Notes on the Second British Invasion and British Music in the US

A Second British Invasion

Introduction to the Concept

  • The idea of a second British invasion refers to the rise in popularity of British music in the United States predominantly through the medium of television, particularly MTV.
  • This came at a time when British artists faced challenges gaining exposure in the U.S. market due to a different music promotion landscape compared to the UK.

Comparison of Music Promotion in the UK and the US

  • Radio Stations:

    • The United Kingdom had significantly fewer radio stations compared to the United States.
    • This limitation impacted the ability of British artists to gain visibility via radio play.

  • Television as a Medium:

    • British artists utilized television as a platform to promote their music.
    • Notable programs included "Top of the Pops," which provided widespread access to domestic audiences.
    • MTV emerged as a revolutionary platform for British groups, allowing them to connect with American audiences without the need for extensive touring.

Economic Considerations of Touring

  • Cost of American Tours:
    • Touring the U.S. was prohibitively expensive for many British bands.
    • There was no guarantee of success even if the financial obstacles were met.

Music Videos as Promotional Tools

  • Early British music videos served as promotional vehicles for songs and artists.
  • Production techniques mirrored those commonly found in advertisements, characterized by:
    • Changing camera angles
    • Flashy visuals
    • Rapid changes in cuts
    • Over-the-top special effects

MTV and the Impact on British Music

  • Early years of MTV showcased a plethora of British artists, catalyzing their success in the U.S.
  • This era is frequently referred to as the second British invasion due to the influx of British pop music into the American market.
  • Key Milestones:
    • The first video ever played on MTV was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles, released in 1979.
    • The Human League's "Don't You Want Me" (1981) reached number one on the U.S. charts, aided by MTV exposure.
    • Other notable British acts benefiting from this period included Billy Idol, Flock of Seagulls, and New Order, all achieving significant commercial success in the U.S.

Characteristics of British Music of This Era

  • The British music during this time was characterized as being more influenced by pop than rock.
    • It featured a mix of synthesized instruments, catchy pop-oriented vocals, and disco-inspired glamor.
  • This genre is commonly referred to as New Romanticism.
  • Influence of Synthesizers:
    • Synthesizers became more affordable, leading to their pervasive use as the primary source of instrumental sounds among many bands.

Gender Presentation in Music Videos

  • Some artists from this era challenged traditional gender norms through their visual presentations:
    • Annie Lennox:
    • Frequently dressed androgynously in her music videos for "Love Is a Stranger" (1982) and "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" (1983).
    • Boy George:
    • Lead singer of Culture Club; known for wearing heavy makeup and women's clothing in his music videos for songs such as "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" (1982) and "Karma Chameleon" (1983).