The Electronic Music Genre Map

The Electronic Music Genre Map is a great resource for those looking to learn more about the various genres of electronic music. The site includes a brief description of each genre, as well as a list of sub-genres.

Introduction

An electronic music genre is a music genre consisting of music produced using electronic musical instruments and in some cases accompanied by vocals. As with other genres, there is much debate over what should and what should not be included within the genre.

The electronic music genre map is a helpful tool that can be used to navigate the various sub-genres of electronic music. The map is divided into four main genres: house, techno, trance, and drum & bass. Each genre is then further divided into sub-genres.

The map is not exhaustive, but it covers the most popular genres and sub-genres of electronic music. If you are new to the genre, or if you are looking to explore different sub-genres, this map will be a helpful resource.

The Different Types of Electronic Music

Electronic music is a genre that is constantly evolving. What was popular a few years ago doesn’t necessarily sound the same as what is popular now. This can make it hard to keep up with the different types of electronic music. This map will help you understand the different types of electronic music and where they fit on the genre map.

House

House is a genre of electronic music characterized by a repetitive four-on-the-floor bass drum beat and a squeaky, high-pitched synthesizer. The genre was created by DJs in the Chicago nightclub scene in the early 1980s. House music is often played in clubs, festivals, and radio stations worldwide.

Techno

Techno is a form of electronic dance music that originated in Detroit, Michigan, in the United States in 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 subgenres have been built.

While generally recognized as a separate and distinct genre, techno shares many characteristics with other forms of electronic dance music such as house and trance. Techno is generally faster than house music, with a 4/4 time signature and tempos ranging from 120 to 150 beats per minute (bpm). It also typically features synthesizer-generated textures and loops rather than samples from other sources, and bass lines that are often syncopated or percussive in nature.

Drum and Bass

Drum and bass (also written as “drum ‘n’ bass” or “d’n’b”) is a genre of electronic music characterised by fast breakbeats (typically between 150– 180 beats per minute) with heavy bass and sub-bass lines. The genre grew out of the UK’s jungle and hardcore techno scenes in the early 1990s and reached mainstream popularity in the late 1990s.

Drum and bass often features samples from other genres, especially film scores, film Dialogue, R&B, Hip Hop and Soul. It also sometimes borrows from Rock and Pop, particularly in the case of amen break-based tunes.

Dubstep

Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat and a “wobble” bassline. The genre was pioneered by producers such as Skream and Benga, and has been popularized in recent years by artists such as Burial and James Blake.

Trance

Trance is a genre of electronic music that developed in the late 1990s. It is characterized by a feeling of euphoria, often induced by repetitive beats and melodies. Trance music is often used as a form of DJ-ing, either as an opening or closing set, or as part of a longer set.

Trap

Trap is a subgenre of hip hop that originated in the early 2000s in the Southern United States. It is typified by its aggressive lyrical content and sound, where the instrumentals are propelled by 808 kick drums or heavy extended sub-bass lines. It has also been referred to as rap metal or hardcore hip hop.

The History of Electronic Music

It is impossible to pinpoint the origin of electronic music. The genre has been constantly evolving since the early 1900s. There have been various eras throughout the history of electronic music, each with its own characteristic sound. In the early days, electronic music was mostly used for film and theater. Later on, it began to be used in popular music.

The Origins of Electronic Music

The origins of electronic music can be traced back to the late 19th century, when inventors started experimenting with ways to artificially create and manipulate sounds. One of the earliest pioneers was French composer and instrument builder Pierre Schaeffer, who is credited with creating the first ever “musique concrète” composition in 1948. This new genre of music used recorded sounds as its main musical element, manipulating them using a variety of techniques to create new and unique sonic textures.

Other early electronic music pioneers include German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen, who developed his own form of musique concrète; Italian composer Luciano Berio, who created experimental “sound collages” using tape recorder techniques; and American composer John Cage, whose 1952 composition “4’33″” is infamously known as the “silent piece” for its complete lack of traditional musical instruments or sounds.

While all of these early electronic music composers were working independently of each other, their collective experiments laid the foundations for what would become a widespread and hugely influential musical movement in the second half of the 20th century.

The Development of Electronic Music

The history of electronic music is fascinating, with the genre evolving and mutating over time. Today, we enjoy a wide variety of electronic music, from House and Techno to Drum & Bass and Dubstep. But where did it all begin?

The origins of electronic music can be traced back to the early 20th century, with composers such as Edgar Varèse and Luigi Russolo experimenting with new ways to create sound. These composers were keen to explore the potential of electricity, using it to create entirely new sonic landscapes.

In the 1930s, German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen began experimenting with electronic music, using tools such as tape recorders and oscillators. His work paved the way for a new generation of composers, includingPierre Schaeffer and Pierre Henry, who would go on to develop the musique concrèteform of composition.

During the 1950s, composers such as Luc Ferrari andgroundsmen like Walter Carlos (later known as Wendy Carlos) began experimenting with early synthesizers such as the Theremin, creating some truly groundbreaking work. In 1968, Carlos released her album Switched-On Bach which featured Bach’s music played on a Moog synthesiser; it was an instant hit.

By the 1970s, electronic music had come into its own as a genre, with artists like Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder pioneering new sounds and approaches. In 1977, Moroder collaborated with Donna Summer on the song “I Feel Love”, widely considered to be one of the first disco hits. It was also one of the first songs to feature extensive use of synthesizers.

The 1980s saw further experimentation with electronic music styles, with artists like Depeche Mode and New Order pushing boundaries. In 1988, English duo The KLF released their song “What Time Is Love?”, which topped dance charts around the world. The KLF would go on to have a huge impact on popular culture in the 1990s with their novel The Manual (1993), which detailed their philosophy behind making art.

Today, electronic music is more popular than ever before, with new subgenres continuously emerging. Artists like Aphex Twin and Autechre are pushing boundaries once again, while more mainstream acts like Daft Punk enjoy widespread popularity. Who knows what the future holds for this ever-evolving genre?

The Future of Electronic Music

The electronic music genre has exploded in recent years, with new sub-genres and hybrid styles appearing almost daily. While this is great for music lovers, it can be confusing for those who are just getting into the genre. This map will help you navigate the electronic music landscape, and understand the various sub-genres that exist.

The Evolution of Electronic Music

Electronic music has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the early 20th century. In the past, electronic music was primarily used for creating sound effects in films and other forms of media. Today, electronic music has evolved into a genre of its own, with subgenres that range from ambient to hardstyle.

As electronic music continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more subgenres emerge. We may also see new technologies emerge that will change the way we create and consume electronic music. One thing is for sure – the future of electronic music is looking very bright.

The Popularity of Electronic Music

In the past decade, electronic music has surged in popularity around the globe. With the rise of streaming services and social media, EDM artists have been able to build vast international audiences. In 2018, Nielsen Music reported that electronic music was the fifth most popular genre in the US, with over 31 million listeners. And according to IMS Business Report, global EDM revenue reached $7.4 billion in 2019.

As electronic music enters the mainstream, it is fragmenting into subgenres and subcultures. This can be seen in the proliferation of niche festivals and club nights, as well as in the rise of micro-scenes like wonky and future garage.

Despite its popularity, electronic music is still often marginalized within the wider music industry. This is reflected in the fact that there are no dedicated Grammy categories for electronic music genres (with the exception of Best Dance/Electronic Album). In this article, we explore the current state of electronic music and consider its future prospects.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve looked at the electronic music genre map, let’s conclude by looking at some of the key takeaways.

First, it’s important to note that this map is by no means exhaustive. There are many subgenres and hybrid genres that overlap and don’t fit neatly into any one category. This map is meant to be a general guide to the major genres of electronic music.

Secondly, it’s also important to remember that genres are always changing and evolving. What might be considered “trance” today could be considered “progressive house” tomorrow. The lines between genres are constantly shifting, so don’t get too caught up in labels.

Finally, the most important thing is to just enjoy the music! Whether you’re a fan of hard-hitting techno or mellow downtempo, there’s an electronic genre out there for you. So put on your headphones and explore the wonderful world of electronic music.