Genres
What are the genres of EDM?
EDM encompasses a wide range of genres, with dozens of distinct styles within the broader category. Although each genre has its own unique characteristics, the boundaries between them can often be blurred, with songs sometimes fitting into multiple categories depending on the listener's perspective. Many artists blend different styles, making it challenging to clearly define what belongs to which genre. Within each primary genre, there are also numerous subgenres. While there are countless genres and subgenres within EDM, the main ones include ambient, house, dubstep, hardstyle, techno, drum and bass, and trance.
Ambient
Ambient EDM music prioritizes tone and atmosphere instead of conventional musical structure or rhythm. Typically described as "peaceful," it often lacks formal composition, beats, and structured melodies.
Dubstep
Dubstep emphasizes bass-heavy, rhythmic loops to create a repetitive melody.This genre aims to create dramatic build-ups that culminate in a signature bass drop, followed by calmer tempo shifts.
House
House music is characterized by its steady four-on-the-floor beat, soulful melodies, and danceable rhythms, featuring catchy basslines and uplifting, repetitive patterns made for dancing.
Trance
Trance music is characterized by its melodic, euphoric sound, featuring a fast tempo, uplifting melodies, and repetitive rhythms that create an immersive, emotional experience.
Techno
Techno music is characterized by its use of early synthesizers and drum machines, creating repetitive, danceable beats. It typically features a steady tempo and minimalistic, hypnotic elements.
Drum and Bass
Drum and bass (often abbreviated as DnB, D&B, or D'n'B) is a genre of electronic dance music known for its rapid breakbeats, usually ranging from 165 to 185 beats per minute, along with powerful bass and sub-bass lines, samples, and synthesizers.