Simply put, electronic music is any kind of music produced using circulatory-based technology and electronic digital instruments. It is an umbrella term under which dozens, if not hundreds of music genres, sit. Under these genres, you will find several other subgenres. Some of the biggest and most significant electronic music genres include the following.
1. House
It was the first form of electronic music as we know it today. It was formulated in the 1980s, in the black neighbourhoods of Chicago. With time, it became more popular amongst young musicians and could be heard playing at discos and pawn shops.
Notably, it is the most popular electronic music genre today. It has an iconic four-beat per minute classic sound with sweet melody and beautiful vocals. Thanks to its danceable beats, it gets people moving, making it ideal for playing in clubs and festivals. Some of the subgenres under House music include deep house, acid house, soulful house, and progressive house.
2. Techno
Techno was the second electronic music genre to make its breakthrough. Emerging from the black-dominated streets of Detroit, Techno music is inspired equally by disco, house, and computer-based music coming from Japan and Europe. It is similar to House music, only with faster beats and darker tones.
Also, Techno music features repetitive beats that have slow, eventual changes. Sometimes, it incorporates industrial and gritty sounds from the industrial revolution era, during which it burst into the industry. Just like House music, it is not unusual to find Techno music playing in a club or festival. Some of its popular subgenres include Experimental, Techdombe, and Tecno Brega.
3. Dubstep
Dubstep’s origin can be traced back to the 1990s, though it did not become a hit until the mid-2000s. It is believed to have originated from the streets of London, UK. Dubstep’s aggressive sound comes from the perfect combination of 140 bpm tempos and wild use of electronic instruments. The result is wub sounds that fill your ears, triggering you to headbang your heart out.
Also, it focuses on the use of sub-bass, often with scattered and screeching sounds. Dubstep music is so different from other genres that its following is considered to be cult-like. The truth is it is not for the faint-hearted but the hardcore bass fanatics. Its subgenres include Trap, Brostep, Lovestep, and Ambient Dub.
The best thing about electronic music is that there is something for everyone. Find the one that suits you best, turn up the bass, and jam out the best way you know-how.