Introduction
When you think of 1980s music, bands like Depeche Mode, New Order, and The Cure might come to mind. But nestled among these electronic music pioneers is a band that not only embraced the era’s unique musical innovations but also broke boundaries in fashion and culture: Information Society. Best known for their synth-driven hits like “What’s on Your Mind (Pure Energy),” Information Society is much more than just another new wave band. They became cultural icons, blending their music with cutting-edge technology and a bold sense of fashion. Today, their influence is still visible in the fashion and music industry.
This article delves into how Information Society defined an era, the fusion of music and technology that made them stand out, and their long-lasting impact on fashion.
The Rise of Information Society: Pioneers of Synthpop
Information Society (often abbreviated as InSoc) emerged in the early 1980s, during the height of the new wave movement. Formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the group was initially a part of the local underground scene before breaking into mainstream success with their self-titled debut album in 1988. The band’s core members, Kurt Harland, Paul Robb, and James Cassidy, brought together an eclectic mix of influences, blending synthpop, industrial, and freestyle music.
What made Information Society stand out from the crowded new wave scene was their commitment to technology. They were not just musicians but also technophiles, experimenting with the latest synthesizers, samplers, and computer-generated sounds. Their innovative approach to music production helped them create a distinctive sound, characterized by clean synth lines, robotic beats, and infectious hooks.
The band’s technological prowess became their signature, a fact that is most evident in their hit single “What’s on Your Mind (Pure Energy).” The song samples a line from the TV series Star Trek and is punctuated by pulsating electronic rhythms, making it an anthem for the tech-savvy youth of the late 1980s. In a sense, Information Society was more than a band—they were a reflection of the digital age that was on the horizon.
Fashion as an Extension of Their Identity
In addition to their musical innovations, Information Society also made waves in the fashion world. The 1980s were a time of flamboyant fashion, with styles that included neon colors, oversized blazers, and experimental haircuts. While many bands embraced these trends, Information Society took it a step further by incorporating futuristic and technological elements into their look.
Their fashion choices were not merely an afterthought but a carefully curated part of their identity. The band members often sported sleek, industrial outfits, including metallic fabrics, leather, and cyberpunk-inspired accessories. They played with the idea of humans merging with machines, a theme that resonated deeply with their music and the era’s fascination with technology.
Kurt Harland, the lead vocalist, was especially known for his avant-garde fashion sense. He would often wear black trench coats, mirrored sunglasses, and silver accents, creating a futuristic persona that matched the band’s music. This unique blend of tech and fashion set Information Society apart from other new wave acts, as they embodied the idea of “man meets machine.”
Breaking Gender Norms and Fashion Boundaries
One of the most notable aspects of Information Society’s fashion sense was its defiance of gender norms. While many male musicians of the time embraced traditional masculine aesthetics, Information Society embraced a more androgynous and fluid style. This was especially evident in their use of makeup, which was often bold and theatrical. Kurt Harland would wear eyeliner and dark lipstick, challenging conventional notions of male fashion and blurring the lines between masculinity and femininity.
This fearless approach to self-expression made Information Society style icons for the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups who found liberation in their rejection of gender norms. By pushing the boundaries of fashion, the band became a symbol of freedom and individuality, encouraging fans to express themselves however they saw fit.
A Band Perfectly Timed for the Tech Revolution
Information Society didn’t just ride the wave of the technological revolution—they helped define it. Their use of cutting-edge electronic instruments and computer systems to produce music positioned them as early adopters of tech culture. This was a time when personal computers were still relatively new, and the internet was in its infancy. For many fans, Information Society was their first glimpse into the future of music and media.
Their album artwork, stage performances, and music videos often reflected their love of science fiction and cyberpunk aesthetics. Music videos like “Running” and “Think” featured dystopian themes, with the band members playing roles as cybernetic beings navigating futuristic landscapes. These visuals mirrored the fashion choices of the band, which blended leather, latex, and cyberpunk gear in a way that seemed straight out of a sci-fi novel.
This commitment to technology also manifested itself in their live performances. Information Society was among the first bands to use MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) technology to synchronize their live shows with pre-recorded tracks, creating a seamless, futuristic concert experience. Their live shows were not just concerts but multimedia experiences, with synchronized lights, video screens, and cutting-edge sound systems.
The Fashion Legacy of Information Society
While Information Society’s influence on music is well-documented, their impact on fashion has also been profound, especially in alternative and electronic scenes. The cyberpunk and industrial fashion trends that gained prominence in the 1990s can be traced back to bands like Information Society, who embraced these aesthetics long before they became mainstream.
In today’s fashion world, echoes of Information Society’s style can be seen in the rise of futuristic and tech-inspired designs. Designers like Rick Owens, Alexander McQueen, and Gareth Pugh have incorporated cyberpunk and dystopian themes into their collections, reflecting the same spirit of rebellion and innovation that Information Society embodied in the 1980s.
Even outside of high fashion, streetwear brands have embraced elements of industrial and cyber-inspired fashion, with metallic fabrics, tech gadgets, and futuristic accessories becoming popular in urban fashion circles. Information Society may not have set out to become fashion icons, but their fearless experimentation with clothing and style made them trendsetters in ways that still resonate today.
Conclusion: A Band Ahead of Their Time
Information Society was more than just a band that produced synthpop hits; they were cultural trailblazers. Through their music, they helped bridge the gap between the human and the digital, and through their fashion, they challenged norms and embraced the future. Their unique blend of music, technology, and fashion made them icons of the 1980s and cemented their legacy as one of the most innovative acts of their time.
In an era when technology and self-expression are more intertwined than ever, Information Society’s forward-thinking approach to both music and fashion continues to inspire new generations of artists and designers. They were pioneers, not just of synthpop, but of an entire aesthetic that blended man, machine, and style into one unforgettable package.
