How Many Genres of Electronic Music Are There? A Comprehensive Overview

Electronic music has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s. From synth-pop to techno, the genre has evolved into a vast array of sub-genres, each with its own unique sound and style. But just how many genres of electronic music are there? This comprehensive overview aims to answer that question, exploring the many facets of electronic music and their corresponding sub-genres. So whether you’re a seasoned electronic music fan or just starting to explore the world of EDM, get ready to discover the diverse landscape of electronic music genres.

The Evolution of Electronic Music

The Early Years: Pioneers and Origins

The First Electronic Instruments

Electronic music began to take shape in the early 20th century with the invention of the first electronic instruments. These instruments were created in response to the limitations of traditional acoustic instruments and the desire to explore new sounds and textures. One of the earliest electronic instruments was the Theremin, invented by Leon Theremin in 1920. The Theremin was an early example of a synthesizer, which uses electronic signals to generate sound. Other early electronic instruments included the Ondes Martenot and the Trautonium.

The Rise of Experimental Music

The rise of experimental music in the mid-20th century also played a significant role in the development of electronic music. Composers such as John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen experimented with electronic sounds and techniques, pushing the boundaries of what was considered “musical.” Their work inspired others to explore the possibilities of electronic music, and helped to establish it as a legitimate art form.

The Birth of Electronic Dance Music

The birth of electronic dance music (EDM) can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the emergence of genres such as disco and electro. These genres were created using synthesizers and other electronic instruments, and were often produced by DJs and producers working in small studios. The rise of the raving scene in the 1980s and 1990s further popularized EDM, and led to the development of new genres such as techno and house. Today, EDM is one of the most popular and lucrative genres of music in the world.

The Golden Age: The 80s and 90s

The Emergence of Techno and House Music

During the 1980s, the electronic music scene experienced a significant shift as a new wave of musicians began experimenting with technology and synthesizers. Techno and house music emerged as two of the most prominent genres of the time, with DJs and producers like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Larry Heard leading the way. Techno, which originated in Detroit, was characterized by its mechanical and repetitive beats, while house music, which emerged in Chicago, was known for its more soulful and melodic sound. Both genres were heavily influenced by disco and funk, and they quickly gained popularity in clubs and raves around the world.

The Rise of Electronica and Ambient Music

As electronic music continued to evolve, new subgenres began to emerge. One of the most notable was electronica, which encompassed a wide range of electronic-based music, including techno, ambient, and experimental. Artists like Aphex Twin, Brian Eno, and The Orb were at the forefront of this movement, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with electronic instruments and technology. Ambient music, which emerged in the late 1980s, was characterized by its ethereal and atmospheric soundscapes, often created using long, droning synthesizer notes and field recordings. Artists like Eno, Harold Budd, and Bill Nelson were among the first to explore this genre, and their influence can still be heard in electronic music today.

The Impact of the Raving Culture

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the raving culture played a significant role in the evolution of electronic music. Raves were underground parties that took place in abandoned warehouses, factories, and other non-traditional venues. They were characterized by their all-night dancing, ecstasy use, and a sense of community and freedom that was unmatched in any other setting. The raving culture provided a space for electronic music to thrive, and it allowed artists like Jeff Mills, Carl Cox, and Richie Hawtin to hone their skills as DJs and producers. The influence of the raving culture can still be felt in electronic music today, as the scene continues to evolve and innovate.

The Digital Age: The 2000s and Beyond

The Influence of Internet and Technology

As the 21st century dawned, electronic music continued to evolve at an unprecedented pace. The digital age brought with it a new era of technological advancements that had a profound impact on the music industry as a whole. The internet, in particular, played a significant role in shaping the future of electronic music. The widespread availability of high-speed internet connectivity enabled artists to collaborate with one another from all corners of the globe, resulting in a diverse array of sounds and styles that blurred the boundaries between genres.

Moreover, the internet provided an unparalleled platform for the dissemination of music, allowing artists to reach a global audience with relative ease. This, in turn, fuelled the proliferation of subgenres, as artists sought to carve out their own unique niches within the broader electronic music landscape. The internet also facilitated the rise of digital audio workstations (DAWs), which revolutionized the way music was produced, allowing artists to create and record their compositions using little more than a computer and a few pieces of software.

The Proliferation of Subgenres

As electronic music continued to evolve, so too did the number of subgenres that emerged. The early 2000s saw the rise of microgenres, such as footwork and juke, which emerged from the underground club scenes of Chicago and Detroit respectively. These genres were characterized by their breakneck tempos and heavily influenced by the rhythms of hip-hop and rap.

Other subgenres, such as dubstep and trap, emerged from the UK’s grime and UK garage scenes respectively. Dubstep, characterized by its heavy basslines and wobbles, quickly gained popularity in the late 2000s, while trap, with its origins in southern hip-hop, evolved into a more melodic sound in the hands of European producers.

The Resurgence of Retrowave and Synthwave

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, a new wave of electronic music emerged that paid homage to the sounds of the 1980s. Retrowave and synthwave, two subgenres that drew heavily from the synth-laden sounds of the 1980s, experienced a resurgence in popularity. Retrowave, with its emphasis on synthesizers and drum machines, drew on the sounds of artists such as Tangerine Dream and Vangelis, while synthwave, with its focus on 1980s movie soundtracks and neon aesthetics, drew inspiration from the likes of John Carpenter and Giorgio Moroder.

Both retrowave and synthwave found a new audience on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Soundcloud, which enabled artists to reach a global audience without the need for physical distribution. As a result, these genres experienced a renaissance, with a new generation of artists pushing the boundaries of what was possible within these subgenres.

In conclusion, the digital age has had a profound impact on the evolution of electronic music. The proliferation of subgenres and the resurgence of retrowave and synthwave are just two examples of how technology has enabled artists to explore new sounds and styles, while the internet has facilitated the dissemination of music to a global audience. As electronic music continues to evolve, it remains to be seen what new technologies and trends will shape its future.

Types of Electronic Music Genres

Electronic Dance Music (EDM)

Introduction to Electronic Dance Music (EDM)

Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of percussive electronic music genres produced largely for nightclubs, festivals, and raves. 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Experimental Electronic Music

Experimental electronic music is a broad category that encompasses a wide range of subgenres, each with its own unique sound and characteristics. Some of the most notable subgenres of experimental electronic music include noise, drone, ambient, and glitch.

Noise

Noise is a subgenre of experimental electronic music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by the use of harsh, discordant sounds and a lack of musical structure. Noise music often employs unconventional sounds and instruments, such as feedback, tape loops, and industrial machinery. It is known for its confrontational and challenging nature, and is often associated with the punk and industrial music scenes.

Drone

Drone is a subgenre of experimental electronic music that emphasizes long, sustained tones and minimal musical structure. It is often characterized by the use of repetitive patterns and subtle changes in tone and texture. Drone music can be both meditative and unsettling, and is often used to create a sense of atmosphere or mood. It has been influenced by a variety of musical traditions, including classical music, ambient music, and minimalism.

Ambient

Ambient is a subgenre of experimental electronic music that emphasizes texture and atmosphere over traditional musical structures. It is often characterized by the use of long, evolving soundscapes and a focus on creating a sense of space and atmosphere. Ambient music can be used to create a variety of moods and emotions, and is often associated with relaxation and meditation. It has been influenced by a variety of musical traditions, including classical music, jazz, and world music.

Glitch

Glitch is a subgenre of experimental electronic music that emphasizes the use of digital errors and malfunctions as a musical element. It is often characterized by the use of chopped-up beats, stuttering sounds, and other irregularities in the music. Glitch music can be both playful and disconcerting, and is often associated with the techno and electronic music scenes. It has been influenced by a variety of musical traditions, including hip-hop, IDM, and electro.

Synth-Based Music

Synthpop

Synthpop is a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its use of synthesizers and a focus on catchy melodies and pop hooks. Synthpop artists often incorporate elements of disco and rock into their music, creating a sound that is both danceable and memorable. Some notable synthpop artists include Depeche Mode, The Human League, and Pet Shop Boys.

Electropop

Electropop is a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its use of synthesizers and a focus on catchy melodies and pop hooks. Electropop artists often incorporate elements of disco and rock into their music, creating a sound that is both danceable and memorable. Some notable electropop artists include The Knife, Robyn, and La Roux.

New Wave

New Wave is a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its use of synthesizers and a focus on catchy melodies and pop hooks. New Wave artists often incorporate elements of punk and rock into their music, creating a sound that is both danceable and rebellious. Some notable new wave artists include Joy Division, The Cure, and Blondie.

Darkwave

Darkwave is a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of synthesizers and a focus on dark, atmospheric sounds. Darkwave artists often incorporate elements of gothic and industrial music into their music, creating a sound that is both moody and intense. Some notable darkwave artists include Clan of Xymox, The Sisters of Mercy, and The Field Mice.

Other Synth-Based Subgenres

There are many other subgenres of synth-based electronic music, including but not limited to:

• Synthrock
• Synthfunk
• Synthjazz
• Synthfolk
• Synthclassical
• Synth ambient
• Synth noise
• Synth drone
• Synth metal
• Synth punk
• Synthwave
• Synthcore
• Synthpop-rap
• Synth r&b
• Synth hiphop
• Synthhouse
• Synth techno
• Synth hardstep
• Synth hardstyle
• Synth future bass
• Synth bass music
• Synth juke
• Synth footwork
• Synth trap
• Synth cloud rap
• Synth drill
• Synth emo
• Synth post-punk
• Synth grime
• Synth jungle
• Synth garage
• Synth nu jazz
• Synth experimental
• Synth improvisation
• Synth house
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Chiptune and Video Game Music

8-Bit Music

8-Bit Music is a type of electronic music that is characterized by its use of 8-bit sound samples and synthesizers. It gained popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s, during the rise of video game culture. 8-Bit Music is often used in retro-style video games and is known for its simple, nostalgic sound.

Chiptune

Chiptune is a subgenre of electronic music that is created using 8-bit sound samples and synthesizers. It gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, during the rise of video game culture. Chiptune is often used in retro-style video games and is known for its simple, nostalgic sound.

Soundtracks and Arrangements

Soundtracks and arrangements are a type of electronic music that is created using sound samples and synthesizers from video games. They are often used in retro-style video games and are known for their nostalgic sound. Soundtracks and arrangements are created by composers who are skilled in creating music using electronic instruments and software.

Other Chip-Based Subgenres

There are many other subgenres of electronic music that are based on the use of 8-bit sound samples and synthesizers. Some examples include 8-bit hip hop, 8-bit pop, and 8-bit rock. These subgenres are known for their simple, nostalgic sound and are often used in retro-style video games.

Influences on Electronic Music

Hip Hop and Electronic Music

The Rise of Turntablism

Hip hop and electronic music have been intertwined since the early days of rap. The rise of turntablism in the 1970s marked a turning point in the relationship between the two genres. Turntablism is the art of manipulating records on a turntable, and it became a key component of hip hop music. DJs began experimenting with different techniques, such as scratching and beatmatching, to create new sounds and textures. This led to the development of new musical styles, such as breakbeat and electro, which blended elements of electronic music with hip hop.

The Emergence of Electronic Hip Hop

In the 1980s, electronic hip hop emerged as a distinct genre. Producers began using synthesizers and other electronic instruments to create new sounds for hip hop music. This allowed for a greater degree of creative control over the music, as well as the ability to produce a wider range of sounds. Electronic hip hop artists such as Afrika Bambaataa and Mantronix were pioneers in this field, and their music helped to establish the genre as a distinct form of electronic music.

The Fusion of EDM and Hip Hop

In the 1990s, electronic dance music (EDM) began to influence hip hop music. Producers such as The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers incorporated elements of techno and rave culture into their music, which in turn influenced hip hop producers. The result was a fusion of EDM and hip hop that created a new subgenre of electronic music. Artists such as The Crystal Method and The Chemical Brothers began to incorporate hip hop elements into their music, while hip hop producers such as The Neptunes and Timbaland incorporated EDM elements into their music. This fusion of genres continues to this day, with new artists emerging all the time to push the boundaries of electronic music and hip hop.

Punk and Electronic Music

The Early Years: The DIY Ethos

Punk and electronic music, two seemingly disparate genres, share a common origin in the DIY ethos of the late 1970s. Punk emerged as a reaction against the perceived excesses of mainstream rock music, championing a raw, minimalist approach to songwriting and performance. Simultaneously, the earliest experiments with electronic music were taking place, often involving rudimentary equipment and a desire to push the boundaries of what was possible with sound.

The Rise of Synthpunk and EBM

As punk evolved, so too did its relationship with electronic music. In the early 1980s, a new wave of punk bands began incorporating synthesizers and other electronic instruments into their music, giving rise to the genre known as “synthpunk.” This fusion of punk and electronic music led to the creation of a new subgenre, known as Electronic Body Music (EBM). EBM bands like Front 242 and Cabaret Voltaire adopted the punk ethos while embracing the possibilities of electronic instrumentation, creating a sound that was both danceable and confrontational.

The Fusion of Punk and Electronic Music

The fusion of punk and electronic music continued to evolve throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with bands like Nine Inch Nails and My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult blending industrial, punk, and electronic elements to create a distinctive sound. As technology advanced, so too did the possibilities for punk and electronic music to merge. Today, the boundaries between these two genres are blurrier than ever, with artists like Death Grips and Gang Gang Dance incorporating elements of both punk and electronic music into their work.

FAQs

1. What is electronic music?

Electronic music is a broad genre of music that is produced using electronic instruments and technology. It encompasses a wide range of styles and subgenres, from techno and house to ambient and experimental.

2. How many genres of electronic music are there?

There are dozens of genres of electronic music, each with its own unique characteristics and sound. Some of the most popular genres include techno, house, trance, ambient, and experimental.

3. What are some subgenres of electronic music?

Some subgenres of electronic music include deep house, electro, hardstep, downtempo, and IDM. These subgenres often have distinct characteristics and are defined by specific sounds and techniques.

4. How did electronic music develop?

Electronic music has its roots in the experimental music of the 1950s and 1960s, and it developed rapidly in the 1970s and 1980s with the advent of new technology. Today, electronic music continues to evolve and diversify, with new subgenres and styles emerging all the time.

5. Who are some notable electronic music artists?

There are many notable electronic music artists, both past and present. Some of the most influential and well-known artists include Kraftwerk, Aphex Twin, The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, and Skrillex.

6. Where can I find electronic music?

Electronic music can be found in many places, including online music stores, streaming services, and live performances. You can also find electronic music festivals and events happening all over the world.

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