Information Society: Pioneers of Synthpop and Electronic Dance
Information Society is an American synthpop and electronic dance music band that emerged from the Minneapolis music scene. The group achieved mainstream success in the late 1980s, most notably with their platinum-certified self-titled album which spawned several major hit singles.
Early career
Information Society formed in Minneapolis in 1982, founded by vocalist and songwriter Kurt Harland. The band's early sound was heavily influenced by new wave and the burgeoning electro and hip-hop scenes, leading to a series of self-released cassettes. Their independent single "Running" gained traction in underground clubs, eventually catching the attention of Tommy Boy Records.
Breakthrough
The band's major breakthrough arrived in 1988 with the release of their debut album, "Information Society," on Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. Records. Propelled by innovative music videos on MTV, the album reached number 31 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum, selling over one million copies in the United States.
Key tracks
What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy) — This track became the band's signature hit, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and defining their blend of catchy pop with synthesized beats.
Walking Away — Another top-ten pop hit from their debut album, this song showcased their knack for melodic hooks within an electronic framework.
Think — This single further cemented their chart presence, highlighting their use of sampled dialogue from science fiction media, a recurring theme in their work.
Running — The earlier, re-recorded version of this song became a dance club staple and a top 40 pop hit, bridging their indie origins with mainstream success.
The band experienced lineup changes after their initial peak, with Harland remaining the constant creative force. They released subsequent albums like "Hack" in 1990 and "Don't Be Afraid" in 1992, exploring industrial and world music influences before a hiatus. Information Society re-emerged in the 2000s, actively recording and touring, and released new studio albums including "Synthesizer" in 2014 and "ODDfellows" in 2023, maintaining their core electronic sound. Their music is frequently featured on classic 80s FM stations, retro synthpop online radio streams, and dedicated alternative dance music stations. For fans of the era, similar artists include Pet Shop Boys for their sophisticated synthpop songcraft. New Order shares the fusion of electronic dance rhythms with pop melodies. Depeche Mode explores darker electronic textures and themes. The Human League represents another pioneering group in merging pure pop with synthesizers.
Information Society's catalog remains in regular rotation across multiple radio formats featured on our network. Listeners can discover the enduring appeal of Information Society's electronic music through the dedicated radio stations available on onairium.com.
