Commercial pop

• What is commercial pop?


  Commercial pop is a genre of music that has its roots in the early 1980s.
• How did the concept of manufactured bands evolve in the 1980s?


  Record labels began pairing artists with popular producers to create a genre aimed at the mass market.
• Which music styles influenced commercial pop?

  Commercial pop has its roots in new wave music, RnB, and disco music.
• What technological advancements contributed to the creation of commercial pop music?

  The use of synthesizers and drum machines allowed music to be created with minimal input from musicians.
• Who were the pioneers of commercial pop in the 1980s?


  Stock, Aitken & Waterman were the most famous production team in the 1980s.
• What was the main target audience for commercial pop music?

  The main target audience for commercial pop was teenagers.
• How did the perception of artists change with the rise of commercial pop music?


  Artists were often judged on looks and dance ability as much as their musical talent.
• How did instrumentation in commercial pop evolve in the 1980s and 1990s?


  Instrumentation expanded to include piano and guitar for ballads, alongside synthesizers and drum machines for upbeat songs.
• Who are some notable producers in recent years that have influenced commercial pop?

  Max Martin, Dr Luke, and The Matrix are notable producers in recent years.
• What role do producers play in the creation of commercial pop music?


  Producers direct how an act will sound, determine the target market, and guide the artist's musical focus.
• How many writers contributed to a recent album by Beyonce?


  Over 40 separate writers contributed to a recent album by Beyonce.
• What is the process of honing a commercial pop song?

  The producer and artist refine each song and use different sections to create a commercially popular song.
• How has commercial pop music overlapped with other genres in recent years?

  Commercial pop has begun to overlap with hip-hop and dance music, becoming more exaggerated in recent years.
• Who are some producers known for working with artists like Justin Bieber and David Guetta?


  Skrillex is known for producing songs for artists like Justin Bieber and David Guetta.
• What are the key characteristics of commercial pop music?

  • Aimed at mass-market audiences
  • Incorporates synthesizers and drum machines
  • Focus on popular singles
  • Artists judged on looks and dance ability
  • Collaboration with multiple writers and producers
• How does commercial pop drive music technology forward?


  • Utilizes computers and synthesizers
  • Adapts to new recording technologies
  • Creates new and exciting music