The term "garage" referred to the small studios where these pioneers experimented and created what would become the foundations of garage music. Some of the key pioneers of garage music included DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash, who all laid the groundwork for what would become a major genre of electronic music.
Influences
New York Latin Freestyle music of the 80s is recognized by many as a primary influence on garage. The Freestyle sound, characterized by its high-pitched vocals, dance-able beats and synth heavy arrangements laid a foundation for Garage in the Latino communities of the Bronx. Other influences included house music, techno, early hip hop, reggae, and soul.
Key Elements of Garage Music
- Drums: Garage music often features a distinctive drumming style, with a four-on-the-floor kick drum and a syncopated hi-hat pattern. The snare drum is often used to create a "shuffle" effect, which adds to the dance-oriented feel of the genre.
- Bassline: The bassline in garage music is often a prominent and melodic element, providing the foundation for the track. It typically consists of a simple repetitive pattern, often played on a synthesizer or sampled from other sources.
- Vocals: Vocals in garage music are typically soulful and expressive, often providing a sense of longing and emotion. Female vocalists are often used, but male vocalists are not uncommon.
- Synthesizers: Synthesizers play a crucial role in garage music, providing lush pads, arpeggios, and lead lines. They are often used to create a sense of space and atmosphere in the track.
- Samples: Samples from other sources, such as classic soul, funk, and disco records, are often used in garage music to add depth and texture to the tracks. These samples can include anything from vocal snippets to instrumental loops.
Legacy and Impact
Garage music experienced a surge of popularity in the 1990s, with artists like Todd Terry and Armand van Helden helping to popularize the genre. It also heavily influenced the development of other electronic dance music genres such as UK Garage and Bassline.
Today, garage music continues to evolve and expand, with new artists and producers reimagining and reinterpreting the genre. While its roots remain firmly planted in the Bronx and Harlem, garage music's influence can be felt worldwide and it continues to be celebrated as an essential part of electronic music history.