Synthpop is a type of pop music in which the synthesizer is the dominant instrument or otherwise highly prominent in the mix. In the 1980s, it was associated with the new wave scene, particularly with the success of groups such as ABC, Duran Duran, and Erasure. Kraftwerk from Germany and Yellow Magic Orchestra from Japan are often considered pioneers of the style due to their experimental work in the 1970s.
Brian Eno and David Bowie's post-punk and glam rock influenced work has also been influential in the development of synthpop. The terms electropop and dance pop are sometimes used interchangeably with synthpop, although there are genre distinctions, especially noticeable in more recent artists producing music similar to electroclash. Generally, synthpop tends to have a sparser sound and is more influenced by classic pop than electropop, which often features darker, moodier lyrics and more frenetic, less melodic instrumentation.
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