What’s the Difference Between Electronic Music and Techno?

The two genres are often confused, but there are some key differences between electronic music and techno.

Introduction

It’s a common misconception that electronic music and techno are one and the same. In reality, there is a big difference between the two genres. Techno is a subgenre of electronic music that was developed in the 1980s. It is characterized by a heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines, and it often has a repetitive, hypnotic sound. Techno is often underground music that is not commercially successful, but it has a large and devoted following. Electronic music, on the other hand, is a much broader genre that includes anything that is created with electronic instruments or technology. This includes popular genres like house and trance, as well as more experimental styles like IDM and ambient.

What is electronic music?

Electronic music is a genre of music that is made using electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology. It is a broad category that includes music made using electronic instruments, computers, and other electronic devices. Techno is a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the late 1980s. It is characterized by a fast tempo, repetitious rhythms, and often synthesized melodies.

Its history

Electronic music is a genre of music that is created using electronic instruments or electronic sound generators. It emerged in the early 20th century, with the first electronic music being produced in the 1920s.

The term “electronic music” can refer to a wide range of genres and subgenres, including everything from experimental noise music to mainstream dance music. It is often associated with genres such as techno, house, and EDM (electronic dance music).

The history of electronic music is closely linked to the history of technology. Early electronic instruments such as the Theremin and Ondes Martenot were developed in the 1920s, followed by early synthesizers such as the Trautonium and Mellotron in the 1930s and 1940s. The first commercial synthesizer, the ARP 2600, was released in 1971.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in vintage electronic instruments and equipment. This has led to the development of new genres such as glitch hop and vaporwave, which make use of old-school sounds and aesthetics.

Its main genres

Electronic music is a genre of music that is made with the help of electronic instruments and equipment. It is a very broad genre, and there are many subgenres within it. Some of the most popular genres of electronic music include techno, house, dubstep, and trance.

What is techno?

Techno is a type of electronic dance music that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by a repetitive four-on-the-floor beat and often has synthesizers and drum machines. Techno is often played in clubs and is known for its underground dance parties.

Its history

Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the United States during the mid-to-late 1980s. The first recorded use of the word techno in reference to a specific genre of music was in 1988. Many styles of techno now exist, but all are characterized by a strong 4/4 beat, often accompanied by synthesizers and sampling.

Its main sub-genres

Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the United States during the mid-to-late 1980s. The first recorded use of the word techno in reference to a specific genre of music was in 1988. Many styles of techno now exist, but Detroit techno is seen as the foundation upon which a number of sub-genres have been built.

Its main sub-genres are minimal techno, acid techno, Detroit techno, tech house, and trance.

The differences between electronic music and techno

Electronic music and techno are two genres of music that are often confused for one another. While they both fall under the umbrella of electronic music, there are some key differences between the two genres. Techno is typically more dance-oriented, while electronic music can encompass a wider range of styles.

The instruments used

The most obvious difference between electronic music and techno is the instruments used. Electronic music is made using electronic devices such as synthesizers, drum machines and sequencers. Techno, on the other hand, is made using primarily analog instruments such as keyboards, bass guitars and drum machines.

The tempo

The tempo of techno is usually between 120 and 150 beats per minute (BPM), making it perfect for dancing. The music is also very repetitive, with tracks often featuring the same drum beat or bassline for the entirety of the song. This can make techno music quite hypnotic and trance-like.

In contrast, electronic music is a much broader genre that can encompass a wide range of tempos and styles. While there are certainly some slower, more introspective electronic tracks, the genre as a whole is much more varied than techno. As a result, it can be difficult to define electronic music distinctly from other genres such as pop, rock, and hip hop.

The style

Techno is a style of electronic music that emerged in the mid-1980s. It is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat and often has a dark, industrial feel. Techno is typically produced with synthesizers and drum machines.

Electronic music is a catch-all term that covers a wide range of genres. It can be characterized by the use of electronic instruments and technology in its production. Electronic music includes genres like techno, house, dubstep, and trance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, electronic music and techno are two genres that are often confused. While they both involve the use of electronic instruments and editing techniques, electronic music is a catch-all term that includes a wide variety of styles, while techno is a specific genre characterized by a 4/4 beat and a focus on minimalism.