New Beat
New Beat is a form of underground dance music which originated in Belgium around 1987. It was mainly influenced by EBM and 80s Darkwave, but some releases are also a crossover of various dance styles such as Hi-NRG, Acid House and mid-80s underground House music. The genre was created when DJs had successfully been playing existing 45rpm EBM records at about 33rpm, which resulted in production of original tracks with slower and tougher beats. New Beat is also characterised by the use of repetitive electronic tones and vocal samples from songs, movies, and other media. Since New Beat was based in mainland Europe, the style did well in Belgium, Germany, and Mediterranean countries, but it did not penetrate the English market. Its popularity declined in the late 80s with the rise of commercial Euro House. Some noteworthy New Beat artists include Lords of Acid, Public Relations, Amnesia, Nostromo Dept., Fatal Morgana and In-D.
