Electronic Music Genres: A Beginner's Guide to Different Styles and the Most Popular Artists

Introduction

Electronic music has been around for decades, and over the years, it has evolved into numerous genres, each with its unique sound and style. From techno to house, electronic music has something for everyone, and it has influenced the music industry like no other genre.

In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most popular electronic music genres and highlight some famous and upcoming artists of each genre.

Techno

Techno is one of the oldest and most influential electronic music genres, originating in Detroit in the early 1980s. It's characterized by its repetitive 4/4 beat and its heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines. Some famous techno artists include Jeff Mills, Carl Craig, Richie Hawtin, and Adam Beyer.

Tempo: 125 to 140 BPM

Upcoming artists in this genre include Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, ANNA, and VTSS.

House

House music originated in Chicago in the 1980s and quickly spread across the United States and Europe. It's characterized by its soulful vocals, four-on-the-floor beat, and use of piano and other live instruments. Some famous house artists include Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, Larry Heard, and David Guetta.

Tempo: 110 to 140 BPM

Upcoming artists in this genre include Honey Dijon, Black Coffee, Peggy Gou, and Mall Grab.

Trance

Trance is a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in Germany in the early 1990s. It's characterized by its high-tempo beats, uplifting melodies, and ethereal vocals. Some famous trance artists include Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, Tiësto, and Above & Beyond.

Tempo: 125 to 150 BPM

Upcoming artists in this genre include Ilan Bluestone, Andrew Bayer, Grum, and Jody Wisternoff.

Drum and Bass

Drum and bass originated in the UK in the mid-1990s and is characterized by its fast breakbeats and heavy basslines. Some famous drum and bass artists include Goldie, LTJ Bukem, Andy C, and Roni Size.

Tempo: 160 to 180 BPM

Upcoming artists in this genre include Alix Perez, SpectraSoul, Ivy Lab, and S.P.Y.

Dubstep

Dubstep originated in the UK in the early 2000s and is characterized by its heavy basslines, syncopated rhythms, and use of sub-bass frequencies. Some famous dubstep artists include Skrillex, Benga, Coki, and Rusko.

Tempo: 132 to 142 BPM

Upcoming artists in this genre include Subtronics, Zeds Dead, Excision, and Virtual Riot.

Future Bass

Future bass is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the mid-2010s. It's characterized by its heavy use of synthesizers, pitched vocal samples, and intricate melodies. Some famous future bass artists include Flume, ODESZA, Marshmello, and San Holo.

Tempo: 130 to 160 BPM

Upcoming artists in this genre include Whethan, Louis The Child, Medasin, and DROELOE.

Synthwave

Synthwave is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the late 2000s and is heavily inspired by 1980s pop culture and video games. It's characterized by its use of synthesizers, retro drum machines, and nostalgic themes. Some famous synthwave artists include Kavinsky, Perturbator, The Midnight, and Carpenter Brut.

Tempo: 80 to 118 BPM

Upcoming artists in this genre include Com Truise, FM-84, Gunship, and Lazerhawk.

Breakbeat

Breakbeat is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the mid-1990s and is characterized by its use of chopped up and rearranged drum loops. It's closely related to drum and bass and jungle music, and it's often combined with other genres like hip hop and dub. Some famous breakbeat artists include The Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim, DJ Icey, and Stanton Warriors.

Tempo: 110 to 150 BPM

Upcoming artists in this genre include Plump DJs, Marten Hørger, Wes Smith, and Deekline.

Progressive House

Progressive house is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the early 1990s and is characterized by its use of melodic and atmospheric sounds. It's often associated with artists like Sasha and John Digweed and is known for its long, drawn-out mixes. Some famous progressive house artists include Deadmau5, Eric Prydz, Sasha, and John Digweed.

Tempo: 125 to 132 BPM

Upcoming artists in this genre include Yotto, Grum, Lane 8, and Gai Barone.

Hardstyle

Hardstyle is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the Netherlands in the early 2000s. It's characterized by its high tempo, heavy basslines, and distorted kick drums. Some famous hardstyle artists include Headhunterz, Wildstylez, Noisecontrollers, and Coone.

Tempo: 150 to 160 BPM

Upcoming artists in this genre include Sub Zero Project, D-Block & S-te-Fan, Phuture Noize, and Rebelion.

Future House

Future house is a subgenre of house music that emerged in the mid-2010s. It's characterized by its use of deep basslines, catchy vocal samples, and funky melodies. Some famous future house artists include Oliver Heldens, Don Diablo, Tchami, and Martin Solveig.

Tempo: 126 to 128 BPM

Upcoming artists in this genre include Brooks, Alok, Wax Motif, and KREAM.

Deep House

Deep house is a subgenre of house music that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It's characterized by its use of soulful and jazzy elements, groovy basslines, and funky rhythms. Some famous deep house artists include Kerri Chandler, Larry Heard, Moodymann, and Dennis Ferrer.

Tempo: 120 to 125 BPM

Upcoming artists in this genre include Black Loops, DJ Seinfeld, Peggy Gou, and Mall Grab.

Tech House

Tech house is a subgenre of house music that emerged in the mid-1990s. It's characterized by its use of techno elements such as stripped-down beats and minimal melodies, as well as the soulful and funky elements of deep house. Some famous tech house artists include Carl Cox, Green Velvet, Solomun, and Jamie Jones.

Tempo: 120 to 130 BPM

Upcoming artists in this genre include Patrick Topping, Enrico Sangiuliano, Maceo Plex, and Charlotte de Witte.

Conclusion

In conclusion, electronic music is a vast and diverse genre that continues to evolve and inspire new generations of music lovers. With so many different styles and subgenres, there's something for everyone in the world of electronic music. Whether you prefer the heavy basslines of hardstyle, the soulful sounds of deep house, or the techno-influenced rhythms of tech house, electronic music has a way of bringing people together and creating unforgettable experiences on the dance floor.