Start Date
Saturday 14 June 2025, 1 - 4pm
Overview
The term ‘New Pop’ was used to define a highly visual British pop music style in the 1980s. With video and new music technology, performers could manipulate both sound and image in ways not possible during the 1960s and 70s.
The New Pop sound incorporated various artists and musical styles. The Human League, pioneers of the use of synthesizers; ABC fused disco funk with a romantic, post punk vision and Duran Duran mixed rock, synth pop with stylish videos.
This lecture will demonstrate, how the evolution of a truly postmodern sensibility in popular music led to visual revolution where gender and sexuality were exploited as tools in a battle of ‘style over content’. We will look at the characteristics of 1980s New Pop through an analysis of the music, fashion and pop videos of key artists with a view to understanding what made the style unique and revolutionary.
Syllabus
Lecture and workshop on New Pop of the 1980s
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier if courses are over- or under-subscribed. In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
Course Lecturer: Dr Georgina Gregory
Georgina Gregory has a background in media and cultural studies with a particular focus on popular music studies and art and design history. She has many years of experience designing and delivering courses at various universities including UCLAN, Salford, Staffordshire and Manchester Metropolitan. Georgina's publications include "Send in the Clones: A Cultural Study of the Tribute Band" (2012), "Boy Bands and the Performance of Pop Masculinity" (2019), "Exploring the Spiritual in Popular Music: Beatified Beats"(2021).
Courses fees: Full fee £40.
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