The Making of Smalltown Boy – How Bronski Beat’s Synths Told a Story of Escape and Identity

Bronski Beat’s Smalltown Boy, a synth-pop hit that became an LGBTQ+ anthem, gave a voice to the outcast. Released in 1984, this groundbreaking track blends haunting synths, emotional storytelling, and dance-pop energy to capture the pain of rejection and the fight for belonging. But what made this song so powerful? In this video, I explore the synths, production, and hidden layers that made this track legendary.

Watch until the end as I recreate its iconic sound in my studio.
Gear used:
✅ Sequential Circuits Pro-One
✅ LinnDrum
✅ Casio CZ-101

Software used:
✅ Logic Pro Plugins
✅ Sample Software to Recreate the Congas

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What does Smalltown Boy mean to you? Share your story in the comments of this video.

00:00 Intro to Bronski Beat’s Smalltown Boy
00:29 The History of Smalltown Boy
01:37 Original Gear Behind the Song
02:49 Themes of Exile, Identity, and Hope
03:21 Recreating Smalltown Boy with Vintage Synths
03:39 Crafting the Smalltown Boy Beats with LinnDrum
05:48 Building the Smalltown Boy Bass with Sequential Circuits Pro-One
06:58 Arranging Smalltown Boy with Casio CZ-101
09:01 Full Smalltown Boy Recreation Reveal

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