Könsrock
Könsrock (Swedish for Genitalia rock) is a Swedish music genre characterized by off-color humor, dealing with subjects such as handicapped people, disorders and diseases, homosexuality, and nazism, often with strong elements of toilet humor.
| Könsrock | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | late-1970s Sweden |
| Typical instruments |
|
History
Könsrock was created in the late 1970s, with origins in punk rock.[1] Two important earlier influences were Johnny Bode, who released three records in the '60s and '70s with songs containing explicit sexual lyrics, and Eddie Meduza, also known for songs with off-color and often sexual lyrics. Neither of them are considered to be part of the könsrock genre proper, due to not working in a punk rock style.
Onkel Kånkel and his Kånkelbär
Onkel Kånkel and his Kånkelbär are often considered to have created the könsrock genre.
Tunnan och Moroten
In 1994 Tunnan och Moroten (The Trashcan and The Carrot) began making music together. Early songs were released as Amiga modules, but since the late 1990s, they have incorporated guitar and drums. In the late 1990s, songs in MP3 format began circulating on the internet, and Bajs i bastun was released in 1998, becoming one of their most famous songs. There are now eight albums. On the later releases, synth, bass, electric guitar, and drums are used, together with influences from chip music.
Characteristics
Könsrock is commonly produced using the same line-up as punk rock, often including post-punk influences with drum machines, keyboards, and other electronic devices. Some bands use heavily distorted instrument similar to extreme punk, and some use a more experimental sound deliberately made to sound unpleasant. The lyrics are usually offensive and deal with topics such as paedophilia, obscenity, feces, drugs, violence, and handicapped people.[1][2] Könsrock has been popular in schools in Sweden and has on some occasions caused public outrage.[3]
References
Footnotes and sources
- some newspaper articles about Onkel Kånkel and könsrock (in Swedish)
- a reportage about könsrock in swedish radio (in Swedish)