Hardcore Electronic Music: What You Need to Know

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

Hardcore electronic music can be an acquired taste. This type of music is often very experimental and intense. If you’re thinking of getting into this genre, here’s what you need to know.

What is Hardcore Electronic Music?

Hardcore electronic music is a type of music that is generally very loud, fast-paced, and energetic. This genre of music often has a lot of bass and is intended to make the listener dance. Hardcore electronic music is sometimes also referred to as rave music.

The History of Hardcore Electronic Music

Hardcore electronic music is a form of electronic dance music that originated in the early 1990s. The style is characterized by fast tempos, samples, and synthesizers. Hardcore electronic music is usually played at raves, nightclubs, and festivals.

The history of hardcore electronic music can be traced back to the early days of rave culture in the United Kingdom. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, DJ Paul Elstak and DJ Buzz Fuzz were among the first to play hardcore tunes at raves in the Netherlands. Elstak’s 1992 track “Rave On” is considered to be one of the earliest examples of hardcore electronic music.

In the mid-1990s, hardcore electronic music began to spread from the Netherlands to other parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. By the late 1990s, hardcore had become one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music. In recent years, hardcore has undergone a resurgence in popularity, with new subgenres such as hardstyle and gabber emerging.

The Different Types of Hardcore Electronic Music

Hardcore electronic music is a broad genre that covers a range of subgenres. The music is typified by its hard-hitting, often aggressive sound, and its use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments.

One of the earliest and most influential hardcore electronic music subgenres is gabber. Gabber originated in the Netherlands in the early 1990s, and the music is typified by its fast tempo (usually 160-180 BPM) and its distorted, hard-hitting kick drum sound. Gabber was hugely popular in the Netherlands in the 1990s, but it also gained a following in other countries, particularly in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Another well-known hardcore electronic music subgenre is happy hardcore. As the name suggests, happy hardcore is a more light-hearted and melodic form of hardcore electronic music. The music often features samples from children’s television shows and films, as well as sped-up vocals (often referred to as “chipmunked vocals”). Happy hardcore originated in the United Kingdom in the early 1990s, but it quickly gained popularity in other countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, and the United States.

Other popular hardcore electronic music subgenres include breakcore (a form of drum and bass that incorporates elements of other genres such as techno), speedcore (a very fast form of gabber), and UK hard house (a blend of house and techno that originated in the UK club scene in the late 1980s/early 1990s).

How to Get Into Hardcore Electronic Music

Hardcore electronic music can be a bit daunting to get into at first. It’sfast-paced, intense, and often times aggressive. But once you get into it, you may find that it’s addicting and you can’t get enough. If you’re thinking about getting into hardcore electronic music, here’s what you need to know.

Finding the Right Scene

If you want to get into hardcore electronic music, the first step is finding the right scene. Different regions have different sounds, and you’ll likely find that there’s a specific style of music that’s popular where you live. Do some research online and see if you can find any events or clubs that cater to the kind of music you’re interested in. Once you’ve found a few potential options, go out and explore them to see if they’re a good fit for you.

If you’re not sure what kind of music you want to get into, that’s okay! Just pick a style that looks interesting to you and give it a try. Who knows, you might end up falling in love with a genre you never would have expected.

Making Connections

Getting into the hardcore electronic music scene can be difficult if you don’t know where to start. The music can be overwhelming and the culture can be insular. But if you’re passionate about the genre, there are ways to get involved.

One of the best ways to get into hardcore electronic music is to make connections with people who are already involved in the scene. Attend concerts and festivals, and meet people who share your interests. Many hardcore electronic music fans are happy to help newcomers get involved.

Another good way to get into the scene is to join an online community of hardcore electronic music fans. There are many websites and forums dedicated to the genre, and these can be a great place to learn about new music and meet like-minded people.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with your own musical taste. There are no hard and fast rules in hardcore electronic music, so try out different styles and see what you like best. With time and effort, you’ll be able to find your place in the hardcore electronic music scene.

Going to Shows

One of the best ways to get into the hardcore scene is by going to shows.Of course, this isn’t always possible depending on where you live. But, if there’s a show happening in a city near you, definitely try to go. It’s one of the best ways to see what the scene is all about and to find out about new music.

If you’re not sure where to start, checking out online communities dedicated to hardcore electronic music can be helpful. There are often lists of upcoming shows, as well as discussions about different types of music and clubs.

Another option is to look for electronic music festivals in your area. These are usually large events that feature a variety of genres, so you’ll be able to get a taste of what’s out there. And, if you find one that you really enjoy, you can often go back year after year.

What to Expect at a Hardcore Electronic Music Show

If you’re thinking of attending a hardcore electronic music show, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the music will be loud – really loud. Be prepared to have your ears ringing by the end of the night. Secondly, the crowd will be full of energy and will be moshing and dancing the whole time. It’s all part of the fun, so don’t be afraid to join in. Lastly, you’ll see some outrageous fashion at these shows.

The Music

Hardcore electronic music is, at its core, music made with electronic equipment. This can include anything from synthesizers and drum machines to samplers and turntables. The music is often produced using software such as Ableton Live, Fruity Loops, or Reason.

The genres that fall under the umbrella of hardcore electronic music are many and varied. The most common are techno, hardstyle, drum and bass, Happy hardcore (also known as UK hardcore), gabber, and breakcore. However, there are countless sub-genres and sub-sub-genres, so it’s impossible to list them all here.

What all of these genres have in common is a focus on fast tempos, heavy basslines, and distorted or detuned synthesizer sounds. The music is designed to be danced to – sometimes for hours on end – so it’s generally high energy and very rhythmical.

The People

The people you’ll see at a hardcore electronic music show are usually there for the music. They’re not there to socialize, and they’re not there to be seen. Most hardcore electronic music fans are there to dance and have a good time.

dress usually isn’t too important, although you may see some people dressing up in costumes or wearing outrageous outfits. This is part of the fun for some people – expressing themselves through their clothing.

You’ll also see a lot of people with their faces covered – either with masks or with paint. This is another way of expressing themselves and it also helps to protect their identity if they don’t want to be seen at the show.

The Atmosphere

Whether you’re a fan of the music or not, there’s no denying that hardcore electronic music shows are a sight to behold. With thumping basslines and intense lasers, these shows are designed to be an assault on the senses. If you’ve never been to one before, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Here’s what you can expect at a hardcore electronic music show.

The Atmosphere:
Hardcore electronic music shows are often Held in dark, sweaty nightclubs or warehouses. The atmosphere is intense and often chaotic, with people dancing wildly and sweating profusely. The music is loud and the lasers are bright, making it difficult to see anything clearly. This can be disorienting for newcomers, but it’s all part of the experience.

The Music:
Of course, the main attraction at a hardcore electronic music show is the music. This genre of music is characterized by its fast tempo and heavy bassline. The beats are often repetitive and there are few (if any) lyrics. This type of music is designed to be danced to, so expect to move your body when you’re at a show.

The Crowd:
The crowd at a hardcore electronic music show is usually diverse, with people of all ages and backgrounds in attendance. However, there is usually a strong sense of community among attendees. People are typically friendly and welcoming, so don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with strangers.

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