1980s Synth Revolution: MTV, Drum Machines, & Pop Trivia

The Video Killed the Radio Star Moment

The 1980s was not just a decade of great fashion and hair; it was a technological and cultural pivot for music. The launch of MTV on August 1, 1981, forever changed how music was consumed, turning artists like Michael Jackson and Duran Duran into visual icons.

Analog to Digital

Crucial to the 80s sound was the democratization of music creation through machines. The LinnDrum brought realistic drums to pop hits, the Yamaha DX7 introduced the clean sounds of FM synthesis, and the cheap, abused Roland TB-303 unexpectedly launched the Acid House movement. These machines, combined with innovative music video techniques, defined the sound of the decade.

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Grab your keytar and see if you can master this trivia covering the technical and visual revolution of 80s pop.