Music History
Everything published on Viyolens under Music History — reviews, buying advice and how-tos written for players and producers in the UK.
The Complete Guide to 1995 Christmas Number 1
The 1995 Christmas Number 1 exemplified Britpop's cultural peak moment.
The History of Pop Music
Seventy years of teenagers, technology and reinvention: how pop music actually got from the record shop counter to your phone.
The History of Folk Music
An oral tradition became a recorded, revived and endlessly reinvented genre. Here's the long road folk music travelled to get here.
The History of Lo Fi Music
One story runs through cassette decks and bedroom rock bands, the other through hip-hop sampling. Here is how they both ended up sharing one word.
The History of Vaporwave
Born almost entirely online, out of shared uploads and half-formed ideas, years before anyone agreed what to call it. Here's how it actually came together.
The History of Cloud Rap
A chronological history of cloud rap from its origins around 2009 through Lil B, SpaceGhostPurrp and A$AP Rocky's breakthrough to the SoundCloud era and its lasting influence.
Roland Tr 909: A Complete Guide
The Roland TR series defined electronic music for decades. Discover their legendary sounds, how to use them, and why they remain essential today.
The Complete Guide to 90 Grunge Music
The 1990s grunge explosion transformed rock music forever, introducing raw, introspective sounds and authentic expression that challenged glossy excess.
The Complete Guide to 2010 Christmas Number 1
The 2010 Christmas number 1 holds a special place in British music history as a testament to the power of popular culture and festive sentiment. The UK Official Charts have recognised a Christmas numb...
The History of Alternative Music
Alternative music's history runs from post-punk basements to stadium-filling chart-toppers — here's the full story of how it happened.
The Complete Guide to Music Chart History
Chart history records reveal how music popularity has transformed over decades. Learn about the greatest chart achievements from Bing Crosby to Ed Sheeran.
The Complete Guide to Mariachi
Mariachi represents centuries of Mexican culture. Discover the history, instruments, and soul of this UNESCO-recognised musical tradition.
The History of Soft Rock
It crept in decade by decade, as rock's rougher edges got sanded down. Here's how a genre without a manifesto ended up defining a whole era.
The Complete Guide to Qawwali
Explore Qawwali, the ancient Sufi devotional music tradition that has captivated audiences for centuries. Learn its spiritual significance, key performers and how to experience authentic Qawwali.
The History of Electro
From a 1982 block-party record to Detroit's cold machine funk — here's how electro actually took shape, city by city.
The History of Glam Rock
The story of how a handful of British bands turned glitter and guitar riffs into one of the most influential movements in modern music.
The History of Trap Music
From Southern crunk and Atlanta's mixtape scene to a 2003 album title that stuck — here's the real history of trap music, decade by decade.
The Complete Guide to Most Uk Number 1 Singles
The most UK number 1 singles represents one of pop music's most prestigious achievements. Explore the artists who've dominated British charts, from The Beatles to modern streaming stars.
The Complete Guide to 1996 Christmas Number 1
Michael Jackson's 'Earth Song' claimed the 1996 Christmas number 1 spot—an ambitious orchestral anthem about the environment. Explore the song and its cultural impact.
The History of Baroque Pop
The genre had a concentrated flowering in the mid-1960s and has influenced popular music ever since. Here is the history from origins to present.
The Complete Guide to List Of Uk Number One Singles
The UK Official Singles Chart has tracked the nation's favourite music for over seven decades. From Al Martino's first chart-topper to modern streaming hits, the number one singles list chronicles pop...
The History of Boogie
One rolling left-hand pattern, a century of borrowing, and a genuinely surprising trail from barrelhouse piano stools to arena stages.
The Complete Guide to Klezmer
Klezmer represents a rich musical tradition emerging from Eastern European Jewish communities, characterised by joyful energy and expressive melodies. Discover its fascinating history and contemporary...
Everything You Need to Know About Triangle Music Instrument
It's an easy joke - a bent bit of metal, one job. Spend five minutes learning how the triangle actually works and that joke falls apart fast.
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Concertina
Compact bellows instrument with a bright, nimble voice, widely used in British, Irish and maritime folk music.
Country Music
Country music combines storytelling lyrics, melodic hooks and acoustic-led band arrangements.
1 topic
Florence and the Machine
Florence and the Machine-inspired instruments and production gear for expressive songwriting, layered sound and dynamic...
K Pop
Polished, performance-led pop with global influence, slick production and strong visual identity.
1 topic
Oboe Instrument
An oboe instrument suits players seeking focused tone, expressive control and a respected orchestral woodwind voice.
Post Malone
Post Malone-inspired gear for modern songwriting, recording and performance across pop, rap and melodic production style...
Roland Tr
Discover Roland TR rhythm machines for beat-making, step sequencing and classic electronic drum programming.
Triangle Instrument
Triangle instruments deliver bright, clear accents for orchestras, schools, ensembles and general percussion use.