Electronic Dance Music and Its Popular Genre

EDM, or Electronic dance music, has its spectrum, and it’s not what you think. EDM is not pop music’s electronic variant or an evolved house genre. The internet is filled with EDM myths, and we’re here to clear them out. 

 

EDM encompasses multiple dance music genres, ranging from ambient to drums and bass and trance to techno. Overall, EDM is an umbrella term for the sub-genres that emerged in the mid-1980s. 

 

Over the years, EDM has cultivated a sturdy foundation among music lovers with its unconventional yet upbeat tempo. So, if you are planning to join the fan base, it is vital to have proper knowledge of the genre and sub-genres. 

 

This comprehensive blog explores electronic dance music and thoroughly analyses all its popular sub-genres. Let’s begin. 

 

Popular Electronic Dance Music Genre 

 

Here’s a detailed list of EDM music genres to explore – 

 

1.    Ambient  

 

Ambient-style EDM became popular in the 1970s when synthesisers gained popularity amidst experimental music. The term was coined by Brian Eno, an English music producer deemed a legend in the genre. The ambient genre prioritises tones and atmosphere over rhythm for an affluent music flow. You can experience pure Ambient EDM with Brian Eno and Stars of the Lid. 

 

2.    Big Room  

 

Also called Big Room House, it is a new yet popular EDM sub-genre. The category experienced soaring growth during the 2010s through popular musical acts like Martin Garrix and Swedish House Mafia. 

 

3.    Chill Out 

 

 It goes by its name and offers slow rhythms and relaxed melodies with a hint of jazzy and classical. Among EDM lovers, the chill-out category is the perfect playlist for unwinding and relaxation. Explore Zero Seven and Afterlife’s discography for better insights. 

 

4.    Deep House 

 

The genre has its variants. On one side of the spectrum, Deep House includes ahead-of-the-curve tracks with soulful vocals and jazzy tones. We can experience this in Marshal Jefferson’s tracks. 

 

The other end has commercialised house music with upbeat tones, radio-friendly vibes and a summer-genre, pop-dance vibe. Lost Frequencies and Felon are the perfect examples. 

 

5.    Disco 

 

Here is where traditional music blends into pop music, like rhythms and blues. Disco became popular in the 1970s and 80s and featured electronic elements and acoustic instruments. Later, it influenced house music. Boney M. was a traditional disco music group during the 1970s. 

 

6.    Drum and Bass 

 

Also called DnB, it’s all about rapid-fire drumbeats and intricate basslines. The EDM genre originated in the UK in the early 1990s and has subgenres. It’s a high-energy music category with distinguishable jungle and raga elements. Famous names in this genre are Netsky and Goldie. 

 

7.    Dubstep 

 

Dubstep emerged from the UK dub reggae scene and is known for its heavy basslines. Jamaican immigrants brought this electronic music genre to the UK in the 2000s. It is created with syncopated rhythms and wobbling bass sounds. It gained widespread popularity in the 2010s with artists like Skrillex and Knife Party.  

 

8.    Electro House 

 

Electro house combines electro and house music elements, featuring repetitive basslines, catchy melodies, and dancefloor-friendly beats. It’s a popular genre that influenced many other EDM sub-genres. It has a tempo of around 125 to 135 BPM and a four-on-the-floor pattern. Explore Steve Aoki and Afrojack for authentic electro-house music. 

 

9.    Hardcore 

 

Hardcore is a fast-paced, aggressive EMD form with intense BPMs, distorted sounds, and an energetic atmosphere. It originated in the Netherlands in the late 1980s and remains a popular genre among hardcore fans. Minor Threat and Bad Brains have laid their foundations in this genre. 

 

10.    Hard-style 

 

Hardstyle is a high-energy sub-genre with a distinctive kick drum sound and euphoric melodies and plays around intense energy. It’s a popular genre in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium. Try experiencing Brennan Heart and Ran-D. 

 

11.    House 

 

House originated in Chicago in the 1980s and, similar to Electro house, has a four-to-the-floor beat, soulful vocals, and deep basslines. It’s one of the most influential genres in electronic music, and numerous sub-genres have spawned from it. Avicii was a legend in this genre. The present-day artists include Swedish House Mafia and Zhu. 

 

12.    Progressive House 

 

Progressive house is a subgenre of house music with melodic progression and building intensity throughout the track. It has trance and techno elements for an uplifting and euphoric sound outcome. You can experience progressive houses with Calvin Lions and Martin Garrix. 

 

13.    Techno  

 

Techno emerged from Detroit in the 1980s and has repetitive rhythms, minimal melodies, and pure dancefloor energy. Numerous electronic music genres have branched from it. Techno has some quality names like Carl Cox and Jeff Mills. 

 

14.    Trance 

 

Trance is known for its uplifting melodies, euphoric soundscapes, and repetitive beats. It features lengthy breakdowns and intense builds, creating a sense of euphoria and transcendence. Sasha and Armin Van Buuren are notable personas in this genre. 

 

At Casa, you can learn about these artists, their album releases, and upcoming shows. You can also stay informed of phenomenal electronic festivals and music festival insider moments.