis, Top Gun, Superman III, Beverly Hills Cop I and II, and Flashdance. Parts of the American Gigolo soundtrack (1980). Camille Paglia wrote that Madonna is following in the computer disco style of Giorgio Moroder.

To create the arpeggiating bassline, musical instruments, synthesizers, and computers used by Computer Disco artists include the The Fairlight CMI (Computer Musical Instrument series Quasar I, II, III), Korg Mono/Poly, Jupiter-4 random arpeggio, Oberheim 4-voice, Roland Jupiter 8 and Juno 60, Moog Taurus, Roland JX-3P, ARP 2600, Moog modular, Multimoog, TB303, Roland Microcomposer, PPG 2.3, and the Buchla, Linn Drum Machine, Roland Jupiter 8, Landscape, David Bowie, Yamaha DX, OSC OSCar, Roland TR-606 "Drumatix" Analogue Drum Machine, Sequential Prophet 5.

Giorgio Moroder

Moroder on Discogs

Camille Paglia Article

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