EDM (Electronic Dance Music) is an electronic genre of dance music characterized by synths and drum machines to produce danceable tracks that can be found at festivals or DJ performances.
Techno is one of the most beloved forms of EDM. Typically featuring a steady beat between 120-175 BPM, this genre uses various electronic instruments including drum machines, sequencers and synthesizers to craft its signature sound.
Techno
Techno, an electronic genre created in Detroit in the 1980s and influenced by disco, house, and computer-based music from Europe, features distinctive beats and synthesizer sounds unique to this genre; additionally it often conveys a sense of futuristic soundscapes.
Techno music typically follows a 4/4 time signature, meaning four quarter note pulses in each bar. A basic pattern for techno includes the use of kick drums on all four quarter notes and either snare drums, open hi-hat sounds, or both at second and fourth pulses of each bar; this basic template can then be modified to create various styles of techno. Early pioneers were inspired by Detroit’s postindustrial landscape for their own narratives of techno; artists like James Stinson and Gerald Donald used Drexciya music as part of an aquatic, Afrofuturist civilisation thousands of years in future!
Techno music in the 2000s and 2010s was heavily impacted by advances in computer technology, particularly with regards to DAWs such as Ableton Live and Reason that allow individuals to create professional-quality music on computers alone. Furthermore, commercial dance events like Electric Daisy Carnival and Tomorrowland helped push techno into mainstream consciousness.
Techno is unlike many other genres in that there is no universally agreed-upon definition of it; many artists have found their niche within it and influenced others through it in unique ways. For instance, British band The Prodigy have often been described as techno but have also been classified as punk rock, hard dance music and even hard funk music! Daft Punk also falls within this genre yet they have also been heavily influenced by acid house, French house disco funk as well.
2022 has seen electronic music’s resurgence after experiencing a steep decrease in 2020. Physical sales and artist earnings are all up, confirming this upward trend.
Hardstyle
Hardstyle electronic dance music is distinguished by the use of distorted sounds and an uptempo beat, dating back to its origins in the Netherlands in the 1990s and quickly becoming global. The genre’s signature sound consists of pounding basslines, hard-sounding kick drums, and distorted synth melodies with hardstyle beats layered underneath. Hardstyle has numerous subgenres such as rawstyle and tek music and has also been fused with other genres for various combinations such as jumpstyle and hardcore versions.
Hardstyle music typically boasts a tempo between 140 and 150 BPM, giving it a faster beat than other EDM genres. The fast beat and frenetic percussion help get listeners’ feet moving while their hearts race. Due to its immense popularity, some producers have started altering its tempos and melodies in order to appeal to a broader audience; this decision has caused uproar from hardstyle fans who feel this producer-backed approach is selling out their beloved genre.
Hardstyle music has evolved since its roots as an aggressive form of trance, yet still retains the euphoric and energetic elements it first held dear. Pounded basslines and hard-hitting kick drums form the core of this high-energy genre; sometimes an offbeat bassline known as reverse bass adds extra intensity.
Some of the most well-known hardstyle artists include Showtek, Headhunterz and D-Block & S-te-Fan – producers who have revolutionized hardstyle by adding elements from other music styles such as electro house and trap – while this may displease some hardstyle fans, it has greatly expanded its reach.
Today, hardstyle is one of the most beloved genres of electronic dance music in Europe and is quickly gaining momentum in America, where Insomniac recently established a dedicated hardstyle division to meet demand. Although not as widely-appreciated yet in America as its European counterparts, hardstyle’s popularity is expected to expand significantly over time.
Hardstyle music has recently seen its tempo increase from its original 140 BPM to around 150 BPM, making it more danceable for mainstream audiences and helping it compete with EDM and pop music genres. Furthermore, artists like Wildstylez and Mr. Skeleton are helping grow hardstyle as an artform.
Reggaeton
Reggaeton is a Caribbean dance music genre that blends traditional Latin instruments with electronic synths and beat machines, originally developed in Jamaica. Although originally popular among Puerto Rican youth, reggaeton has since spread worldwide; being played by artists from every corner of the globe; even having had an impactful impact on hip-hop as well as genres like dancehall and trap. Yet many remain unfamiliar with it despite its global reach.
Origins of modern reggaeton date back to the 1980s when a group of Panamenos began singing Spanish lyrics over typical Jamaican dancehall rhythms, creating the genre known as reggae en espanol which would later be adopted by DJ Nelson and other producers as reggaeton when they released a mixtape that featured all its characteristics; this was also where we first encountered the now-famous dembow or blin-blineo rhythm which gave rise to it all!
Reggaeton has since become an immensely popular musical genre, with artists such as J Balvin and Bad Bunny performing at key music festivals across America. Bad Bunny became one of the first Latin artists to successfully penetrate American market by breaking YouTube record with hit Gasolina; later he went on to become one of most-beloved performers globally.
Artists like Daddy Yankee and Karol G have brought reggaeton music into the 21st century with hip-hop influences in their productions. Additionally, they’ve taken advantage of digital tools like Fruity Loops to craft intricate beats for their songs while adding European synthesizers for even greater sonic diversity.
Reggaeton’s ascension as a mainstream phenomenon is testament to both its popularity and versatility; but its success also raises issues of inclusivity. Since white artists tend to dominate reggaeton performances nowadays, this can pose challenges for Puerto Rican artists who wish to keep the music true to its roots.
Ambient
Ambient music is a subgenre of electronic music that incorporates drones and slowly evolving textures to create a dreamlike ambience. Unlike most forms of electronic music, ambient is generally not intended to be danced to and often has no discernible beat; its focus lies more on timbral characteristics of sounds as well as long musical passages intended to be enjoyed without movement. Ambient can come in various forms and may even be integrated with other genres to help alleviate stress and anxiety.
Ambient music has often been associated with electronic compositions, but can also be found in classical pieces. Erik Satir, an early 20th century French composer known for his minimalist compositions meant to play in the background while people talked or dined, is considered an early pioneer of ambient music; his works foreshadowed modern concepts of ambient music which emphasize the role of sound as an ambient component rather than rhythmic element.
Recent advances in technology and affordable recording and production equipment has likely contributed to electronic music’s recent surge. This has allowed artists from varying genres and budgets to produce and distribute music without breaking the bank, helping make this genre more popular and accessible than ever. Furthermore, streaming services make accessing and enjoying this genre even simpler for audiences.
Ambient music may seem straightforward enough at first glance; however, its definition remains difficult. Some have described ambient as being beatless – yet many forms of electronic music include elements from ambient. Ambient is typically distinguished by an emphasis on texture and atmosphere while using various instruments including synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, processed feedback as its foundation.
From the 1990s through the 2000s, ambient was heavily influenced by experimental music and avant-garde classical composers who embraced minimalism. Additionally, ambient had an immense effect on rock music as it gave birth to genres such as krautrock and space rock. When digital revolution hit, ambient was among the first genres that saw significant advantages from computer-based music production.