Was (Not Was)
Eccentric Detroit funk meets beat poetry and surrealist soul. A kaleidoscopic blend of danceable grooves and sharp, absurdist social commentary for the thinking dancer.
Eccentric Detroit funk meets beat poetry and surrealist soul. A kaleidoscopic blend of danceable grooves and sharp, absurdist social commentary for the thinking dancer.
Founded in 1979 by David Weiss and Don Fagenson, Was (Not Was) represents one of the most intellectually ambitious acts to emerge from the Detroit scene. While Don Was would go on to become a titan of traditionalist production, this project was his playground for 'mutant disco' and post-punk experimentation.
The band's sound identity is defined by the contrast between the gritty, authentic R&B vocals of Harry Bowens and Sweet Pea Atkinson and the surrealist, often satirical lyrics penned by David Was. Their career arc saw them move from the avant-garde Ze Records stable to global pop stardom with the hit 'Walk the Dinosaur', though they never abandoned their penchant for the bizarre. Culturally, they occupy a space similar to Tom Tom Club or Kid Creole, bridging the gap between underground art-rock and mainstream dance music. Their influence is felt in the 'alternative R&B' movements that value eccentricity as much as soulfulness. Critical consensus views them as a rare example of a band that could be genuinely funny and musically formidable at the same time.
Shares funk, dance-pop, new wave (subgenres); maximalist, studio_polished, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares urban_night, late_night, dive_bar (atmosphere); art pop, dance-pop, new wave (subgenres)
Shares funk, art pop, dance-pop (subgenres); maximalist, studio_polished (production style)
Shares urban_night, late_night, dive_bar (atmosphere); maximalist, studio_polished, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares maximalist, studio_polished, analog_warmth (production style); playful, bittersweet, rebellious (moods)
Shares maximalist, studio_polished, sample_based (production style); art pop, contemporary r&b, new wave (subgenres)
Shares urban_night, late_night, dive_bar (atmosphere); bass, saxophone, drum machine (instrumentation)
Shares art pop, bass, funk, maximalist (signature)
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