Spotted in the form of Bruno Mars’ groovy music videos, Sam Smith’s inflatable latex look, Harry Styles’ psychedelic multi-coloured sequined jumpsuit, Florence Welch’s long auburn waves and retro vibe, Briggs’ politically-charged lyrics, Pacific Avenue’s catchy guitar riffs, and Lana Del Rey’s vintage sound, musicians’ love of the 1970s has had a major resurgence.
Is this trend to anyone’s surprise? No, not particularly. The sweet, sweet Seventies had so much to offer – making many young people nostalgic for a time they didn’t even live through. But luckily for those too young to experience it themselves, these 10 special years have left a lasting mark on music and fashion history and the influence can still being heard, seen and felt half a century later.
With the highly anticipated novel-turned-series about fictional rock and roll band, Daisy Jones & The Six, premiering March 3 on Prime Video, we’re taking a deep dive into 70s revival. How the music, fashion and culture of the most influential decade is resurfacing in everyone’s favourite bands of today.
So, what is it about that era that’s so intoxicating? As told through the story of Daisy Jones (played by Riley Keough) and Billy Dune (Sam Claflin) as they navigate the Los Angeles music scene, it was a time of self-expression and rebellion against the mainstream.
It was the spirit of freedom and individuality that inspired many musicians to create some of the most iconic music of the era. The sound of the 70s – the disco, funk, soul, and rock – along with its fashion, culture and political movements, continues to be celebrated by artists today.
Aussie groups like Ocean Alley and Client Liaison have embraced retro culture in their music and style. From the Northern beaches of Sydney, indie-rock band Ocean Alley grew up listening to the classics their dads loved, like Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Bob Marley, and are now known for their irresistible 70s guitar rock.
Disco-faves Client Liaison, on the other hand, have embraced the fashion of the late 70s and early 80s era, with bold prints and glittering outfits. They’re not only paying homage to a significant era in music history, but creating a unique sound and style that is all their own.
The 70s was a decade of cultural transformation, with the Women’s Liberation Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, and the LGBTQIA+ Rights Movement all gaining momentum. The era was marked by a sense of liberation and creativity that’s now emulated by modern-day megastars like Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Harry Styles. Each known for pushing the boundaries through their flamboyant performances not unlike artists of the time David Bowie, Elton John and Queen.
Then there’s that vast, dreamy sound. Of course, the 70s saw the rise of some of music’s biggest icons, like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, and ABBA. Today, those same vintage synthesizers or disco-inspired beats can be heard by musicians flirting with old styles of production, like Tame Impala, The Weeknd and Daft Punk.
Haim, of course, is known for their Fleetwood Mac style guitar riffs and harmonies. And Florence and the Machine’s music has been praised for its theatricality and grandeur that harkens back to the glam-rock of the 1970s.
So, today’s biggest artists? Consider them #influenced. But when it comes to the 70s, the fictional world is a big fan too. Based on the best-selling New York Times novel, and produced by Reese Witherspoon’s production house Hello Sunshine, Daisy Jones & The Six will see the 70s revival in full swing. Their signature rock and roll drama, glamour and sound will come to life with the help of Marcus Mumford, Phoebe Bridgers and Jackson Browne, plus instrumentalists from Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Elton John, David Bowie and more.
When it comes to celebrating this defining decade, the moral of the story is this: Think less. Feel it all. Pleasure is everything. There are no limits. Because it’s too late to stop now – the 70s are here to stay, baby.
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Watch Daisy Jones & The Six March 3, only on Prime Video. See the trailer here.
