Bodies, Noise and Power in Industrial Music

This collection explores the intersection of identity, technology, and power within the industrial music genre, as detailed in Bodies, Noise and Power in Industrial Music.

This edited collection, titled Bodies, Noise and Power in Industrial Music, delves into the industrial music genre, examining its significance in shaping (sub)cultural identities and the influence of technology on music production. With origins tracing back to the 1970s, industrial music is characterized by its intense and transgressive soundscapes, often accompanied by provocative imagery and themes centered around authority and control.

A critical aspect of this genre is its engagement with the body and the various power dynamics at play. The collection adopts an interdisciplinary approach, analyzing key themes such as the Body (animal, human, machine), Noise (rhythmic, harsh), and Power (authority, institutions, law) through the lens of industrial music. By scrutinizing elements like lyrics, aesthetics, music videos, songwriting, performance, and audience reception, the contributors provide insights into how these subjects intersect within the genre.

The carefully curated chapters offer a diverse and intersectional perspective, featuring contributions from Black industrial musicians and collaborations by Arabic and North African women. Instead of focusing solely on historical context, the authors explore the intricate aesthetics and discourses surrounding physical bodies and power dynamics as expressed in industrial music, thereby expanding the definition of 'industrial' and shifting the focus beyond the traditional white European narrative.