While arguments may ensue over people truly believing that their opinion is right, the beauty of steampunk is that theoretically, those living in a steampunk universe would have different styles and tastes just as we do in our own simulation.
What are the Main Influences Behind Steampunk Music?
There are a few common influences that are part of the music niche that is considered “Steampunk” by the general community. These will include synthetic pop, new wave, dark-wave, industrial, orchestral, ragtime, gothic, gypsy, folk, klezmer music, and more.
In fact, most music considered to be a part of the genre will have two or more of these themes throughout. Music may also include the sound of a ticking clock, steam, or other audio cues associated with steampunk.
Bands who want to be known as part of the genre will often also dress the part, donning steampunk costumes to match the feel of their music. They may also include instruments, like the accordion, that aren’t seen on an everyday basis to bring a little more mystery to the music. They may also mod their instruments to resemble the gothic-Victorian era.
Steampunk Bands
What sounds like “steampunk” to some may not sound like “steampunk” to others. Such is the reality of the musical experience that exists within imaginary universes. That being said, there are a few bands that have been influenced by steampunk and create music inspired by its elements.
Here is a list of six bands that are considered to be a part of the steampunk genre:
Abney Park
Based in Seattle, Washington, Abney Park is the one credited for creating the subculture around steampunk music. While they used to be a goth band, they dress in steampunk fashion and create music that seems to be a mishmash of Victorian, folk, sci-fi-themed, and a little bit of Celtic music all thrown in together. The band has released several albums and hundreds of songs.
The Men That Will Not Be Blamed for Nothing
With their name having Ripper origins, The Men That Will Not Be Named for Nothing has their feet securely set in the world of Victorian subculture. This British band is very creative and often dresses in Victorian attire. They incorporate many elements of metal and punk music into their tracks and lyrics.
Unextraordinary Gentlemen
Formed in 2005, Unextraordinary Gentlemen is a band that creates experimental music that is a mix between Victorian and industrial-style music. Like other steampunk bands, they have created their own unique back-story that blends the Old West with Victorian England, stating that the band members are travelers from another time and place. The songs are meant to be about this place.
The Dresden Dolls
The Dresden Dolls are one of the most well-known bands on this list and are known for making Kickstarter records in raising money for music, due to the connections that Amanda Palmer makes. The duo is from Boston and describes their music as “Brechtian punk cabaret.” They have a very unique sound and a good relationship with their fans, pushing them into further popularity.
Vernian Process
Vernian Process has been creating music since 2003. Their name comes from one of the first steampunk authors, Jules Verne, and they market themselves as a steampunk band. They blend together a lot of different genres to make their unique sound. Some include neoclassical, darkwave, gothic-rock, and ragtime.
Steam Powered Giraffe
The band Steam Powered Giraffe self-describes itself as “a musical act that combines robot pantomime, puppetry, ballet, comedy, projections, and music.” The band was created by David Michael Bennet and his twin, Isabella Bunny Bennett. In true steampunk fashion, they have created their own fictional mythology and Isabella has created several comic books about it.
Instrumental Steampunk Music
You can also find a lot of instrumental music that many consider is reminiscent of the genre. Here are a few songs and playlists that resonate with steampunk lovers:
Steampunk World by the Fletchers
This otherworldly playlist was created by Derek and Brandon Fiechter. It uses many elements that are reminiscent of dystopian films, Victorian music, and more. It has a steady rhythm through several of their tunes that keep you feeling as though you continually march forward.
You can also purchase their music on iTunes and Amazon.
Dark Steampunk Music by Ean Grimm and the Fiechters
If you are in a mood veiled by shadows, you may prefer this playlist made by the Fiechters and Ean Grimm. Like the other playlist mentioned above, the music has a dystopian feel but is played in a darker sense. It also has background sounds here and there that sound as though cogs are turning or chains are creaking.
Steampunk Opera Overture By Paul Shapera
This song was written as the opening number of a steampunk opera called The Dolls of New Albion. It has an otherworldly feel that draws you in. Not only does the music-box style captivate you but the background sounds will make you feel as though you are being transported to a new universe. The haunting notes will make you wonder if you truly want to visit it.
Clockwork by Philipp Klein
This song starts off with the sound of someone twisting the dials of a clock. The rest of the song showcases the sound of a ticking clock playing like a metronome in the background. The music begins slowly but continually builds to a dreamlike state. As new instrumentals are added, you will be carried by the music. Compared to many other titles on this list, this song is quite relaxing.
Time Will catch Me first by Peter Crowley
This song is aptly named. Starting out with the ticking of the clock, instrumental strings quickly take over at a fast pace. The background ticking never speeds up, but the music continually changes, bringing new energy to the song with every stanza, building on itself as though it truly is being chased. Even at the end of the song, the strings still seem to be running even as they fade.
Hell Shall Perish by Efisio Cross
If you love instrumental music, you are likely to love this song by Efisio Cross. The percussion keeps you grounded while the music swells and carries you. The vocals add enough to make you feel as though you are in a story that fuses both fantasy and the industrial period. The song is truly a masterpiece.