Level 42 Members, Gear & Sound
Members
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About
Level 42 is a British band celebrated for their unique blend of jazz-funk, pop, and new wave, having emerged as a dominant force in the 1980s music scene. Formed in 1979 on the Isle of Wight, the group originally consisted of Mark King (bass, vocals), known for his distinctive thumb-slap bass technique; Phil Gould (drums); Boon Gould (guitar); and Mike Lindup (keyboards, vocals). Level 42's sound evolved from their jazz-funk roots to incorporate more pop and dance-rock elements, leading to global hits like "Something About You" and "Lessons in Love". Over the years, they have undergone several lineup changes, with musicians like Alan Murphy (guitar) and Gary Husband (drums) joining the fold.
How to Sound Like Level 42
Level 42's sound is characterized by its dynamic bass lines and polished, danceable grooves, often underpinned by Mark King's virtuoso bass playing and Mike Lindup's lush keyboard textures. Their music balances rhythmic precision with melodic sophistication, creating a sound that is both accessible and richly layered. The band's use of synthesizers and effects processors, such as the Roland SDD-320 Dimension D, adds depth and space to their arrangements, while King's use of Status The KingBass Mk II brings a crisp and punchy low end. The resulting sound is clean yet vibrant, with an unmistakable flair that bridges the gap between funk and pop, inviting musicians to explore the intricate interplay of rhythm and melody that defines Level 42's timeless appeal.
Discography
Level 42
1981
The Early Tapes (Expanded Edition)
1982
The Pursuit Of Accidents (Expanded Edition)
1982
Standing In The Light
1983
True Colours (Expanded Version)
1984
World Machine
1985
A Physical Presence
1985
Running In The Family
1987
Staring At The Sun
1988
Forever Now
1994
Live at Reading Concert Hall 2001
2001
Retroglide (Remastered)
2006
Live In Holland 2009
2009
The Acoustic Album
2010
1980 - 2010 (30th Anniversary World Tour)
2010
Running in the Family: Acoustic Re-interpretations 25 Years On
2013
Sirens Tour Live
2015
Eternity Tour 2018
2018
12" Singles And Mixes
2022
7" Singles
2022
B-Sides
2022
Bonus Tracks
2022
Live in Switzerland (Remastered 2023)
2023
Get the Level 42 Sound
Want to sound like Level 42? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
