New Order Members, Gear & Sound
UK synth pop band
Members
Select a New Order band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
New Order is a pioneering English band born from the remnants of the iconic post-punk group Joy Division. Formed in 1980 in Manchester, the group initially consisted of Bernard Sumner (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Peter Hook (bass), Stephen Morris (drums, keyboards), and Gillian Gilbert (keyboards, guitar). Known for their innovative blend of post-punk, electronic, and dance music, New Order crafted a sound that bridged the gap between rock and electronic music, influencing countless artists across genres. Their ability to integrate synth-driven melodies with rock instrumentation set them apart, making them a cornerstone of the new wave and electronic rock movements.
How to Sound Like New Order
New Order's sound is characterized by its melodic, synth-laden textures combined with a driving rhythmic foundation, creating an expansive yet danceable sonic landscape. The use of synthesizers like the E-Mu Emulator II helped craft their electronic ambiance, while Peter Hook's distinctive bass lines, often enhanced with effects like the Electro-Harmonix XO Stereo Clone Theory, added a melodic yet gritty edge. This combination of artful electronic elements and rock instrumentation results in a sound that is both atmospheric and propulsive, with tracks like "Blue Monday" exemplifying their ability to create timeless dance anthems. To emulate their style, exploring the balance between synth-driven melodies and bass-heavy grooves is essential, along with utilizing chorus and reverb effects to achieve their rich, layered sound.
Discography
Movement
1981
Power Corruption and Lies
1983
Low-Life
1985
Brotherhood (Collector's Edition)
1986
Substance
1987
Substance (2023 Reissue)
1987
Technique
1989
Republic
1993
Get Ready
2001
Waiting for the Sirens' Call
2005
Lost Sirens
2013
Live at Bestival 2012
2013
Music Complete
2016
Complete Music
2016
NOMC15 (Live)
2017
∑(No,12k,Lg,17Mif) New Order + Liam Gillick: So it goes.. (Live at MIF)
2019
Education, Entertainment, Recreation (Live)
2021
Be a Rebel Remixed
2021
Get the New Order Sound
Want to sound like New Order? 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.