Ishkurs Guide to Electronic Music

A guide to understanding electronic music, its history, and current trends.

Introduction

In electronic music, the use of electronic instruments and technological effects is exceptionally commonplace. This is in contrast to other genres where acoustic instrumentation might dominate, or where such technology would be used in a more limited way.

In its early form, electronic music was often stigmatized as being cold, clinical, or impersonal. This was largely due to the fact that early electronic instruments were often difficult to use and produce very little dynamic range. As technology progressed, however, these limitations were gradually overcome. In the late 20th century, electronic music came to be seen as a versatile and expressive genre capable of producing a wide range of sonic results.

Today, electronic music covers a broad range of styles and subgenres. It can be broadly divided into two main categories: dance music and experimental music. Dance music includes genres like techno, house, and Drum & Bass, all of which are designed for listening pleasure as well as for use in clubs and other dancesettings. Experimental music includes genres like ambient, noise, and IDM (intelligent dance music), which are often more concerned with creating atmosphere or transcending the boundaries of traditional song structure.

A brief history of electronic music

The first electronic instruments were developed in the early 1800s. These instruments, called theremins, were used to create strange and otherworldly sounds. The theremin was followed by a number of other electronic instruments, including the synthesizer, which was invented in the 1930s.

electronic music really came into its own in the 1960s with the development of musique concrete, a type of music that uses recorded sounds as its primary source material. This was followed by the rise of electronic dance music in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, electronic music is heard in all types of genres, from pop and rock to classical and jazz.

The different types of electronic music

In its broadest sense, electronic music includes any music made using electronic instruments or technology. This doesn’t mean that all electronic music is made with computers, however. In fact, some of the earliest examples of electronic music were created with devices like the theremin and the Ondes Martenot, both of which predate the digital era.

There are a number of different genres and subgenres within electronic music, each with its own unique sound and history. Here are just a few of the most popular:

Techno
Techno is a catch-all term for a wide range of related styles, from the thumping beats of hardcore to the more experimental sounds of Detroit techno. It emerged in the 1980s in Germany and Belgium, and has since been adopted by producers and DJs all over the world.

House
House music is a style of dance music that originated in Chicago in the early 1980s. It was originally influenced by disco and pop music, but has since evolved into its own unique genre with a variety of subgenres. House music is often characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and samples from other genres such as soul, funk, and electro.

Drum & Bass
Drum & bass is a style of electronic dance music that originated in England in the early 1990s. It is characterized by itsfast tempo (usually 160-180 beats per minute) and heavy use of basslines and drums. Drum & bass has spawned a number of subgenres over the years, including jungle, breakcore, and drumfunk.

The equipment you need to get started

In order to get started making electronic music, you need a computer equipped with audio production software, an audio interface, and a MIDI controller.

A computer is necessary because it will run the audio production software, which is used to create, edit, and mix your music. The audio interface is necessary in order to connect your computer to other electronic music equipment, such as keyboards, Drum Machines, and synthesizers. The MIDI controller is used to control the software on your computer and can take many different forms, such as a keyboard or drum pads.

Once you have the equipment listed above, you are ready to start making electronic music!

How to get started in electronic music

Assuming you want to create electronic music, there are a few things you’ll need:
-A computer with audio production software. Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and FL Studio are some of the most popular.
-A MIDI controller. This is how you will input melodies and chords into your computer. You can use a keyboard, drum pad, or wind controller.
-Synthesizers and samplers. These are what you will use to create the actual sounds in your music. You can use hardware or software instruments, or a combination of both.
-Effects processors. These are used to enhance the sound of your instruments or add new sounds altogether. Reverb, delay, and distortion are some common effects processors.
-Headphones or speakers. You’ll need to be able to hear what you’re making!

The benefits of electronic music

Electronic music has many benefits that cannot be found in other genres of music. For one, electronic music is great for dancing. The beats are usually faster and more consistent, making it easy to dance to. Additionally, electronic music is often more uplifting and positive than other genres, making it perfect for parties and other social gatherings. Finally, electronic music is extremely versatile and can be combined with other genres to create unique soundscapes.

The future of electronic music

Electronic music is here to stay. It has come a long way since its beginnings in the late 1970s, when pioneers like Robert Moog and Klaus Schulze created new sounds with analog synthesizers and tape machines. Today, electronic music is made with computers, samplers, and other digital equipment, and it encompasses a wide range of styles, from the danceable to the avant-garde.

The future of electronic music looks bright. More and more people are making and listening to it, and new technologies are making it easier than ever to create sounds that have never been heard before. We can expect to see more innovative music in the years to come, as well as more collaborations between musicians and producers from different genres.