Minneapolis sound

The Minneapolis sound is a derivative form of Synth Funk that emerged in Minneapolis, Minnesota during the late 1970s. The style was predominantly pioneered by Prince, and due to his influence, achieved enormous popularity during the 1980s. The Minneapolis sound grew out of traditional Funk and synth funk sounds, including danceable, definitive rhythm sections, use of extended chords, and heavy utilization of synthesizers and drum machines. However, the Minneapolis sound is distinct amongst those aforementioned genres by incorporating the smooth, glossy production techniques and romantic (occasionally sexually-charged) lyrical motifs heard in Disco and Contemporary R&B music. Rhythm sections, although still highly emphasized, are often less syncopated than in typical funk music, and are instead influenced by the jolting arrangements heard in Synthpop and New Wave. Additionally, the Minneapolis sound places a much greater emphasis on electric guitar textures compared to conventional synth funk.