The Art of Noise were a New Wave, Avant-garde synthpop group formed in 1983 by engineer/producer Gary Langan, programmer J. J. Jeczalik, along with arranger Anne Dudley, producer Trevor Horn and music journalist Paul Morley. The group's mostly instrumental compositions were novel melodic sound collages based on digital sampler technology, which was new at the time. Inspired by turn-of-the-20th-century revolutions in music, the Art of Noise were initially packaged as a faceless anti- or non-group, blurring the distinction between the art and its creators. The band is noted for innovative use of electronics and computers in pop music and particularly for innovative use of sampling.
The name of the group alludes to the web-page "The Art of Noises" by noted futurist Luigi Russolo. From the earliest releases on ZTT, the band referred to itself as both Art of Noise and The Art of Noise. Official and unofficial releases and press material use both versions
This web-page has detailed descriptions and background information on ART OF NOISE and the complete discography of this band.
Art of Noise is an English avant-garde synth-pop and electronic music group formed in 1983 by producer Trevor Horn, engineer Gary Langan and programmer J. J. Jeczalik. The band is considered one of the pioneers of the electropop genre and is known for their innovative and eclectic approach to music-making, incorporating elements of classical, jazz, and avant-garde music into their sound.
One of the defining features of Art of Noise is their use of technology and sound manipulation techniques. The group made use of sampling, looping, and other digital audio processing techniques to create unique and intricate soundscapes. They were also known for their experimentation with different instrumentation and sound sources, incorporating everything from traditional orchestral instruments to found sounds and noises into their music.
Some of the band's most popular songs include "Beat Box," "Moments in Love," and "Close (to the Edit)," all of which are considered electronic music classics. Despite having a relatively short lifespan, Art of Noise's impact on the electronic music genre has been significant, inspiring many subsequent musicians and producers.
In recent years, the band has been recognized for their contributions to music history and have been the subject of numerous retrospectives and reissues of their work. Despite no longer being active, the legacy of Art of Noise lives on through their innovative and influential music.
In 1989, the British avant-garde synth-pop group Art of Noise released their fourth studio album, "Below the Waste," on China Records (839 404-1). This album marked a period of transition and experimentation for the band, as they ventured into new sonic territories while retaining their signature blend
Learn moreIn No Sense? Nonsense! was the third full-length album by Art of Noise. By the time of its recording, the group had been reduced to a duo, with engineer Gary Langan leaving the previous year—Langan's mix engineering duties were taken over by Bob Kraushaar and Ted Hayton for this album,
Learn more"In Visible Silence," Art of Noise's 1986 avant-garde pop masterpiece, emerged after their departure from ZTT records. Fueled by newfound creative freedom, the album embodies the mid-80s musical landscape, blending synthesizers, samples, and unconventional instruments. T
Learn moreThe Art of Noise's "Legs / Last Leg Ostrich" 12" maxi-single vinyl, emblematic of late '80s musical innovation, reflects the era's embrace of electronic music and remix culture. In this transformative period, artists pushed boundaries with synthesizers and digital sampling.
Learn moreIn 1986, the Art of Noise and guitarist Duane Eddy collaborated on a 7" vinyl single, reimagining Henry Mancini's classic "Peter Gunn" theme. This rare demo copy, featuring a picture sleeve designed by John Pasche, combines electronic innovation with Eddy's iconic guitar twang.
Learn moreIn Visible Silence. This album spawned the Grammy Award-winning cover of the Peter Gunn theme, recorded with twangy guitar legend Duane Eddy, who had a huge hit, years earlier, with Peter Gunn in 1959. The Art of Noise collaboration reached number two on the Billboard dance charts.
Learn moreIn the vibrant musical landscape of 1986, the release of "Re-Works of Art of Noise" marked a significant chapter in the evolution of sound. This compilation album, showcasing the best songs by the pioneering group Art of Noise, not only encapsulated the unique sonic identity of the band
Learn moreReleased 1984, "Who's Afraid of the Art of Noise" by The Art of Noise is a groundbreaking 12" vinyl LP album that epitomizes the electronic music revolution of the early 1980s. With innovative production techniques, sampling, and Anton Corbijn's striking photography,
- Who's Afraid of the Art of Noise (West-Germany) - Who's Afraid of the Art of Noise (West-Germany)