Rocking the 80s: A Guide to Hair Metal Music

The Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hair Metal Music

Hair metal, also known as glam metal or sleaze rock, was a popular genre that gained popularity in the 1980s. It’s characterized by its use of loud guitar riffs, high-pitched vocals, and extravagant fashion styles.

If you want to create hair metal music, it’s essential to follow a few steps to get started. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make hair metal music:

Step #1: Get inspired
Before you start creating your own hair metal music, it’s important to listen and get inspired by some of the hallmarks of this genre. Start by listening to bands like Poison, Motley Crue or Dokken. Find out what makes their sound unique and try to incorporate your own spin on their style as you go along.

Step #2: Choose the right instruments
Hair metal relies heavily on guitars – both lead and rhythm guitars – so it’s important for you or someone in your band to have some level of proficiency with stringed instruments. It would be best if you also had a solid drummer who can provide thunderous beats that drive your songs forward.

Step #3: Set up your gear
If you are planning to record from home, you should ensure that all your equipment is set up correctly before getting started. You need a decent amplifier for guitar sounds or preferably digital modeling amps which allow experimental sounds with numerous effects ranging from distortion pedals like Boss Metal Zone MT-2(which has become an iconic pedal for heavy rock sounds) along with other stompboxes such as Wah-wah pedals (the Crybaby is among those preferred by most Hair Metal Bands).

Step #4: Start writing
Once you’re all set up and ready, spend time brainstorming lyrics that reflect the image of hair metal but feel authentic and genuine rather than trying too hard. Keep them catchy rather than complex – remember this genre is created purely for fun; no one wants to listen to an overly serious hair metal song. Focus on fun, memorable lines with a singable chorus that sticks in the listeners’ minds long after they’ve finished listening.

Step #5: Embrace excess
This genre is excessively extravagant – from gold hoops and bandanas to makeup and tight pants. Make sure your appearance reflects that. Pull out your best leather boots and play around with different styles of spandex or neon-colored clothes.

Step #6: Record and produce
Once you’re done writing, spend time recording demo versions of your songs – this is where you put all of your ideas together. You can either record them in your home studio or go to a professional recording studio depending on your budget (although it’s better to keep things DIY at first). Don’t forget – mixing techniques are crucial here as Hair Metal music involves harmonies between loud vocals and instrumentation so make sure you get this balance right.

In conclusion, making hair metal music has always been a fun-filled ride that combines both visuals aesthetics & ear-catching sounds. Get inspiration from other glam rock bands but don’t forget that distinctive sound should set you apart from everyone else too! Through careful planning and execution, anyone can create unique 80s-inspired anthems worthy of any stadium concert around the globe!

Common FAQ About Hair Metal Music Answered

Hair metal music, also known as glam metal or sleaze rock, was a popular genre of rock music that emerged in the early 1980s. It was characterized by its loud guitar riffs, catchy melodies and over-the-top fashion sense. Although hair metal music enjoyed immense popularity during its heyday, there are still many misconceptions and questions about this iconic musical genre. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common FAQs about hair metal music.

1. What is Hair Metal Music?

Hair metal music is a sub-genre of rock music that emerged in the early 1980s. It was characterized by its loud guitar riffs, catchy choruses, and over-the-top fashion sense. The bands that pioneered this genre had long hair (hence the name), wore tight clothing and often sported spandex pants, leather jackets or bandanas.

2. Who were the pioneers of Hair Metal Music?

The pioneers of hair metal were bands like Motley Crue, Poison, Twisted Sister and Bon Jovi among others. These bands rose to fame with their high-energy performances, catchy songs and outrageous style.

3. What was Hairstyle of Hair Metal Artists Like?

Hairstyles of hair metal artists varied widely but they were all characterized by their long locks which often involved a lot of backcombing, hairspray and other styling products to achieve the ‘big hair’ look.

4. Did Hair Metal Bands Influence Fashion Trends?

Yes! The flashy hairstyles and clothing statements made by hair metal bands influenced fashion trends not just within the music industry but also outside it with teenagers picking up new dressing styles from their favorite stars.

5. What are some popular Hair Metal Anthems?

Some popular anthems from this time included “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi; “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns n Roses; “Talk Dirty to Me” by Poison; “Girls, Girls, Girls” by Motley Crue; and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister. These songs remain popular even today and continue to be played on classic rock radio stations across the world.

6. What led to the decline of Hair Metal?

The decline of hair metal can be attributed to a number of factors including changing music tastes,saturation in the market due to numerous bands entering the genre resulting in overcrowding, rise of other genres such as grunge and alternative rock that had their own distinct sound as well as an overall shift in youth culture away from excessive ‘glam’ towards more subdued music style. However, hair metal has continued to have a lasting impact on the music industry as we know it today.

In conclusion, there is no denying that hair metal music was a cornerstone of rock music history. From its energetic performances to its catchy tunes and outlandish fashion sense – this genre will always hold a special place in our collective memories. We hope that this article has helped answer some common FAQs about hair metal and shed light on why it was such an iconic part of musical history.

Top 5 Facts You Need to Know About Hair Metal Music

Hair metal, also known as glam metal or pop metal, emerged in the 1980s and became one of the most popular music genres of its time. Often characterized by flamboyant hairstyles, heavy makeup, and glitzy clothing, hair metal music represented a unique combination of rock and pop culture. Here are the top 5 facts you need to know about hair metal music.

1) Glam Metal was Born in Los Angeles

Hair metal originated in Los Angeles during the late 1970s and early 1980s as a response to disco’s decline. Bands such as Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Ratt developed this sound with their off-stage look that included big hairdos with product holding them high up.

2) Hair Metal Lyrics Were Often Sexual

Hair metal songs were famous for their explicit lyrics that often boasted about sex or party lifestyle. The tracks cemented themselves into mainstream media was not always well received by all ears. As a result of which content advisory labels were put onto their works.

3) Many Hair Metal Songs Became Mainstream Hits

Forming Chart Toppers such as Bon Jovi’s ‘You Give Love A Bad Name’, Cinderella’s “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” to Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” showed how many hair bands went from being underground acts to becoming chart-topping names.

4) Eddie Van Halen changed The Course of Hair Metal With His Solo

Eddie Van Halen’s solo on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” revolutionized the guitar playing style used in hair metal music by setting an example for other guitarists to focus more explicitly on complex riffs and solos—all while creating something inspired within pop culture itself.

5) Nirvana Brought an End To Hair Metal

Nirvana’s smash hit album Nevermind knocked out hair metal music’s potential for mainstream success in the 1990s as a shift towards new subcultures exploded into the scene. It became one of the worst genres to be labelled under by that point, but not to take away from its contribution during its peak days.

Ultimately, hair metal represents one of rock’s most glamorous eras, creating a sound and look around which an entire generation could gather together. While it eventually fell out of fashion, its influence extends beyond pop culture—establishing itself as a definitive movement inside the annals of both pop and rock music history.

The Rise and Fall of the Hair Metal Music Scene

The 1980s was an era of decadent excess, big hair, and even bigger personalities. This was the age of “hair metal,” a genre that emerged from the California rock scene in the late 1970s and went on to dominate MTV and arenas throughout the decade. It was a time when leather pants, spandex, and outrageous hairstyles were not just tolerated but celebrated.

At its peak, hair metal bands like Poison, Motley Crue, and Bon Jovi ruled the airwaves with their anthemic hits and raucous live shows. The music itself blended heavy metal riffs with pop hooks and glam-rock theatrics. But as quickly as it rose to prominence, hair metal began to fall out of favor.

So what happened? How did these once-ubiquitous bands go from selling out stadiums to being mocked as relics of a bygone era?

For one thing, the excesses of hair metal culture became harder to stomach as the 1990s arrived. The wild partying, drug abuse, and constant womanizing that defined many hair metal bands started to seem less glamorous than destructive. Meanwhile, grunge bands like Nirvana were pointing out the emptiness of commercial rock music with their rawer sound and authentic lyrics.

But another factor in the decline of hair metal may have simply been that it had run its course creatively. While there were plenty of talented musicians working within the genre (like Eddie Van Halen or Steve Vai), much of hair metal’s output relied on formulaic song structures and cheesy lyrics. There are only so many times you can hear a power ballad about broken hearts before it starts to feel stale.

The fashions associated with hair metal also fell out of fashion by the early 1990s. The teased-out perms and bright colors gave way to grunge’s more casual aesthetic. Suddenly ripped jeans and flannel shirts seemed more appropriate than leather pants and leopard-print shirts.

However, despite hair metal’s decline in mainstream popularity, the genre has enjoyed a resurgence among certain subsets of music fans. Some younger musicians have taken up the mantle of hair metal as a way to rebel against the slickness of modern rock. Others appreciate it as an unabashedly fun and entertaining form of music that places an emphasis on showmanship and good times.

Whatever your thoughts on hair metal, one thing is clear: it was a fascinating time in music history. From its flamboyant fashion to its epic guitar solos, hair metal left an indelible mark on the popular imagination. And while the scene may be gone from the mainstream, its legacy lives on in countless records, concert videos, and memes celebrating its excesses.

Bands That Defined the Hair Metal Genre: A Retrospective

Hair metal, also known as glam metal or sleaze rock, emerged in the late 1970s and peaked in popularity during the 1980s. As its name would suggest, hair metal was characterized by its outrageous appearance of big hair, spandex and leather. However, it was the distinctly glam rock influence on the music – choruses full of high-pitched harmonies, flashy guitar solos and power ballads – that defined the sound of this genre.

So let’s take a nostalgic walk down memory lane and explore some of the bands that defined hair metal:

1. Motley Crue
Formed in Los Angeles in 1981, Motley Crue quickly established themselves as one of the biggest names in hair metal with their hard-hitting style and wild stage antics. Frontman Vince Neil’s high-pitched wail paired with Tommy Lee’s thunderous drumming made for an unmistakeable sound. Songs like “Girls Girls Girls” and “Kickstart My Heart” have become anthems of the genre.

2. Poison
Poison embodied everything that was visually excessive about hair metal. Their teased-up long blonde hair and flamboyant outfits were only matched by their anthemic choruses and over-the-top guitar riffs. Fans couldn’t get enough of hits like “Talk Dirty to Me,” “Nothin’ But A Good Time” and “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.”

3. Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi’s early years saw them create a fresher sound than most of their peers; heavily influenced by arena rock rather than straight-up hard-rocking heavyweights such as Guns N’ Roses or AC/DC – this is what arguably brought them mainstream success too with crossover hits like “Livin’ On A Prayer” or “Wanted Dead Or Alive.” Love ‘em or hate ‘em – there is no denying that Bon Jovi are legendary staple in Hair Metal history.

4. Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses was not your typical hair metal band. With their blues-infused, hard rock sound, they were a bit more raw than their contemporaries in the genre – but their inclusion is purely due to being recognized as a part of this music movement. Guns n’Roses was known for their explosive live performances and iconic tracks like “Sweet Child o’ Mine” & “Welcome to The Jungle”.

And although there are of course plenty of other great bands that rose to fame through the hair metal scene, each with it’s own unique flair -the bands listed above offer up some of the biggest hits from an era where excess was everything, and it’s hard to deny that these songs and artists influenced popular culture for decades after. So if you’re in need of a little dose of nostalgia, fire up Spotify or Youtube and blast out Bon Jovi”s “Bad Medicine” or Motley Crue’s “Shout At The Devil”. Turn it up loud, un-button your shirt a little too far down, and remember just how much fun it was!

The Legacy of Hair Metal: How It Influenced Rock Music Today

Hair metal is a genre of rock music that reached its peak in the 1980s, characterized by its glamorous and flamboyant visual style, as well as its high-pitched vocals, heavily distorted guitars, and flashy guitar solos. Although hair metal has often been dismissed as superficial or cheesy, its enduring legacy can still be heard in many popular rock bands today.

One of the most significant influences of hair metal was its emphasis on spectacle and showmanship. Bands like Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses were known for their over-the-top stage performances complete with pyrotechnics, smoke machines, and elaborate costumes. This focus on theatrics laid the groundwork for later rock acts who prioritized live shows rather than just studio recordings.

Additionally, the technical mastery demonstrated by hair metal guitarists set a new standard for musicianship. Eddie Van Halen’s lightning-fast solos inspired countless imitations from aspiring guitar gods, while Slash’s gritty riffs helped define the sound of hard rock in the ‘80s and beyond. Many contemporary rock bands continue to draw inspiration from these icons of hair metal, pushing their own musical abilities to greater heights in homage to their predecessors.

Of course, not all of hair metal’s cultural contributions were strictly musical. The genre also played an important role in shaping fashion trends and popular culture at large. Its signature hairstyles–big teased mullets for men; voluminous perms worn by both sexes–have become synonymous with that era’s excesses. Meanwhile, films like “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” effectively capitalized on the popularity of heavy-metal imagery to create mainstream entertainment featuring relatable teenage protagonists.

In terms of its overall impact on rock music history specifically though – Hair Metal should be celebrated as one movement among many (others being punk-rock/grunge/emo) that weakened traditional ideas about masculinity within rock culture itself: since this subgenre was often criticized for being “too macho”, bands like Bon Jovi or Poison proved that the theatre and glam both have their place within the genre, with a focus on vulnerability and celebration of femininity sometimes appearing in lyrics alongside more testosterone-fueled content – this helped lead to the better acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities among rock music fans everywhere.

Overall, it’s hard to deny that hair metal had a lasting impact on rock music. Although many critics might deride its excesses and over-the-top style, there’s no denying the infectious energy and pure heart that defined so much of what made hair metal unique. Even today, countless bands continue to look back on this era as a formative period in their own musical journeys – proof positive that hair metal is one legacy that will never truly fade away.