Types of EDM (Electronic Dance Music)

Electronic dance music (EDM) is a vibrant and ever-expanding genre that encompasses a wide range of styles and subgenres. From pulsating beats to infectious melodies, EDM has something for everyone. In this article, we will delve into the world of EDM, exploring its various genres, subgenres, and classifications. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the scene, get ready to discover the incredible diversity of electronic dance music.

Key Takeaways:

• EDM is a vast genre of music that offers a plethora of styles and subgenres.
• Genres within EDM include house, techno, trance, dubstep, drum & bass, garage, and grime.
• Each EDM genre has its own unique characteristics and sound.
• EDM is constantly evolving, with new genres and subgenres emerging over time.
• Exploring different types of EDM can lead to a deeper appreciation for the genre.

House Music

House music is a popular genre within the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. Known for its infectious beats and groovy rhythms, house music has a rich history that dates back to the birth of disco in Chicago. This genre encompasses various subgenres, each with its own unique sound and style.

Subgenres of House Music

Some notable subgenres of house music include:

• Deep House: characterized by its soulful and atmospheric sound, deep house often features smooth melodies and hypnotic basslines.
• Progressive House: known for its gradual build-ups and epic breakdowns, progressive house is often associated with larger-than-life festival anthems.
• Electro House: combining elements of electro and house music, this subgenre is characterized by its energetic and hard-hitting sound.
• Tech House: blending the grooves of techno with the soulful vibes of house music, tech house is a favorite among DJs and club-goers.
• Tribal House: influenced by African and Latin rhythms, tribal house is known for its percussive beats and tribal chants.

House music has produced some of the biggest names in the EDM industry. Artists like David Guetta, deadmau5, and Avicii have made significant contributions to the genre, pushing the boundaries and creating chart-topping hits that dominate dancefloors worldwide.

“House music is a feeling that you can’t explain, but you can definitely feel it when the beat drops.” – Unknown

Techno

Techno is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Detroit during the 1980s. It is characterized by its deep digital sounds and soulful rhythms, making it a staple in the EDM scene. Techno has evolved over the years and has spawned various subgenres, each with its own unique style.

Minimal Techno

One notable subgenre of Techno is minimal techno. As the name suggests, minimal techno focuses on stripped-down, minimalist production techniques. It emphasizes repetition and subtle changes in sound, creating a hypnotic and immersive listening experience.

Influential techno artists who have contributed to the genre’s development include Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin, Derrick May, and Juan Atkins. These pioneers have shaped the sound of techno and continue to inspire new generations of producers and DJs.

“Techno is more than just music; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about connecting with the music and getting lost in the rhythmic beats. It’s a journey that takes you to another dimension.” – Richie Hawtin

Techno continues to thrive in the EDM scene, captivating audiences with its pulsating basslines, atmospheric synths, and infectious grooves. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the genre, techno offers a sonic journey like no other, transporting listeners to a world of electronic bliss.

Trance

Trance music is a genre of electronic dance music that is characterized by its repetitive melodies and uplifting atmosphere. It originated in Germany in the 1990s and has since gained a huge following worldwide. Trance is known for its hypnotic beats and soaring synths, creating a euphoric and transcendent experience for listeners.

One of the most notable artists in the trance scene is Armin Van Buuren. With his energetic performances and melodic tracks, he has become an icon in the genre. Tiësto is another influential figure in trance, known for his epic DJ sets and collaborations with other artists. Above & Beyond is a British trance group that has gained a dedicated following with their emotional and uplifting sound.

Trance has several subgenres, each with its own distinct style. Progressive trance is characterized by its evolving and dynamic sound, while vocal trance features catchy and emotional vocals. Goa/Psytrance is a subgenre that originated in Goa, India, and is known for its psychedelic and Goa-inspired soundscapes.

Notable Artists in Trance

Trance music has a devoted fanbase and is often associated with festival and club culture. Its uplifting and melodic nature makes it a favorite among dance music enthusiasts who seek a transcendent and emotional experience on the dancefloor.

Dubstep: Exploring the Subgenre of Bass-Heavy Beats

Dubstep is a genre within the realm of electronic dance music that has gained significant popularity in recent years. Known for its heavy basslines and distinctive sound, dubstep offers a unique sonic experience that captivates listeners. Notable artists such as Skrillex, Nero, Rusko, and Bassnectar have played a pivotal role in shaping the dubstep scene and pushing its boundaries.

One of the subgenres within dubstep is brostep, which emerged as a more aggressive and high-energy variant of traditional dubstep. Brostep is characterized by its frenetic pace and intense drops, making it a favorite among fans of harder EDM styles.

The Pioneers of Dubstep: Skrillex and Rusko

“Dubstep is about energy. It’s about making people move and feel something. It’s a genre that allows for experimentation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with sound.” – Skrillex

Skrillex, also known as Sonny Moore, is often credited with bringing dubstep to the mainstream audience. His unique blend of aggressive basslines, electronic elements, and high-intensity drops revolutionized the genre and attracted a massive following. Songs like “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” and “Bangarang” became anthems for the dubstep movement.

Rusko, a British DJ and producer, is another influential figure in the dubstep scene. His signature sound combines heavy basslines with catchy melodies, creating a distinct and energetic style. Tracks like “Cockney Thug” and “Woo Boost” showcase Rusko’s ability to craft infectious dubstep tunes that resonate with listeners.

Dubstep continues to evolve, with artists incorporating elements from other genres and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with sound. As the dubstep scene grows and diversifies, it remains a powerful force within the electronic music landscape, captivating audiences with its unique blend of heavy bass and infectious energy.

Drum & Bass: A High-Energy Genre with Jungle Roots

Drum & Bass is an exhilarating genre of electronic dance music that originated in London in the early 1990s. This fast-paced and intense genre combines elements of reggae, dancehall, and breakbeats to create a unique and energetic sound that is loved by fans around the world. Notable artists in the drum & bass scene include the legendary Goldie, Roni Size, Noisia, and Pendulum.

One of the distinctive characteristics of drum & bass is the presence of complex and intricate drum patterns, which give the genre its name. The basslines in drum & bass are deep and powerful, creating a pulsating rhythm that drives the music forward. The high tempo and frenetic energy of drum & bass make it a favorite in the underground rave scene.

Jungle, a subgenre of drum & bass, played a significant role in shaping the sound of the genre. Jungle emerged in the early 1990s and was heavily influenced by reggae and dancehall music. With its chopped-up breakbeats, thunderous basslines, and jungle sound effects, this subgenre helped define the jungle and drum & bass scene. Jungle artists such as Goldie and Roni Size played a pivotal role in popularizing the genre and bringing it to the mainstream.

Garage

Garage music is a genre that originated in the UK and has gained significant popularity over the years. It is characterized by its rhythmic beats, soulful vocals, and distinctive basslines. There are several subgenres within the garage scene, including UK Garage, speed garage, and 2-step. Notable artists in the garage genre include Todd Edwards, MJ Cole, and Disclosure.

UK Garage, also known as UKG, emerged in the mid-1990s and was influenced by genres like house and jungle. It features syncopated beats, chopped vocal samples, and a distinct garage swing. Todd Edwards, known for his unique vocal chopping technique, is considered one of the pioneers of UK Garage.

Speed garage, on the other hand, is characterized by its fast-paced beats, heavy basslines, and energetic vibe. It gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s and was often played at UK underground raves. Artists like MJ Cole and DJ EZ played a significant role in popularizing speed garage.

2-step is another subgenre of garage music that emerged in the late 1990s. It combines elements of garage with influences from R&B and hip-hop, resulting in a more laid-back and soulful sound. Disclosure, a British electronic music duo, has been instrumental in bringing 2-step back into the mainstream with their chart-topping hits.

Grime: Exploring the Energetic Sounds of UK Grime

Grime is a dynamic genre that emerged in the UK music scene in the early 2000s. Influenced by genres such as drum & bass, hip-hop, and dancehall, grime offers a fast-paced and energetic sound that is uniquely its own. Notable artists in the grime scene include Dizzee Rascal, Kano, and Wiley, who have played a pivotal role in shaping and popularizing the genre.

With its raw and gritty beats, grime reflects the urban culture and experiences of the artists. The lyrics often delve into personal narratives, social issues, and political commentary, giving grime a distinct voice within the music industry. The genre has gained recognition not only in the UK but also internationally, with artists like Stormzy and Skepta bringing grime to the global stage.

“Grime gives us a platform to express ourselves authentically and tell our stories. It’s about representing our communities and making our voices heard,” says Dizzee Rascal, one of the pioneers of grime.

Exploring the Roots of Grime

The roots of grime can be traced back to the UK garage and jungle music scenes of the 1990s. Artists from East London, such as Wiley and Dizzee Rascal, started experimenting with unique sounds and lyrical styles, leading to the birth of grime. These early pioneers laid the foundation for the genre, incorporating elements of dancehall, hip-hop, and electronic music to create the distinctive grime sound.

Influential grime crews, such as Roll Deep and Boy Better Know, helped foster a sense of community within the genre. These crews provided a platform for artists to collaborate, share their music, and showcase their skills in the vibrant grime scene. Today, grime continues to evolve and push boundaries, with new artists adding their own flavor to the genre.

Grime is an ever-evolving genre that continues to captivate audiences with its high energy and raw authenticity. As the genre continues to grow and flourish, it serves as a powerful platform for artists to express their creativity and share their experiences with the world.

Conclusion

Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is a vibrant and diverse genre that offers a plethora of subgenres to satisfy every music lover’s taste. From the infectious beats of house music to the heavy basslines of dubstep, there is something for everyone in the world of EDM.

EDM encompasses a wide range of electronic music genres, each with its own distinct style and sound. Whether you’re drawn to the uplifting melodies of trance or the fast-paced rhythms of drum & bass, there is an EDM genre that will get you moving on the dance floor.

With its constant evolution and experimentation, EDM continues to push the boundaries of music. Artists and producers from around the world are constantly innovating and pushing the genre forward, creating new and exciting sounds for fans to enjoy.

So, if you’re looking to experience the thrill of electronic music, dive into the world of EDM and discover the vast array of genres and styles that await you. Let the beats and melodies transport you to a different realm and ignite your passion for music.