Welcome to 80s New Wave Music, a personal archive of 1980s new wave, synthpop and the New Romantic movement.
This channel is my personal archive dedicated to 1980s new wave, synthpop and the New Romantic movement, with a strong focus on the pioneering UK scene that helped shape the sound. I explore the artists, albums and key moments that defined this period, placing them in their cultural and historical context rather than chasing trends.
While the emphasis is on British origins and European influences, I also look beyond the UK when it adds perspective, and occasionally go back before the 1980s to explore the influences that led to this music. Each video is part of a wider reference library, calm and reflective in tone, closer to late-night arts television than a typical YouTube feed.
You are welcome to share your own memories, favourite tracks and perspectives in the comments, and be part of an ongoing conversation about the lasting legacy of 80s electronic music.
80s New Wave Music
Early access is now online for channel members.
The next documentary is ready.
This time I step away from a single artist or album and explore a wider cultural question:
Why did early 80s artists look so different?
A journey through late 70s Britain, punk, the Blitz scene, art school influences, electronic modernism, fashion, identity and the moment sound and image became inseparable.
The video will be available for everyone on Tuesday at 6pm CET / 12 noon Eastern / 9am Pacific.
2 days ago | [YT] | 19
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80s New Wave Music
UPDATE: The video is a bit delayed but will be up sometime during the weekend.
Work in progress.
A small glimpse from the editing timeline of the next documentary.
This time I step away from a single artist or album and explore a broader question:
Why did early 80s artists look so different?
A look at style, rebellion, identity and the cultural forces that helped shape one of the most visually fascinating moments in music.
Patreon supporters www.patreon.com/80sNewWaveMusic and my channels YouTube members will get to see it a day early before the final public release.
If all goes to plan, it should be online next weekend.
1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 36
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80s New Wave Music
would love your input on future documentaries for 80s New Wave Music.
My YouTube channel has always been shaped by a shared love of the music, so I thought it would be interesting to ask what kind of videos you would most like to see more of in the future.
What would you most enjoy?
Feel free to vote, and of course add thoughts in the comments if there is something specific you would love to see explored.
1 week ago | [YT] | 41
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80s New Wave Music
A small thank you to this wonderful community.
The videos may begin with me, but this channel would not be what it is without all of you.
The comments, the memories you share, the thoughtful discussions, the corrections, the different perspectives, and the sheer enthusiasm for this music make this feel like far more than just a YouTube channel. It feels like a real community, and that means a great deal to me.
Many of you were there when this music first happened. Others discovered it later. But seeing those generations meet in the comments and keep these conversations alive is something genuinely special.
And to all the new subscribers who have joined recently, a very warm welcome. It is wonderful to have you here, and I hope you will enjoy being part of these conversations and this shared love of the music that shaped such an extraordinary era.
So thank you for watching, for engaging, for sharing your stories, and for helping make 80s New Wave Music what it is.
Without you, there would be no channel.
Warm regards,
Kristian
2 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 56
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80s New Wave Music
Coming soon!
Why did early 80s artists look so different?
A documentary exploring how style became rebellion, how sound and image became inseparable, and why this moment changed pop culture forever.
From Bowie and Japan to Ultravox, Visage, Kate Bush and more.
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 88
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80s New Wave Music
Now Online: OMD - The Making of Architecture & Morality
My new documentary explores the making of OMD’s Architecture & Morality, the album where electronic experimentation, atmosphere and melody came together in extraordinary fashion.
From the Mellotron textures and sacred undertones to Souvenir, Joan of Arc and Maid of Orleans, this is a deep dive into one of the great electronic albums of the early 80s.
If this record means something to you, I hope you enjoy this one.
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 29
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80s New Wave Music
Check out this amazing gem! This full archive of Smash Hits magazines scanned and put online. The 80s section is a smorgasbord full of nostalgia and amazing interviews, reviews etc.
michaelmouse1967.wixsite.com/smashhitsremembered
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 29
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80s New Wave Music
Coming soon, a new documentary on one of the great electronic albums of the early 80s.
OMD’s Architecture & Morality was more than a breakthrough record, it was a creative turning point. I explore how this remarkable album was made and why it still feels so unique.
1 month ago | [YT] | 153
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80s New Wave Music
Original Cut Now On Patreon
A small note for members and anyone curious about Patreon. Due to a copyright claim, I had to alter some of the 1981 concert footage in the YouTube version of the new video about Simple MInds 3 albums from 1980–81.
I have now uploaded the original cut, as first intended, on Patreon for members to watch. If you would like to see that version, and support the channel’s work, you are very welcome to join. Link below.
www.patreon.com/posts/original-cut-now-156447102?u…
1 month ago | [YT] | 14
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80s New Wave Music
New documentary is now online.
This time I look at Simple Minds and the three albums from 1980 to 1981 where their sound really began to take shape.
These were also the albums where my own journey with the band started, and they have stayed very close to me ever since.
Which of the three albums do you return to the most?
1 month ago | [YT] | 16
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