Krautrock Music

Krautrock Music Description

Krautrock is a musical genre emerged in the late 1960s, mainly represented by groups from West Germany. It is a general term used for bands playing experimental, partly electronic type of music. Krautrock is originally a subgenre to the progressive rock, but instead of adding components of jazz and classical music (as happened in US and UK), the German musicians created a more mechanical and electronic sound.

The word "krautrock" was coined by the English music press, and was initially insulting as the word kraut was slang for a German person, referring to the German dish "sauerkraut". The negative connotation dissappeared as the music made by these bands since then was highly appreciated. Today, the word is honoring rather than insulting.

Typical krautrock bands in the early 1970s were Amon Düül II, Tangerine Dream, Faust, Can and other bands associated with the Cologne-based producer Conny Plank, like Neu!, Kraftwerk and Cluster. The composer Karlheinz Stockhausen also had influence on this experimental scene.

Contribute to this style page