Laserdance
The Pioneers of Spacesynth: A Deep Dive into Laserdance
The 1980s were an era of vibrant innovation in music, where synthesizers reigned supreme and electronic genres began to take shape. Among the pioneers of this movement was Laserdance, a duo that shaped the spacesynth genre and captured the imaginations of countless fans around the world. Known for their futuristic melodies and galactic themes, Laserdance is often celebrated as the driving force behind this cosmic style of electronic music.
Origins and Formation
Laserdance was founded in the mid-1980s by two Dutch musicians: Michiel van der Kuy and Erik van Vliet. Erik, a producer with a vision for science fiction-inspired soundscapes, teamed up with Michiel, a talented composer and synthesizer wizard. Together, they crafted a unique brand of electronic music that combined driving rhythms, melodic leads, and layered synth harmonies, evoking the sense of interstellar travel and cosmic exploration.
Their music drew heavily from Italo Disco, a genre that was thriving in Europe during the early 1980s, but they gave it a distinct futuristic twist. This fusion of Italo Disco with space-inspired themes laid the foundation for what is now known as spacesynth.
Iconic Albums and Tracks
Laserdance’s debut album, “Future Generation” (1987), remains one of the most celebrated releases in the spacesynth genre. The album features tracks like “Power Run,” “Humanoid Invasion,” and “Fear,” which are now iconic. These tracks showcased the duo’s talent for creating intricate melodies layered over pulsating basslines and soaring arpeggios, all wrapped in a cosmic aesthetic.
Subsequent albums like “Discovery Trip” (1989) and “Around the Planet” (1988) solidified their reputation as masters of futuristic electronic music. Each release carried the signature Laserdance sound, with epic, space-themed track titles and cover art that transported listeners to distant galaxies.
Signature Sound
The hallmark of Laserdance’s music is their heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers. They often employed the legendary Roland Juno-60 and Yamaha DX7, along with the LinnDrum and Oberheim DMX drum machines, to craft their sound. Their music is characterized by:
• Arpeggiated basslines: A rhythmic, driving force that propels the listener through their cosmic soundscapes.
• Layered melodies: Bright, uplifting synth leads interwoven with lush harmonies.
• Sci-fi ambiance: Effects and soundscapes that evoke the vastness of space.
Their instrumental compositions, free of vocals, allow the music itself to tell a story, creating a sense of adventure and discovery.
Legacy and Influence
Though spacesynth faded in popularity in the 1990s, Laserdance’s influence endures. Their music inspired a new generation of artists who continue to explore the genre, including acts like Koto, Cyber People, and Hypnosis. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in retro electronic music, bringing Laserdance back into the spotlight as a cornerstone of spacesynth history.
The internet has played a significant role in reviving the Laserdance legacy, with platforms like YouTube and Spotify introducing their timeless sound to younger audiences. Fans of retro wave and synthwave often cite Laserdance as a source of inspiration, bridging the gap between the past and the future of electronic music.
Conclusion
Laserdance remains a shining example of how music can transcend time and space. Their groundbreaking work in the 1980s continues to inspire and resonate with fans across generations, proving that the allure of the cosmos—and the power of a good synthesizer—will never go out of style.
For anyone seeking an auditory journey through the stars, Laserdance is the ultimate soundtrack.
The 1980s were an era of vibrant innovation in music, where synthesizers reigned supreme and electronic genres began to take shape. Among the pioneers of this movement was Laserdance, a duo that shaped the spacesynth genre and captured the imaginations of countless fans around the world. Known for their futuristic melodies and galactic themes, Laserdance is often celebrated as the driving force behind this cosmic style of electronic music.
Origins and Formation
Laserdance was founded in the mid-1980s by two Dutch musicians: Michiel van der Kuy and Erik van Vliet. Erik, a producer with a vision for science fiction-inspired soundscapes, teamed up with Michiel, a talented composer and synthesizer wizard. Together, they crafted a unique brand of electronic music that combined driving rhythms, melodic leads, and layered synth harmonies, evoking the sense of interstellar travel and cosmic exploration.
Their music drew heavily from Italo Disco, a genre that was thriving in Europe during the early 1980s, but they gave it a distinct futuristic twist. This fusion of Italo Disco with space-inspired themes laid the foundation for what is now known as spacesynth.
Iconic Albums and Tracks
Laserdance’s debut album, “Future Generation” (1987), remains one of the most celebrated releases in the spacesynth genre. The album features tracks like “Power Run,” “Humanoid Invasion,” and “Fear,” which are now iconic. These tracks showcased the duo’s talent for creating intricate melodies layered over pulsating basslines and soaring arpeggios, all wrapped in a cosmic aesthetic.
Subsequent albums like “Discovery Trip” (1989) and “Around the Planet” (1988) solidified their reputation as masters of futuristic electronic music. Each release carried the signature Laserdance sound, with epic, space-themed track titles and cover art that transported listeners to distant galaxies.
Signature Sound
The hallmark of Laserdance’s music is their heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers. They often employed the legendary Roland Juno-60 and Yamaha DX7, along with the LinnDrum and Oberheim DMX drum machines, to craft their sound. Their music is characterized by:
• Arpeggiated basslines: A rhythmic, driving force that propels the listener through their cosmic soundscapes.
• Layered melodies: Bright, uplifting synth leads interwoven with lush harmonies.
• Sci-fi ambiance: Effects and soundscapes that evoke the vastness of space.
Their instrumental compositions, free of vocals, allow the music itself to tell a story, creating a sense of adventure and discovery.
Legacy and Influence
Though spacesynth faded in popularity in the 1990s, Laserdance’s influence endures. Their music inspired a new generation of artists who continue to explore the genre, including acts like Koto, Cyber People, and Hypnosis. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in retro electronic music, bringing Laserdance back into the spotlight as a cornerstone of spacesynth history.
The internet has played a significant role in reviving the Laserdance legacy, with platforms like YouTube and Spotify introducing their timeless sound to younger audiences. Fans of retro wave and synthwave often cite Laserdance as a source of inspiration, bridging the gap between the past and the future of electronic music.
Conclusion
Laserdance remains a shining example of how music can transcend time and space. Their groundbreaking work in the 1980s continues to inspire and resonate with fans across generations, proving that the allure of the cosmos—and the power of a good synthesizer—will never go out of style.
For anyone seeking an auditory journey through the stars, Laserdance is the ultimate soundtrack.
