Information Society, the Minneapolis-based electronic music trio, emerged from the vibrant 1980s synth-pop scene with a sound that blended a dance-floor sensibility with a futuristic, almost cyberpunk aesthetic. The band, consisting of Kurt Harland, Paul Robb, and James Cassidy, carved out a unique space for themselves with their infectious grooves and a lyrical depth that often touched on technology, isolation, and social commentary. Their most recognizable hit, "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)," became an anthem of the late '80s, its driving beat and samples of Leonard Nimoy's Spock resonating with a generation captivated by sci-fi and a burgeoning digital world.
At the heart of their distinctive sound were the synthesizers they employed to craft their sonic landscapes. The band's early work and demos, like many of their contemporaries, were built around affordable and accessible gear. The Roland JX-3P, a programmable polyphonic synth, was a key piece of their arsenal. Known for its warm pads and sharp leads, it provided a solid foundation for their melodic structures. Another crucial tool was the Korg Poly-61, a six-voice polyphonic synth that, despite its more modest features compared to higher-end models, was capable of producing the lush, ethereal textures that became a hallmark of their sound.
As their success grew, so did their studio setup, allowing them to incorporate more sophisticated and powerful machines. The E-mu Emax, a sampler keyboard, played a pivotal role in the creation of "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)." It was on this machine that they were able to manipulate and sequence the famous Spock samples, giving the song its iconic, futuristic feel. The Emax also allowed them to incorporate other unique sounds and percussive elements, adding layers of complexity to their tracks. The Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, a legendary polysynth known for its rich, analog sound and powerful modulation capabilities, also made its way into their studio. The Prophet-5’s distinct character can be heard on many of their later tracks, providing a more robust and expressive foundation for their arrangements.
In the studio, the band's creative process was a blend of meticulous programming and improvisation. They were not simply playing notes; they were building sonic architectures, carefully sculpting each sound to fit the mood and message of the song. The Yamaha DX7, with its groundbreaking FM synthesis, was another instrument that found its way into their workflow, contributing its characteristic bell-like tones and complex, metallic textures. Beyond the synths, the band also relied on drum machines like the Roland TR-808, a cornerstone of electronic dance music. The 808's fat kick drums and sharp snares were integral to their dance-floor-ready beats, providing the rhythmic pulse that propelled their music forward.
The legacy of Information Society is not just in their hit songs, but in their pioneering use of technology to create a sound that was both commercially successful and artistically ambitious. They demonstrated that electronic music could be more than just a passing trend; it could be a vehicle for storytelling and a reflection of the modern condition. The synths they used were not just tools but collaborators, each with its own personality, helping to define a sound that remains as relevant and forward-thinking today as it was in the late 1980s. Their music stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between human creativity and the machines that help bring it to life.