Sub-genres abound in electronic dance music
Originally published on OnlineAthens February 26, 2014.
Producers making dance music nowadays aren’t just making electronic dance music. Musicians have created sub-genres aplenty to differentiate between even minute stylistic variations. Here are brief definitions of EDM’s main sub-genres.
HOUSE
Notable names in this genre include Avicii, Sweedish House Mafia and David Guetta. Instantly recognizable is the 4/4 hit that usually drops out as the song crescendos and then comes back sounding even bigger. http://bit.ly/NrQ404
ELECTRO
Justice, Crookers, Boys Noize and Sebastian all perform electro music. Full-bodied synths make up the bulk of this genre. Before dubstep, this is what you would mostly hear at big parties and raves. http://bit.ly/1o0Qeqx
DUBSTEP
Skream, Benga and Kode 9 belong to this sub-genre of EDM. Syncopated rhythms and a shuffling feel typically combined with an oscillating wobble bass make up this signature sound. http://bit.ly/1fxPY1r
BROSTEP
Skrillex, Rusko and Datsik are members of the dubstep offshoot. It has the same basic structure as dubstep, but instead of sub-base there’s robotic and extremely varied musical strains similar to heavy metal. A very masculine genre. http://bit.ly/1jue8uC.
TECHNO
Characterized by a mixed tempo, The Field, Underworld and Jeff Mills call this genre their own. Progressions are what techno focuses on. These are slow and based on looped sounds that change slightly as the song goes on. Songs can go on for triple the average radio-length. http://bit.ly/1jue8uC.
TRANCE
Tiestio and Hardwell are two of the genre’s biggest players. Massive tracks with anthem-like synth riffs make the genre most appealing to a pop music fan. http://bit.ly/IqEFLz.
MOOMBATHON
Dave Nada, Munchi and Dillion Francis create music that focuses on a slowed, subdued beat rather than typical fast-paced dance tracks. http://bit.ly/1fnqVjg
DISCO
This genre exists today as nu-disco, performed by Krystal Klear, Gigamesh and Maedon. It can be fast or slow, but usually incorporates piano, strings, horn samples or live vocals akin to its 1970s predecessor. Above all, it’s just fun music. http://bit.ly/1bUZJ43
DRUM AND BASS
Andy C and Netsky are notable performers of this speedy genre. Immediately noticeable is the quick, high-pitched drum and bass. Vocals, synth and bass are infused in a frenzied rhythm. http://bit.ly/1gwWQdp
BASS MUSIC
Mosca and Boddika are artists that make up the genre while DJs Ben UFO and Jackmaster help the club circuit. This is by far the hardest genre to characterize. It takes notes from dubstep, house and techno and forms it’s own deviations. http://bit.ly/MoHuyc
Source: Complex Media Network’s www.pigeonsandplances.com.