Breakdown of Electronic Music Genres

EDM, or electronic dance music, refers to a wide range of music genres that are great for dancing to like house, techno, and trance, while electronic bass music specifically focuses on bass-heavy subgenres like Dubstep, Space Bass, Drum & Bass, Freeform Bass, and others. It's no secret that there are a lot, and I mean A LOT, of electronic music genres. Because of the variety it can be hard to recognize the differences between genres. Everyone has a unique journey through sound, and I encourage you to constantly check out new songs regardless of genre because there's something for everybody.

A really great website that covers more genres than I could ever hope to is everynoise. Go explore and have fun! Control + f to search is helpful. It doesn't describe the different genres, but it has playable examples of so many that you can listen to. They cover non-electronic genres as well like rock, metal, pop, and rap.

Dubstep

Dubstep is a genre that originated in the UK in the early 2000s. It's typically 140 BPM and characterized by heavy bass, half-time rhythms, and influences from dub reggae, UK garage, and 2-step. Subgenres include Brostep, which can reach up to 150 BPM and emphasizes aggressive sound design and midrange frequencies (popularized by artists like Skrillex), Riddim, which focuses on minimalistic, repetitive patterns, and Chillstep, which has a more relaxed, atmospheric sound. Drumstep combines Dubstep with the faster tempo of Drum & Bass, while Melodic Dubstep incorporates lush melodies and emotive drops. Examples: dubstep - Ganja White Night, Brostep - Stoned Level, Chillstep - Nero, Drumstep - Teminite, Melodic - Illenium, Riddim - Wooli

Trance

Trance is known for its hypnotic and repetitive melodies, often at a tempo ranging between 125-150 BPM. It typically features uplifting, euphoric build-ups followed by powerful, energetic drops. Psytrance (short for psychedelic trance) is a subgenre that often includes fast tempos, psychedelic elements, and soundscapes that evolve within a track. The basslines in Psytrance are usually prominent and driving, contributing to the immersive nature of the music. Examples: psytrance - Infected Mushroom, trance - Armin Van Buren

House

House music, typically around 120-130 BPM, is built around a four-on-the-floor rhythm (kick drum on every beat) and is known for its danceability. It has many subgenres, including Progressive House, which features long builds and emotional melodies; Electro House, characterized by aggressive synths and high energy; Deep House, which emphasizes a more mellow, ambient vibe; and Bass House, which blends House with heavy bass elements. Tech House is a minimal, groove-focused subgenre with techno influences, and Tropical House incorporates elements like steel drums and chill vibes. Examples: prog house - Deadmau5, trop house - Kygo, Deep house - AC Slater, Electro house - Pegboard Nerds.

Glitch Hop

Glitch Hop blends elements of hip-hop with glitchy, distorted sound design, creating a genre that's as quirky as it is rhythmic. Typically ranging between 90-110 BPM, Glitch Hop stands out with its playful, upbeat vibe and experimental use of chopped samples, stuttering beats, and digital glitches. Offbeat rhythms and syncopated grooves give the genre a dynamic feel, often making it sound unpredictable and engaging. The combination of funky basslines, hip-hop influences, and electronic distortion makes Glitch Hop a fun, genre-bending style that balances rhythmic flow with experimental textures. Examples: OMFG, KOAN Sound, The Glitch Mob

Drum & Bass

Drum & Bass (DnB) is a fast-paced genre with tempos typically ranging from 165-180 BPM. It evolved from jungle music in the UK and is characterized by breakbeats, heavy basslines, and complex percussion patterns. Subgenres include Liquid Drum & Bass, which has a smoother, more melodic feel, and Neurofunk, which features darker, more aggressive basslines and sound design. The 'amen break' is a common short drum pattern used in DnB songs. Examples: Chase & Status

Midtempo

Midtempo is a gritty genre sitting between 100-110 BPM, characterized by its dark, industrial sound design and heavy, driving basslines. Often linked to cyberpunk or futuristic aesthetics, it's known for creating moody, atmospheric vibes with a focus on distorted synths and punchy beats. Midtempo tracks often carry a tense, brooding energy, combining slow, powerful rhythms with distorted bass drops and eerie, mechanical soundscapes. This genre's blend of minimalism, weighty bass, and a dystopian feel gives it a uniquely immersive and almost cinematic quality. Examples: Rezz, Black Tiger Sex Machine

Techno

Techno originated in Detroit in the 1980s and is a cornerstone of electronic music, typically sitting around 120-130 BPM. Known for its repetitive, four-on-the-floor beats, Techno is a minimalist genre that focuses on rhythm and sonic texture rather than melody. Tracks often evolve slowly, building layers of sound over time to create a hypnotic, trance-like state. With its mechanical precision and emphasis on percussion, Techno is a genre that's more about the journey than dramatic changes. It's celebrated for its relentless, driving energy, making it a staple in underground clubs and warehouse raves. Examples: Carl Cox

Trap

Trap music, typically around 140 BPM, originated in the southern U.S. hip-hop scene in the early 2000s. Known for its rapid hi-hat rolls, booming 808 bass lines, and dark, aggressive synths, it originally conveyed gritty street narratives. In the EDM scene, Electronic Trap blends hip-hop's signature rhythms with powerful drops and bass-heavy production, making it a festival favorite. The genre has evolved to include subgenres like Hybrid Trap, which fuses traditional trap elements with dubstep's growling bass and hard-hitting sound design, resulting in heavier, more intense drops. Examples: Flosstradamus, Baauer, RL Grime

Future Bass/Future House

Future Bass and Future House are EDM subgenres known for their vibrant, uplifting sounds. Future Bass features shimmering synths, lush pads, and dramatic drops, creating an emotional and cinematic feel. It often ranges between 140-160 BPM and has a dreamlike or "anime" aesthetic. Future House blends classic house rhythms with innovative sound design, featuring punchy bass lines and melodic synths, typically in the 120-128 BPM range. It's more groove-focused but retains the energy of house music. Examples: Flume, Tchami

Big Room

Big Room is a subgenre of house music, typically characterized by its massive, stadium-filling sound, designed for large-scale festivals and clubs. Tracks often feature simple, catchy, and repetitive melodies, heavy kick drums, and long, suspenseful build-ups that lead into explosive, anthemic drops. The sound is highly energetic and aimed at creating a euphoric atmosphere for massive crowds. Big Room tracks generally fall within the 126-132 BPM range, giving them a steady yet high-energy pace. This genre frequently incorporates elements like reverb-heavy synths and punchy bass lines, making it a staple at EDM festivals. Popularized in the early 2010s, it remains a go-to sound for many mainstream electronic music performances. Examples: W&W, Martin Garrix, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike

Hardcore/Hardstyle

Hardcore and Hardstyle are fast-paced subgenres of electronic music, often around 150-160 BPM or faster. They are known for their hard-hitting kicks and aggressive sound design, with Hardstyle featuring more melodic elements than traditional Hardcore. Jumpstyle is a subgenre of hardstyle known for its energetic, bouncy beats and a distinct dance style that involves quick, rhythmic jumps. Typically around 140-150 BPM, it features driving bass kicks and playful melodies, making it popular in rave and festival scenes. Examples: Scooter, Wasted Penguinz, Headhunters

Space Bass

Space Bass is a subgenre of bass music that blends deep, low-frequency basslines with atmospheric and otherworldly soundscapes. It often features slow to midtempo beats (usually around 70-110 BPM), creating a spacious and immersive auditory experience. Drawing influence from dubstep, downtempo, and psychedelic music, Space Bass incorporates elements like ethereal pads, glitchy effects, and reverberating synths that evoke a sense of cosmic exploration. The music is designed to take listeners on a journey through expansive sonic environments, making it a popular choice for those seeking a meditative yet powerful listening experience. Examples: LSDream, Liquid Stranger, Zingara

Author: Psidemica

Published: 2024-10-20

Edited: N/A

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