The Art Of Noise

British art-pop group established in 1983.

The Art Of Noise scored hits with "Beat Box" (1984), "Close (To The Edit)" (1985), and several successful singles throughout the mid-1980s. The group gained recognition for cover versions featuring guest performers, including guitarist Duane Eddy on a version of Henry Mancini's "Peter Gunn" (1986), and a collaboration with singer Tom Jones on a Prince cover (1988).

Often cited as a pioneer in commercial electronic music and sampling, The Art Of Noise employed innovative production techniques to rework recordings multiple times—a novel approach at the time. Despite releasing relatively limited original material during their active periods (1983-1989 and 1998-2000), their legacy includes numerous reissues, remixes, and compilations.

The group began as a collaboration between studio engineer Gary Langan and Fairlight sampler specialist J.J. Jeczalik, working with producer Trevor Horn and composer Anne Dudley. Writer Paul Morley shaped the group's image as a faceless "non-group" inspired by early 20th Century modernism.

Following an acrimonious split in 1985, the trio continued with a more playful direction. Langan departed amicably in 1987, with Dudley and Jeczalik carrying on until 1990. In 1998, Horn, Dudley, and Morley reunited with guitarist Lol Creme, releasing an album exploring the life and work of composer Debussy before disbanding again in 2000.