Neu! Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Neu! band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Neu! is a pioneering German band formed in Düsseldorf in 1971, consisting of Klaus Dinger (drums, vocals) and Michael Rother (guitar, keyboards). Emerging from the influential Krautrock scene, Neu! carved out a distinctive niche with their innovative blend of art rock, space rock, and experimental music. Both members were originally part of Kraftwerk, but they ventured out to explore more avant-garde soundscapes. Their music is marked by driving, repetitive rhythms, famously known as the "motorik" beat, and an atmospheric blend of ambient and psychedelic elements, making them a crucial influence on the development of genres like punk and electronic music.
How to Sound Like Neu!
Neu!'s sound is characterized by hypnotic, driving rhythms and euphoric ambient textures, creating a sonic palette that's both elemental and exploratory. Their compositions often feature clean yet haunting guitar lines, as seen with Michael Rother’s use of the Fender Mustang Electric Guitar, which delivers sharp, resonant tones. This is complemented by the warm, analog textures of the Roland RE-201 Space Echo, which adds a lush, expansive dimension to their soundscapes. The band's approach to rhythm, particularly Klaus Dinger's "motorik" drumming, provides a relentless forward momentum that anchors their ethereal and experimental musical explorations. Neu!’s music is a masterclass in balancing repetition with subtle dynamism, inviting musicians to explore the interplay between rhythm, texture, and atmosphere.
Discography
Get the Neu! Sound
Want to sound like Neu!? 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.
