An Intro to Electronic Music for Everyone

A blog for people who want to get into electronic music, but don’t know where to start.

What is Electronic Music?

Electronic music is music that is made with electronic equipment such as computers, synthesizers, and drum machines. This type of music has been around since the early 1900s, but it has become more popular in recent years. electronic music can be divided into two categories: dance music and experimental music.

Defining Electronic Music

With the advent of technology, music has taken on many new forms over the years. One type of music that has become increasingly popular is electronic music. But what is electronic music, exactly?

In its simplest form, electronic music is music that is made with the help of electronic devices. This can include anything from synthesizers and drum machines to computers and mobile phones.

Electronic music can be divided into two main categories: digital and analog. Analog electronic music is made using analog devices such as synthesizers and tape machines. This type of music has a more organic sound since it uses real-world instruments and sounds.

Digital electronic music, on the other hand, is made using digital devices such as computers and software. This type of music often has a more synthetic sound since it doesn’t use real-world instruments or sounds.

Both types of electronic music have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Analog electronic music often has a warmer sound since it uses real-world instruments, but it can be more difficult to create since you need access to analog devices. Digital electronic music often has a cooler sound since it doesn’t use real-world instruments, but it can be easier to create since you only need a computer and software.

Ultimately, the type of electronic music you choose to listen to is up to you. If you’re looking for a more organic sound, then analog electronic music might be for you. If you’re looking for a more synthetic sound, then digital electronic might be for you.

The History of Electronic Music

Today, electronic music is everywhere – on the radio, in clubs, and in our homes. But where did it come from? How did it evolve?

The history of electronic music is long and complicated, with roots that reach back to the very beginning of the 20th century. In its simplest form, electronic music is music that is produced using electronic devices. But of course, the story is much more complicated than that.

The first electronic musical instruments were invented in the early 1900s. These early instruments were used by composers and experimenters to create new sounds and timbres. One of the most famous early electronic instruments was theTheremin, invented by Russian scientist Leon Theremin in 1920. The Theremin was played without physical contact, using only the player’s hands to control the pitch and volume of the sound.

In the 1930s and 1940s, a number of important breakthroughs were made in electronic music technology. These included the development of magnetic tape recording (which allowed for longer and more complex recordings), as well as advances in synthesis and signal processing. These technologies laid the groundwork for the development of a wide range of new electronic musical instruments, including synthesizers and samplers.

The first commercial synthesizer was introduced in 1963 by American company RCA. This initial version of the synth was called the RS-232C Synthesizer Prototype, and it was later followed by a number of other models from different manufacturers. Synthesizers quickly became popular with musicians across a wide range of genres, from pop to jazz to classical.

In 1977, Japanese company Sony released the Sony Walkman, a portable cassette player that changed the way people listened to music. The Walkman made it possible for people to listen to music anywhere they went – on trains, buses, or even while walking down the street. This increased portability sparked a new wave of interest in portable electronic musical instruments like synthesizers and drum machines. The 1980s saw a boom in both home-based studios (thanks to advances in multitrack recording technology) and live electronic performance art (thanks to portable battery-powered instruments).

During this time period, a wide variety of new genres emerged that were built around electronically produced sound: hip hop, techno, house, electroacoustic music, new age music, synth-pop…the list goes on. In the late 1990s and early 2000s we saw another big shift with the rise of digital audio – which allowed for even greater flexibility and creative possibilities for producers and composers working with electronics.

Today we are witnessing yet another major shift in how electronic music is consumed thanks to streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. No longer do we need to buy physical copies of CDs or vinyl records – we can simply stream any track we want at any time without ever having to leave our homes! This ease of access has made electronic music more popular than ever before – with no signs of slowing down anytime soon!

Getting Into Electronic Music

Have you ever been to a music festival and seen people dancing to music that you couldn’t even identify? Maybe you’ve thought to yourself, “What is this music, and why do people like it?” Well, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about electronic music but don’t know where to start.

Finding Your Style

Now that you know the basics of electronic music production, it’s time to start finding your own sound. This can be a daunting task, but it’s also an exciting one. There are so many different possibilities and directions you can go in. To help get you started, we’ve put together a list of some different genres and sub-genres of electronic music.

Genres:
-House
-Techno
-Trance
– Drum & Bass
– Dubstep
Sub-Genres:
-Electro House
-Progressive House
-Deep House
-Tech House
-Minimal Techno
-Hardstyle Techno
-Schranz Techno
-Jumpstyle Techno

The Best Equipment for Electronic Music

If you’re new to the world of electronic music, you might be wondering what kind of equipment you need to get started. There are a few essential pieces of gear that every electronic musician needs, and in this article, we’ll go over what they are.

First and foremost, you’re going to need a computer. Ideally, you should have a laptop so that you can take your music with you wherever you go. But if you’re just starting out, any computer will do.

Next, you’ll need some software. There are a lot of different options out there, but we recommend Ableton Live for beginners. It’s easy to use and it has everything you need to get started making music.

Once you have a computer and some software, you’ll need something to make sounds with. You could use an acoustic instrument like a piano or guitar, but for electronic music, we recommend using a synthesizer. Synthesizers come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to do your research and find one that fits your needs and budget.

Finally, you’ll need a way tooutput your music. If you want to listen to your music on your headphones or speakers, then all you need is a 3.5mm audio cable. But if you want to perform live or DJ sets, then you’ll need some type of audio interface or mixer.

This is just the basic equipment that every electronic musician needs. Of course, there are other things that you might want or need as well, but these are the essentials. So if you’re ready to get started making music electronically, make sure you have these four things covered and then start exploring!

The Software You’ll Need

The electronic musician today has a number of affordable and user-friendly software options available, and the number is growing all the time. The two most popular programs used in electronic music production are Apple’s Logic Pro and Ableton Live. Both are available for Mac and PC, and both have a wide range of features. There are also a number of other programs available, such as Propellerhead Reason, Steinberg Cubase, and Cakewalk Sonar. In general, the decision of which program to use comes down to personal preference.

Once you’ve decided on a program, you’ll need to purchase some additional equipment. For starters, you’ll need a MIDI controller, which is a device that allows you to control the various parameters of your software with physical knobs and buttons. You’ll also need a computer with a fast processor and plenty of RAM (memory). And finally, you’ll need some good quality speakers or headphones so you can properly hear your work.

With the right software and equipment in hand, you’re ready to start making electronic music!

Creating Electronic Music

Electronic music is a genre of music that is created using electronic devices such as computers, keyboards, and synthesizers. This type of music has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and many people are wondering how to get started with it. In this article, we’ll give you a brief introduction to electronic music and some tips on how to get started with it.

The Basics of Music Production

Creating electronic music is a process that can be broken down into a few basic steps. The first step is to choose the sounds that you want to use. These sounds can be recorded from real instruments, or they can be generated by computer programs. Once you have your sounds, you will need to edit them and arrange them into a song. Finally, you will need to mix and master your song, making sure that all of the elements sound good together.

If you are new to electronic music production, it can be helpful to start with a software program that includes a wide variety of pre-made sounds and loops. This will give you a good foundation to work from as you learn the basics of music production. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, you can start experimenting with more advanced techniques.

The Different Types of Electronic Music

Popular electronic music comes in many different forms, and each type has its own sound and purpose. Whether you’re making club tracks or experimental soundscapes, it’s important to know the difference between the various genres of electronic music. In this article, we’ll give you a quick rundown of the most common types of electronic music.

House: House music is characterized by a 4/4 time signature, a steady bassline, and a minimalistic approach to melody and percussion. House tracks are often repetitive and designed for dancing.

Techno: Techno is a faster, harder-edged version of house music. It originated in Detroit in the 1980s and is still going strong today. Techno tracks often have complex arrangements and unusual sound effects.

Trance: Trance is an uplifting, melodic style of electronic music. It typically features arpeggiated synth patterns and long, sweeping melodies. Trance tunes are designed to create a feeling of euphoria and are often used in nightclubs and at rave parties.

Drum & Bass: Drum & bass (or “D&B”) is a fast-paced style of electronic music with breakbeats instead of a steady 4/4 beat. D&B tunes often have heavy basslines and energetic drums, making them perfect for dancing or working out.

Dubstep: Dubstep is a dark, brooding style of electronic music that emerged from London in the early 2000s. Dubstep tracks typically have slow tempos (around 60-90 BPM) and feature heavily processed bass sounds.

Advanced Music Production Techniques

The beauty of creating electronic music is that there are no rules. You can create any sound you can imagine, and with the right production techniques, the sky is the limit.

In this article, we’ll explore some advanced music production techniques that will help you take your tracks to the next level.

Compression:
One of the most important aspects of creating a polished sound is compression. Compression helps even out the levels of your track, making the quiet parts louder and the loud parts quieter. This creates a more consistent overall sound.

There are a few different types of compressors, but for electronic music, you’ll mostly be using a software plugin called a “VST” (Virtual Studio Technology). VST plugins come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to experiment with a few different ones to find the sound you’re looking for.

EQ:
Equalization (EQ) is another important aspect of getting a polished sound. EQ allows you to boost or cut certain frequencies in your track. This can be useful for making certain instruments stand out or for fixing problem areas in your mix.

Again, there are various types of EQs, but for electronic music production, you’ll mostly be using a software plugin called an “EQ”. As with compressors, there are many different EQ plugins available, so it’s important to experiment with a few different ones to find the sound you’re looking for.

Reverb:
Reverb is an effect that simulates the natural reflections of sounds in an enclosed space. It’s often used to make tracks sound “larger than life” or to make them blend together better. Reverb can be added to individual tracks or to the entire mix.

As with compressors and EQs, there are many different types of reverbs available as software plugins. Experiment with a few different ones to find the sound you’re looking for.

Performing Electronic Music

Electronic music is a type of music that is made using electronic equipment. It usually has a repetitive beat and can be made using a variety of different instruments. Electronic music can be performed live or can be recorded and played back. It is a popular type of music that is often played at clubs and parties.

Playing Live

Now that you know the basics of electronic music composition, you might be wondering how to take your music from the studio and perform it live. In this section, we’ll cover some of the basics of performing electronic music, from equipment to stage setup to working with a live band.

First, let’s talk about equipment. If you’re playing live, you’ll need a way to trigger your sounds, which means you’ll need some kind of controller. The most popular type of controller for electronic music is the MIDI controller, which can be used to trigger both software and hardware instruments. MIDI controllers come in all shapes and sizes, from simple keypads to complex grid controllers. If you’re using hardware instruments, you’ll also need a way to route your audio signal from your instruments to the PA system. This can be done either through a mixing console or an audio interface.

Next, let’s talk about stage setup. One of the most important things to consider when setting up your stage is how you’re going to create separation between you and your audience. This can be done with a DJ booth or by creating a separate performance area with barriers or curtains. It’s also important to consider what kind of lighting you want to use for your performance. If you’re using playback tracks, it’s helpful to have a laptop or tablet on stage so that you can control your playback tracks during the performance.

Finally, let’s talk about working with a live band. If you’re playing electronic music with a live band, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to make sure that all of your equipment is compatible with the PA system that the band is using. Second, it’s important to coordinate with the band so that everyone is aware of when each song starts and stops. Third, it’s helpful to have someone designated as the ” conductor” who can cue everyone on when to start and stop playing. Electronic music performers who are working with a live band should also be able to improvise and adapt their performance on the fly in response to what the band is doing.

DJing

DJing is a great way to get into electronic music. It’s a relatively simple concept: using two or more turntables or digital music players, a DJ mixes music together, playing both songs and transition segments called “mixes.” DJs can perform at clubs, parties, and even festivals.

There are many different types of DJs, but the most common are club DJs and radio DJs. Club DJs play music at nightclubs, bars, and similar venues. They often specialize in a particular genre of music, such as house music or techno. Radio DJs play music on the radio. Some radio stations have live shows where DJs play music and talk to listeners. Other radio DJs work in studios and select the songs that will be played on the radio station.

Conclusion

Electronic music has come a long way since its early days and is now one of the most popular genres. It can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you’re a fan of the underground club scene or you just enjoy listening to music at home. If you’re new to electronic music, there are a few things you should know. In this article, we’ll give you a brief introduction to electronic music and some of its key features.

The Future of Electronic Music

The electronic music scene is rapidly evolving, with new subgenres and fusions constantly emerging. As technology advances, the possibilities for new sounds and styles are endless. We can only imagine what the future of electronic music will hold.