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ScotlandMusic TechnologyQuick questions
Developing Understanding of 20th and 21st Century Music
Quick questions on Electronic and contemporary genres: synth pop, dance, hip hop, R&B - SQA Higher Music Technology
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is synth pop?Show answer
Synth pop (especially 1980s) is pop made with synthesisers and drum machines in place of guitars and live drums. Its features are electronic timbres (synth leads, pads and bass), programmed drum-machine beats, catchy melodic hooks and a clean, produced sound. It shows the synthesiser and drum machine reshaping mainstream pop. Hear it by the electronic sounds carrying a pop song.
What is contemporary R&B?Show answer
Contemporary R&B (rhythm and blues) is smooth, soul-derived vocal pop: expressive, often melismatic singing over programmed beats, lush synth and keyboard textures, a prominent bass, and polished, layered production. It frequently overlaps with hip hop and pop. Hear it by the smooth soulful vocal over modern programmed production.
What is q1?Show answer
What production features tell you a track is an electronic dance style? [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
How are the vocals delivered in hip hop, and what backs them? [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
What distinguishes synth pop from earlier pop? [2 marks]
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