Electronic music: what an extremely broad, and very vague, term. Electronic music can refer to many different things. For instance, it can refer to any music made by an electric instrument. But let's stick to what the general population thinks of when they hear the term "electronic music," which is club music. If you'd like to learn more about the development of electronic music and its many different forms, check out the Wikipedia page.
Time to Rave
So we're going to focus on electronic dance music, which is still a broad term too but it's a little more focused. You don't have to be in a nightclub to enjoy this diverse genre, although it often makes me want to get up and dance anyway. Electronic music uses instruments such as synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers to create music. People who don't often listen to the genre don't realize that there are hundreds of different sub-genres which all have a distinct style and sound. These genres are usually categorized by beats per minute, live vs. synthetic instruments, and pattern of drum beats. It's often difficult to describe electronic music so go out and buy some albums, sit back, and enjoy the music. And no, you don't need glow sticks to have a good time!
Popular Genres
Here are some of the most common genres and notable artists/DJs to listen to:
* '''Drum and Bass''' - Uses fast breakbeats, very heavy bass, and basslines. These are the dominate elements in the music.
** Chase and Status
** Aphrodite
** Goldie
** Spor
* '''Electronica''' - Another ambiguous term for electronic music but it is not always made for dancing. The term often describes mainstream artists.
** The Prodigy
** Moby
** Faithless
** Bjork (mixes about a dozen other genres into her music too)
* '''House''' - Influenced by soul, funk, and disco and often has a prominent bass drum on every beat.
** Daft Punk
** Deadmau5
** Kaskade
** Basement Jaxx
* '''Synthpop''' off of New Wave music started in the 80s.
** Depeche Mode
** Duran Duran
** LCD Soundsystem
** MGMT
* '''Techno''' - Influenced by funk, electro, Chicago house, and electric jazz.
** Aphex Twin
** Underworld
** Orbital
** LFO
* '''Trance''' - Combines industrial, techno, and house to create a fast tempo that builds up and down throughout the song.
** Tiesto
** Armin van Buuren
** Paul van Dyk
** Paul Oakenfold
