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I'd like to write a few words about my favourite genre: eurobeat! I hope you'll find this interesting and use this thread for eurobeat-related discussions. I truly believe that it's a genre that suffers from its obscurity and that it has a lot of potential fans just waiting to be pulled in!

Introduction

What is eurobeat?

Eurobeat, in the easiest of terms, is dance music created by Italians but with some differences. Eurobeat is extremely focused on melody, and a melody has the potential to make or break a song. It is different in that it relies on two key parts that are repeated throughout the song in order to hook the listener, these two parts are called the "Riff" and the chorus or "sabi". The riff can be compared to the main riff of a rock or metal song, as it's a major part of the song's identity and it's often the part it's most remembered for. Riffs can vary widely, but most of the time will feature several brass synths playing chords in rapid succession, or a combination of bells and synths playing a series of single notes to form the melody.

Example of a chord riff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMNRoApV5T0#t=0m38s

Example of a single-note riff http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATej38Z3wbg#t=0m46s

Labels

Hi-NRG and it's offspring eurobeat have been around since the 80's, and in that time several labels have formed, all creating their own sound within eurobeat as well as housing popular artists and aliases. Here's a brief rundown on the more prominent labels.

A-Beat C

Popular Acts: Dave Rodgers, Domino, Lolita, Norma Sheffield, Powerful T.

A-Beat C is one of the older labels, joining the main eurobeat compilation series in volume 9 and continuing to pump out unreleased material while the new label Sun Fire sails along. A-Beat C sports a very classic and varied sound, and after a while you'll easily be able to tell which song Dave Rodgers has been involved in.

A-Beat C song example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pYbhOVDAkw

Delta

Popular Acts: Mako, Max Coveri, Cherry, Leslie Parrish, Niko, Kevin Johnson

Delta was introduced into Super Eurobeat (main eurobeat compilation series) in volume 64 after having been started by producers Laurent Newfield, Bratt Sinclaire (not their real names) and singer/songwriter Clara Moroni (a.k.a Cherry, Leslie Parrish etc etc.) They have enjoyed massive success over the years with songs such as Night of Fire and Running in the 90's. Point is, if you've watched Initial D, you've already heard several Delta classics.

Delta song example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzCwoq_IdQw

Time

Popular Acts: Helena, Rose, Maio & Co., Symbol

The oldest of the old. Although Time seem to be done with eurobeat entirely, they've left a big mark on the genre. You can expect their songs to be love-themed and a bit sentimental. Time is also known for their group of talented artists and producers, some of who went on to found new labels, Delta being only one of them.

Time song example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEaZVVMtufA

Hi-NRG Attack

Popular Acts: Franz Tornado, Cy-Ro, Jee Bee, Cindy

Although they've been around for a while, this label didn't enter SEB until the 140's. Hi-NRG Attack is known for its odd and creative style, often using animal sounds in their songs as well as themes involving russians, bazookas, vodka and balalaika. One of the more memorable and crazy labels, for sure.

Hi-NRG Attack song example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIjf13GmMTI

SCP (Stefano Castagna Productions)

Popular Acts: Fastway, Ace, Go 2, Christine, Pamsy

One of the newer labels already established as a potent eurobeat force. They're daring, willing to take risks and like to experiment with eurobeat, walking the line between eurobeat and whatever the hell is on the other side.

SCP song example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaWSzqONfbI

Dima Music

Popular Acts: David Dima, Dream Fighters, Stephy Martin

Dima Music is another recent label created by industry veteran David Dima (Davide Di Marcantonio.) Here you can expect good old-fashioned eurobeat without compromise.

Dima Music song example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U96KdKxmBLw

Sinclaire Style

Popular Acts: Dejo, Bon, Megan, Les, Ducky Chix

Yet another new label! This time by the man that brought you Night of Fire, Bratt Sinclaire. Bratt brings his traditional sounds but expands it multiple times and lately he's been dominating the SEB with instant hits. Keep an eye out for this guy.

Sinclaire Style song example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqwonwhxblI

A Little Something Called Hi-NRG

Before eurobeat evolved and became faster and more aggressive, it went under the name "Hi-NRG". In this genre you will find that the eurobeat formula is largely intact, but in a slower format. The slowness allows the percussion some room to shine, and you'll often hear claps, cowbells and all sorts of good stuff. Some someone used to eurobeat it's not easy to get into, but if you end up liking it it's an absolute joy to listen to!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw1Bwh0yqFE Mario Ross - More Illusions (SEB 14) Old Dave Rodgers alias

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xukAQvzcJng Phil & Stan - Play The Game (SEB 7)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc4cycBoJk8 Annerley Gordon - Donna (SEB 13, classic A-Beat C alias)

Where Can I Read More?

I recommend http://eurobeat-prime.com/

It hosts plenty of information about the history of eurobeat, its labels and the artists. It also has a comprehensive database on many eurobeat compilations as well as more obscure albums. There's also a fairly active forum where more info can be found, as well as user reviews of albums.

There's a lot more to read beside all the stuff written here. There's a wikipedia page on eurobeat that's an interesting read as well.

So Where Can I Get Eurobeat?


http://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=42331 This place has the most of what's released and more than enough for any eurobeat beginner.

I hope this post has been an enjoyable read and that will at least consider giving eurobeat a try! I'll answer all the questions I can