A style of rock music that emerged in England in the late 80s that featured blisteringly loud and dreamily reverberated feedback. Recently revived by electronic bands like M83 and Ulrich Schnauss.
by Corey February 22, 2005
A genre originating in 80s England, now international. Defined by highly distorted guitars, and vocals, usually high-and-breathless or low in the mix, sometimes absent.
A psychedelic style, but not "trippy" psychedelic, more a dreamy, distant feel.
Pioneeered by My Bloody Valentine, but few bands actually sound like them anymore.
Loud guitars and quiet vocals is a usual dynamic.
Shoegaze is defined by a certain guitar sound, so electronic bands such as M83would NOT be considered shoegaze, but could fit into the related genre of dreampop
A psychedelic style, but not "trippy" psychedelic, more a dreamy, distant feel.
Pioneeered by My Bloody Valentine, but few bands actually sound like them anymore.
Loud guitars and quiet vocals is a usual dynamic.
Shoegaze is defined by a certain guitar sound, so electronic bands such as M83would NOT be considered shoegaze, but could fit into the related genre of dreampop
by WarGoatForestWolf666 April 13, 2010
by eparx November 12, 2004
shoegazing is a form of art. this art-form is achieved by playing an electric guitar and using a pedal board, though a big muff pedal is really all that is required. one who shoegazes will generally play their guitar with an extreme reverb and sustain while turning the knobs on their pedal(s) with their feet to create a "wall of sound". thus they are staring at the pedal(s) and eloquently changing the sound constantly, there of. this sound is obnoxious to those who do not enjoy what is known as the "drone" that the shoegaze sound is famous for. "droning" is what renowned shoegazers are known best for. the tempo is typically 120 bpm but the effect that is achieved overall is a very psychedelic wash. the listener is more often then not inebriated when listening to shoegaze. when shoegazing, the musician is often lost in a trance in which the sound and the musician are all that exist on the planet. high volume is a must. though the true sound of shoegazing is not loved by most, those who tend to "space out" on a regular basis find a love for it very quickly. check out my bloody valentine, the jesus and mary chain, the pains of being pure at heart, and other related bands to get a true example of this form of music.
"holy shit! that guy is shoegazing like mad! i'm only on LSD but i also feel like i'm rolling face before God himself!"
"this shoegaze isn't working for me. let's go listen to dubstep."
wesley - you wanna shoegaze?
tallon - fuck yeah. i'm getting my nod on right now and that big muff is calling me.
wesley - well fuck, dude. let me finish this drink and i'll play a groove. we'll gaze all day.
tallon - wanna get some doses?
wesley - it wouldn't be the same without it.
"this shoegaze isn't working for me. let's go listen to dubstep."
wesley - you wanna shoegaze?
tallon - fuck yeah. i'm getting my nod on right now and that big muff is calling me.
wesley - well fuck, dude. let me finish this drink and i'll play a groove. we'll gaze all day.
tallon - wanna get some doses?
wesley - it wouldn't be the same without it.
by space-cadet September 25, 2011
The music and followers of post 1990's psychedelic music, especially that which is repetitive and droning. Derived from drug music's effect of causing the stoned listener or musician to just stand there with their head hung down staring at their shoes. Sometimes characterized by phase-shifting or echoed guitars and can be used to describe the fans or the music. Could be used to describe bands such as Spacemen 3, My Bloody Valentine, Cocteau Twins, Verve, et al.
by MrRockandRoll May 1, 2004
by Spinch666 March 24, 2021
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