Is Electronic Music a Genre?

Considering all of the various sub-genres, styles, and influences, is it possible to accurately define “electronic music?”

Introduction

The answer to this question is not simple, as music is always evolving and changing. However, most people would agree that electronic music is a genre, albeit a broad one.

This type of music is created using electronic instruments and audio equipment, and typically contains elements of other genres such as pop, rock, and hip hop. Electronic music can be divided into subgenres such as ambient, techno, trance, and dubstep, to name a few.

While electronic music has been around for decades, it has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to the rise of digital streaming services such as Spotify and Soundcloud. This has made it easier than ever for people to discover new artists and listen to their favorite songs on demand.

There are many different opinions on what constitutes as “electronic music”. However, at its core, this genre is defined by its use of electronic instruments and audio equipment. It is also characterized by its fusion of other genres, making it one of the most diverse and inclusive genres in the world.

What is electronic music?

Electronic music is a genre that is created with the use of electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology. This type of music has become increasingly popular over the years, and there are many different subgenres within it. Let’s take a closer look at electronic music and some of its subgenres.

The history of electronic music

Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments, digital instruments and circuitry-based music technology. In general, a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means (electroacoustic music), and that produced using electronics only. Electromechanical instruments include mechanical elements, such as strings, hammers, and so on, as well as electrical elements, such as magnetic pickups, power amplifiers and loudspeakers. Examples of electroacoustic instruments include the celesta, Hammond organ, and electric guitar. Pure electronic instruments do not have vibrating strings, hammers, or other sound-producing mechanisms. Devices such as the theremin and computer can produce electronic sounds; the theremin is controlled without physical contact from the player while computer software provides the means to generate sounds of all types by means of algorithms.

The first electronic devices for performing music were developed at the end of the 19th century. Initially these were solely novelty curiosity items marketed at fairgrounds and arcades rather than being properly musical instruments at all. Electric organs were also very early on in development with several different manufacturers producing them towards the beginning of the 20th century; however again their capabilities were initially quite limited with generates often only providing a handful of different tone colours some basic rhythm accompaniment features. One of the earliest commercially successful electronic musical instruments was the Melochord invented by Oskar Vierling which was demonstrated publicly as early as 1925 One of its more unusual features was that it was played using a bow instead of being plucked or strummed making it one of the few stringed keyboard instruments not to be either plucked or strummed!

The different types of electronic music

In its broadest sense, electronic music includes any music made with electronic instruments or with the help of electronic technology. This means that a wide range of different genres and styles can be classified as electronic music.

However, in practice, the term is usually used to refer to a particular type of popular music that emerged in the 1970s and became increasingly popular in subsequent decades. This style of music is characterized by the use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments, as well as by a distinctive rhythmic structure known as a ‘four-on-the-floor’ beat.

There are many different subgenres of electronic music, including house, techno, trance, drum and bass, and dubstep. The term ‘electronic dance music’ (EDM) is sometimes used to refer to all of these subgenres collectively.

Is electronic music a genre?

There is no one answer to this question. It depends on who you ask. Some people say yes, electronic music is definitely a genre. Others say that it’s not a genre, but a type of music that can encompass all genres. And still others say that it’s not a genre at all, but a production style. So, what’s the answer?

The arguments for and against

There is no denying that electronic music has become one of the most popular genres in recent years. But is it really a genre in its own right? Here, we take a look at the arguments for and against.

For:

There is no denying that electronic music has its own unique sound. This is down to the use of synthesizers, drum machines and other electronic instruments which create a distinctly different sound to other genres such as rock or pop.

Not only does electronic music have its own sound, but it also has its own history and culture. This can be traced back to the early days of disco and techno in the 1970s, when DJs began to experiment with new sounds by using multitrackrecordings and mixing techniques.

Since then, electronic music has gone on to spawn a number of subgenres, each with their own distinct sound and style. From trance and house to dubstep and Drum & Bass, there is an incredible variety within the genre.

Against:

While it is true that electronic music has its own unique sound, some argue that this does not make it a genre in its own right. Instead, they contend that it is simply a type of music that can be used to create any number of genres.

For example, many rock bands now use synthesizers and drum machines to create their sound. Does this make them an electronic band? Similarly, many pop songs now contain elements of electronic music – does this make them part of the genre?

Some also argue that the history and culture of electronic music is not sufficiently distinct from other genres to warrant its status as a genre in its own right. After all, disco and techno both have their roots in African-American culture, while house originated in Chicago’s gay club scene – neither of which are exclusive to electronic music.

Conclusion

It’s safe to say that electronic music is its own genre, with a wide variety of sub-genres that fall under its umbrella. From ambient to techno, there’s something for everyone in the world of electronic music. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or you’re looking to discover new artists, there’s an endless amount of music to explore.