60s Pop

Introduction to ’60s Pop

  • ’60s Pop is widely recognised as a diverse and influential decade in the genre of Pop music, giving birth to a variety of sub-genres.
  • This era saw British bands, notably The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, dominate the global music scene - a phenomenon known as the ‘British Invasion’.
  • ’60s Pop played a significant role in the creation and development of album-oriented rock, and psychedelic rock.

Key Features of ’60s Pop

  • Variation in terms of instruments used was one of the key features of this era. Traditional guitar, drums, and bass configurations were supplemented with pianos, synths, and a range of orchestral instruments.
  • The usage of experimental techniques and unconventional song structures became more commonplace.
  • Lyrical themes were broad-ranging and often reflected socio-cultural movements of the time, such as peace, love, and revolution.

Recognisable Musicians

  • Iconic figures from the ’60s pop scene include The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.
  • The Beatles, in particular, are considered the most influential pop group of the decade, and their music explored a wide variety of stylistic influences.

Technical Aspects

  • The ’60s witnessed a revolution in recording technology with the introduction of multitrack recording, which allowed for greater complexity in composition and arrangement.
  • Techniques such as reverb, delay, distortions, and psychedelic effects became an integral part of creating the ’60s distinctive sound.
  • Studio experimentation leading to innovative production techniques - so-called ‘studio as an instrument’ approach was influential in shaping the sound of ’60s pop.

Role of Technology

  • The invention of modern synthesisers, electric organs, and other electronic instruments allowed ’60s Pop music to diversify its sound.
  • The widespread usage of radio and television played significant roles in making the music of ’60s pop globally accessible.

Impact on Society

  • ’60s Pop culture had a significant influence on fashion, dance, film, television, and other forms of entertainment.
  • The so-called ‘youthquake’ movement saw young people as drivers of cultural change, and ’60s pop was at the forefront of this. Its influence is continually felt in pop culture to this day, marking the ’60s as a decade of major cultural shifts.