Hello music and rave enthusiasts! Have you ever felt your heart sync to the rhythm of a song that made your spirit soar? That’s the magic of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) for you. This article has an overview of the different rave music genres.
This vast, invigorating universe of sound is actually far more diverse than you ever imagined.
EDM is not just a genre, it’s a vibrant constellation of sub-genres, each with its unique beat and pulse.
As we prepare to embark on this rhythmic journey, it’s essential to understand that EDM, much like the world we live in, is incredibly diverse. Think of it as a large musical city, with each genre representing a unique neighborhood, each bearing its distinct vibe and pulse.
From the hypnotic rhythm of Techno to the immersive grooves of House, the electrifying energy of Trance to the high-speed excitement of Drum ‘n’ Bass, each genre has its unique character that offers a distinctive experience to its listeners.
But where did all these genres come from? How did they evolve? And more importantly, how can you distinguish between them? Fear not, my friend, for this is exactly what we will explore today.
Each genre in the EDM spectrum is born out of a unique cultural context, shaped by different influences and tastes, evolving over time to give us the rich variety of sounds we enjoy today.
So, if you’ve ever been curious about the various genres of EDM music or wanted to delve deeper into this pulsating world, you’ve come to the right place. Join us as we tour through the most exciting neighborhoods of the EDM city, introducing you to the iconic beats, rhythms, and experiences that each genre has to offer.
Your journey into the epic world of EDM Rave Music Genres starts here.
Get ready to feel the beat!
Contents
1. House
House music originated in Chicago in the early 1980s. Its creation is often attributed to the Warehouse Club, where the genre got its name. The music style is primarily characterized by 4/4 beats, off-beat hi-hat cymbals, and synthesized basslines. A typical house music track has a tempo between 118 and 135 beats per minute (bpm).
House music is not just a genre; it is a culture. It has deep roots in the LGBT communities, African American and Latino communities of Chicago and New York. Dance, self-expression, and community form the core of this culture.
The house music scene is globally recognized for its iconic raves, club nights, and music festivals.
Its influence is evident in many sub-genres that sprouted from it, such as Deep House, Tech House, and Future House, each offering unique twists and turns on the original House sound.
2. Progressive House
Progressive House emerged in the early 1990s and is a sub-genre of house music. It is known for its atmospheric, slowly evolving melodies and often includes elements of tribal and deep house. Its tempo usually falls in the range of 125 to 130 bpm.
The culture of Progressive House is one of journey and exploration. It’s commonly associated with long DJ sets designed to create a trance-like state, evolving over hours. Progressive House has a global following, with a particularly strong presence in Europe’s club scene. Over the years, it has branched into various styles such as Melodic Progressive House and Deep Progressive House.
3. Electro House
Electro House is a fusion genre that combines elements of House and Electro music. Originating in the early 2000s, it’s characterized by its aggressive tone, heavy bass, and synthesizer-driven leads. The tempo of Electro House is generally around 128 to 130 bpm.
Electro House culture is lively, energetic, and youthful. The genre gained widespread popularity and recognition through music festivals like Ultra Music Festival and Tomorrowland. As the genre has evolved, it has diversified into sub-genres like Big Room House, Complextro, and Dutch House.
Learn more about Electro House.
4. Trance
Trance originated in the early 1990s, primarily in Germany, as a form of electronic dance music (EDM). It is characterized by its melodic, uplifting sound, and it often utilizes repeating melodic phrases and a musical form that builds up and down throughout a track. Trance music typically ranges from 125 to 150 bpm.
Trance is more than music; it is an emotional journey, as the name suggests. The genre is known for creating an ecstatic atmosphere on the dance floor, often accompanied by laser shows.
Trance parties and festivals, such as A State of Trance (ASOT) and Transmission, are famous worldwide, uniting thousands of people in a shared euphoria. Some popular sub-genres of trance include Progressive Trance, Psytrance, and Vocal Trance.
5. Dubstep
Dubstep emerged in the late 1990s in London, England, from the roots of UK Garage and Drum and Bass. The genre is characterized by its heavy emphasis on bass and sub-bass frequencies, typically delivered in wobble, grind, or stab basslines. Dubstep tracks are generally produced at a tempo of around 140 bpm.
Dubstep culture has grown hand in hand with its music. It began as an underground movement in UK, associated with dark, empty spaces, and subwoofers. However, the genre has seen a meteoric rise since the mid-2000s, especially in the United States, transforming it into a prominent genre in mainstream EDM culture.
Today, Dubstep is widely recognized in music festivals and clubs around the world, with prominent sub-genres including Brostep and Post-Dubstep.
6. Drum and Bass
Drum and Bass (often abbreviated to DnB) originated in the UK in the mid-1990s. This genre is known for its fast breakbeats, typically between 160 and 180 bpm, heavy bass and sub-bass lines, and complex production.
The Drum and Bass culture started as an underground movement in UK rave scenes, especially associated with Jungle music. It’s a genre which celebrates diversity, with the scene being known for its multi-cultural roots.
The scene exploded into popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming a mainstay in clubs and festivals worldwide. Variants of Drum and Bass include Liquid, Neurofunk, and Jump-Up.
7. Techno
Techno was born in the mid-1980s in Detroit, Michigan, pioneered by artists known as the “Belleville Three.” Techno is characterized by its repetitive 4/4 beats, synthesized percussion, and dark, futuristic themes. The tempo of techno music typically ranges from 120 to 150 bpm.
Techno culture is closely linked with the economic and social circumstances in Detroit during the time of its birth. It’s a genre that symbolizes resilience and innovation. Techno has also played a significant role in fostering a culture of unity and inclusion.
The genre has a strong presence in Europe, particularly in Berlin, where it became a cultural staple. Sub-genres of Techno include Minimal Techno, Acid Techno, and Industrial Techno.
8. Hardstyle
Hardstyle is a genre of EDM characterized by its hard-hitting kicks, distorted, heavy basslines, and fast tempo, typically between 150 and 160 beats per minute. Originating in the Netherlands around the turn of the millennium, it has since spread globally.
The culture around hardstyle is notably energetic and passionate. Festivals such as Defqon.1 and Qlimax are characterized by their massive stage productions, light shows, and highly enthusiastic crowds. Hardstyle has also given rise to its own dance style, hakken, a fast, shuffle-like dance that matches the music’s intensity. Sub-genres of hardstyle include Rawstyle and Euphoric Hardstyle, each offering a different take on the core hardstyle sound.
9. Moombahton
Moombahton is a fusion genre of house music and reggaeton that was created by American DJ and producer Dave Nada in 2009. It combines the rhythmic, danceable beats of reggaeton with the synthesizer-heavy sound of house music. Most Moombahton tracks have a tempo of 108 to 115 bpm.
As a relatively new genre, Moombahton has a vibrant and evolving culture. It’s known for its summer vibes and is often associated with outdoor festivals and beach parties. The genre’s fusion nature has given rise to hybrid styles like Moombahcore.
10. Chillout
Chillout (or chill) emerged in the early 1990s as a sub-genre of electronic music. It’s characterized by its mellow style, slow tempos, and atmospheric sounds, often incorporating elements from ambient, trip hop, and downtempo music.
The culture of Chillout music is centered around relaxation and peace. It’s often associated with “chill” spaces at dance clubs and festivals, where people can take a break from the high-energy dance floor.
This genre is the heart of collections of mixed tracks designed for relaxation, meditation, and background music for various settings.
Over time, it has diversified into sub-genres like Lounge Music and Ambient House.
To Finish…
Wow, what a rhythmic ride it’s been, right? We’ve traversed the sprawling cityscape of Electronic Dance Music (EDM), felt the pulse of the beats vibrate through us, and swayed to the unique rhythms of each neighborhood.
A city that once might have seemed monotonous or overwhelming now sparkles with diversity and life.
From the hypnotic realms of Techno to the ecstatic heights of Trance, from the thumping energy of Drum ‘n’ Bass to the soulful depths of House, we’ve experienced firsthand the diverse array of styles that fall under the vast EDM umbrella.
Each genre, whether it was the warm vibes of Moombahton or the high-speed beats of Hardstyle, showed us unique perspectives of music and culture that form the vibrant world of EDM.
Born in various corners of the world, shaped by cultural influences and individual tastes, these genres have evolved over time to create a rich symphony of sounds. And these aren’t just styles of music; they are living, breathing cultures.
They are communities that share not just a preference for a particular beat or rhythm, but a collective identity, a shared history, and a common ethos.
We hope that this guide has enriched your understanding of the various genres of EDM music. Maybe it’ll lead you to a genre you never thought you’d enjoy, or perhaps it’ll help you appreciate an old favorite in a new light.
Because in the world of EDM, every beat is a heartbeat, every rhythm a pulse, and every genre a unique testament to the infinite power of music.
The journey’s just begun.
Let’s meet again on the dancefloor!
