Nu Disco — a genre that combines 70s–80s disco with modern house. Discover its history, artists, and why it’s conquering dance floors again.
Nu Disco is a music genre that combines the energy of classic 70s–80s disco with elements of house, funk, and electronic music. It preserves the brightness, groove, and danceability of the original disco sound, while adding a touch of modern production and polish.
History and Origins
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The term Nu Disco emerged in the late 1990s and became established in the 2000s, when DJs and producers began reviving the spirit of disco through contemporary technology.
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The main goal was to bring back groove, live basslines, guitar riffs, and soulful vocals in an era dominated by EDM and minimalism.
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The genre flourished across Europe (France, Germany, the Netherlands) and became part of the French Touch 2.0 movement.
Sound Characteristics
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Tempo: 110–125 BPM — danceable but not too fast.
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Bass: fat, funky, and groove-driven.
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Instruments: synthesizers, vintage drum machines, guitars, and vocal samples.
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Vocals: often soulful, falsetto-driven, or featuring retro melodies.
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Production: modern sound design with vintage effects (reverb, phaser, tape saturation).
Notable Artists
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Breakbot, Purple Disco Machine, Chromeo, Flight Facilities, Duck Sauce, Tensnake, Daft Punk, Yuksek.
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In Russia and Eastern Europe — Moloko Vellocet, Simple Symmetry, Lipelis.
Influence and Popularity
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Nu Disco became a bridge between vintage aesthetics and modern dancefloors.
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It’s often featured at festivals, in lounge bars, trendy parties, and radio shows such as Defected and Glitterbox.
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The genre’s visual identity embraces retro-futurism, neon, vintage vinyls, and disco balls.
Nu Disco is a revival of glamour and positivity on the dancefloor — a sound that fuses nostalgia with modern energy, perfect for those who love disco but live in the 21st century.
