Music History
Everything published on Viyolens under Music History — reviews, buying advice and how-tos written for players and producers in the UK.
The History of Prog Rock
From Pet Sounds to progressive metal: how prog rock actually developed, and why the genre never really had just one sound.
The Complete Guide to Easy Listening
Easy listening offers sophisticated music that rewards careful listening whilst remaining accessible and graceful. Explore its history, greatest artists, and timeless appeal.
The History of Chamber Pop
Chamber pop has a longer history than most listeners realise — tracing through baroque pop, 1990s indie, and the maximalist 2000s to the music being made today. Here is the full story.
The Complete Guide to Gothic Rock Artists
Gothic rock artists have shaped music and culture for decades, blending dark aesthetics with melodic sophistication and genuine artistic vision.
Hymns for Newcomers: Where to Start
The History of New Jack Swing
Teddy Riley, Harlem clubs, Bobby Brown and Michael Jackson — the story of how a Harlem production style became one of the defining sounds of late-1980s pop.
Essential Alternative Music Albums Explained
These are the albums that built alternative music: the records that shifted what rock could sound like and set the templates every band since has worked from.
The History of Math Rock
From disputed post-punk precursors to Louisville, Pittsburgh, Chicago and beyond, here's how math rock's scattered history actually fits together.
The Best Hymns Songs Right Now
The History of Grindcore
Grindcore didn't arrive fully formed. Here's how DIY scenes on both sides of the Atlantic built it, piece by piece.
The Complete Guide to Italo Disco
Italo disco emerged from 1980s Italian dance clubs, creating vibrant musical movement influenced by electronic innovation and romantic European sensibilities. This guide explores the genre's history,...
The History of Jazz Music
Jazz reinvented its own rules roughly once a decade for the best part of a century. Here's how it actually moved from dance halls to the avant-garde.
The History of K Pop
The Best Classic Artists to Know
Classic rock's greatest artists didn't just write songs — they redefined what rock music could be. Here are the essential figures you need to know.
Concertina Explained: Features, Types and Tips
From Victorian parlours to Irish session rooms, the concertina has carried centuries of musical expression. Learn how this hexagonal instrument works and why it remains central to folk tradition.
Brass Band: A Complete Guide
From industrial Britain's mills and mines to today's contesting stage, here is everything a curious listener needs to know about the brass band tradition.
The Complete Guide to British Pop Charts History
British pop charts history traces seven decades of music evolution—from the first NME chart in 1952 through the British Invasion, punk, electronic pop, and streaming. The charts document not just comm...
The Best Exotica Artists to Know
Four names cover almost everything you need to know about who built exotica. Here's who they are and what makes each one essential.
The Complete Guide to Uk Single Chart History
The UK single chart has documented popular music trends and cultural shifts for nearly seven decades, from The Beatles to the streaming era, shaping which artists achieve superstardom.
Essential Classic Albums Explained
Classic rock's greatest achievements exist as complete albums. Here are the essential records that defined the era and still resonate today.
The History of Funk Music
How rhythm took over from melody: the history of funk music, from its 1960s roots to its legacy in disco and hip-hop.
The History of Classic
Classic rock's history is the story of how blues-driven guitar music became the dominant art form of the late 20th century. Here's how it happened.
The History of Ragtime
How a sound built in Black communities conquered sheet music, faded through the jazz age, then came roaring back decades later.
The Complete Guide to 1985 Christmas Number 1
The 1985 Christmas Number 1 saw charity and commerce unite around Band Aid's landmark release. Explore this pivotal moment in music history.
Music History is filed under
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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.
