How MTV Improved Music in the 80’s

August 1, 1981, marked a pivotal moment for music in the 80’s, as it represents the day that Music Television went live, and forever changed the music industry.

MTV played a crucial role in developing music in the 80’s, as it redefined pop culture and entertainment forever. For the first time, you could listen to your favorite music, visually. The iconic debut of MTV opened with the song Video Killed the Radio Star by the Buggles. With the help of musicians across the country, MTV redefined music in the 80’s.

The cultural phenomenon that followed, transformed the way that music in the 80’s was marketed to the public. It also gave way to all new genres, stars, and of course, fashion trends. After all, MTV didn’t just play music, rather it shaped the cultural landscape of the decade.

MTV Was Born

The early 1980s were a time of rapid change both socially and technologically. Cable television was becoming more popular, and began to offer viewers more channels and options than had ever been available before. The music industry was also booming with a wide variety of different sounds from pop, punk, rock, and hip-hop. The combination of music and television was a natural evolution in the entertainment industry.

It’s important to remember that the 1970s dealt with an oil crisis. Most people simply did not have any disposable income throughout the 70s. The world was consumed and people just wanted to listen and experience music. Musical videos had existed prior to the 1980s. But, thanks to the economic expansion that followed the oil crisis, there was an increased demand for new ways to listen to and experience music in the 80’s. MTV capitalized on these cultural shifts and created a platform that catered to the new, younger generation.

MTV – Fashionable Music in the 80’s

There is no question that MTV played a pivotal role in changing both the youth culture and fashion of the 80s.

The Rise of the Music in the 80’s

MTV simply revolutionized the music industry by making music videos an essential element to any artist’s success. Prior to the launch of MTV, music videos were used as a promotional tool and were rarely seen by mass audiences. But after the launch, and its 24/7 format music videos became essential to musicians. And, artists like Michael Jackson, Duran Duran, and Madonna made use of this new media to elevate their careers.

In 1983, Michael Jackson released Thriller, which set a benchmark for what music videos could be. He created the official video for the song in cinematic style, blending music and storytelling together. The concept was groundbreaking and it helped propel him to the top of the charts.

Music videos were no longer a simple marketing tool, rather they were something that could make or break a musician’s career. MTV’s influence over the videos that were shown, could determine the trajectory of an artist’s career. And, it was the visual component that fueled MTV’s decision to play the videos.

The 80’s Youth Culture

Although adults also loved to watch MTV, the channel was marketed primarily to teenagers and young adults. In fact, it is because of MTV’s focus on the 80s youth culture that VH1 was able to make its way into the market. Of course, one of the biggest innovations that MTV offered music in the 80’s, was the introduction of a VJ. Video jockeys played a crucial role in the success of the channel. As a result, VJs like Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, and Martha Quinn were also propelled to stardom.

This focus on youth culture also extended to MTV’s programming, with a focus on shows like MTV Unplugged as well as Headbangers Ball. They catered to a niche audience within the alternative and rock music scenes. MTV gave a voice to the younger generation who craved rebellion, creativity, and authenticity with music in the 80’s.

Fashion and Pop Culture

fashion became a crucial part of the music culture. With musicians like Prince and Madonna getting extended play time on the channel, their fashion styles influenced what the younger generation war. In no time, teens across the country were wearing Madonna’s punk-inspired lace gloves or Michael Jackson’s signature red leather jacket. You couldn’t go to school without seeing at least one of your classmates dressed up like Michael Jackson from the Thriller video.

Because of the way that MTV emerged from the different forms of entertainment of the decade, they made it impossible to distinguish pop stars from their fashion. It was no longer just about how well an artist could see or play, rather it was how good they looked on the stage.

Who Helped Make Music in the 80’s a Success

Michael Jackson played a pivotal role in MTV’s success. While other musicians were creating amazing music videos, he took a step further. In releasing his official music videos for Thriller and Billie Jean, he set a whole new standard for production and storytelling. The cinematic approach to music videos resulted in Thriller Being over 14 Minutes Long.

MTV also gave a platform for new genres which helped to catapult artists into the limelight. During the 80s we saw bands like Duran Duran and artists like David Bowie being pushed into the mainstream. It was also a time when hip-hop was just beginning, and MTV gave artists like Run-DMC a place where fashion, music, and celebrity all collided. Yo! MTV Raps was an instant success.

How MTV Defined Generations

MTV changed an entire generation, shaping how music was consumed and how culture was experienced. The channel provided people with a new way of experiencing entertainment that was fast-paced, visual, and global. The very first time, people could watch the same music videos no matter where they lived, and share that cultural experience. MTV expanded beyond North America, creating channels and countries all around the globe. Today, MTV still plays a pivotal role in helping artists reach their audience.

Conclusion

1981 wasn’t just a milestone in music television, it was an entire cultural revolution. The channel helped to reshape how music was experienced by people all around the globe, by creating a one-stop shop for all of the youth culture’s needs. The trends and innovations that were sparked by the channel back in the 80s, still play an influential role in today’s entertainment landscape.