Main Artists Blondie

Elvis Costello and the Attractions

The Police

Ian Dury and the Blockheads

Talking Heads

Influence and info Successful in both America and the UK, they used a range of influences from rock and roll, through punk and reggae to disco, fronted by the sweet-yet-edgy vocals of Debbie Harry. In the song Heart of Glass, the disco influence includes use of a drum machine (plus real drums) and sequenced synthesiser. Elvis Costello was a singer-songwriter who went on to explore many different styles including country, folk and big-band jazz throughout the 1980s, 1990s and into the new millennium. His early punk-influenced material also took stylistic features of reggae and classic pop. One of the most successful of the new-wave bands, the Police used a lot of reggae influences as well as punk and power pop, with inventive guitar work from Andy Summers. Lead vocalist Sting enjoyed solo success as a major artist during the 1980s and 1990s. Again using a wide range of influences including funk, reggae and punk, Ian Durys witty and smart observational lyrics bear comparison to music-hall singers. The songs often have dramatic stylistic changes and sophisticated arrangements. A victim of polio in childhood, Dury caused outrage with his song Spasticus Autisticus, released in 1981 as a statement against the International Year of Disabled People. Like Blondie, a product of the CBGBs scene in New York, they used heavy funky grooves and electronica influences. A large band, with percussion and several guitars and keyboards. Experimental electronics musicians Brian Eno and Robert Fripp were involved in their early work. Lead singer David Byrne continues to write and perform, often exploring fusions of world music and other styles with funk-driven pop.