Kraftwerk Set The Model For Electronic Drum Kits

Some artists manage to transcend the genre of music they make and stand as an example of their own unique sound. A perfect example of this would have to be Kraftwerk, the German music pioneers who changed the face of electronic music. Without Kraftwerk, it would be very hard to imagine what electronic music would be like, because the influence of this act has been incredible. It has to be remembered that they developed and constructed their own electronic drum kits to give them as much control as possible over their music.

The technology behind electronic drum kits has come a very long way since Kraftwerk were constructing their own, but many of the features used by the band are still used today. This indicates their technical know-how and ability in addition to their great musical talent. However, it is for their musical talent that they should always be remembered above all else because Kraftwerk are one of the greatest bands to have come along. Although sometimes viewed as cold and heartless, the electronic music of the band draws on some of the sunnier moments of the Beach Boys output, but puts it in a European context.

It is important to remember where Kraftwerk hailed from, emerging from the generation of European youngsters who had next to no knowledge of the war. They did not carry the level of concern that their parents' generation would carry and this meant there was a greater desire for fun and freedom for this generation. Making your own electronic drum kits may not sound like the most entertaining of activities, but considering that it provided Kraftwerk with the ability to have full control over their music, it was probably one of the most liberating activities the band members undertook during their time together.

The legacy of Kraftwerk is very much alive and albums like "Autobahn", "Radio-Activity", "Trans Europe Express", "The Man Machine" and "Computer World" are amongst the most loved electronic albums of all time. Even bands who have very little electronic soul about them, like Coldplay, acknowledge the influence of the group - with Coldplay basing their hit single "Talk" around the refrain of "Computer Love". This can only help in bringing the music and influence of Kraftwerk to new fans and there is no doubt of this group's legacy being diminished over time. The electronic drum kits remain distinguishable from so many of their peers but the influence is easy to spot.

For most people, the biggest Kraftwerk hit has to be "The Model", a song which reached the upper levels of the pop charts, a feat that probably surprised the group as much as it did many people. The song has been the obvious choice for any TV show or film that wants to showcase the life of models, helping the group to find new fans all the time. Electronic drum kits are just a small part of the legacy that Kraftwerk will leave behind for music lovers but there will hopefully be more music and live performances to come from these musical pioneers.