Welcome to the most comprehensive list of music genres available on the internet! From traditional rock to world pop, easy listening to bluegrass, music has many different types and styles that can transport us to different eras, cultures, and emotions.
So, what exactly is a music genre? A music genre is a category that describes the style, form, and content of a particular type of music. It can be defined by various characteristics such as instrumentation, rhythm, melody, and lyrics. Each genre has its own unique sound and identity that appeals to different audiences and carries a distinct history and cultural significance.
At Musicblitz, we strive to provide the most extensive and accurate list of music genres on the internet, with contributions from music enthusiasts all over the world. Our site is constantly evolving and growing, with new genres being added regularly. If you come across a music genre that is missing from our list, please send us an email and we’ll do our best to research and add it to our collection.
In this page, you’ll find a curated list of music genres from around the world, including the most popular and well-known styles as well as some obscure and niche genres that you may have never heard of before. So, whether you’re a music lover, a musician, or a researcher, you’ll find something of interest here.
So, sit back, put on your favorite tunes, and explore the fascinating world of music genres with us. Music is life, and we’re here to celebrate its diversity and richness.
Music Genres List: The Ultimate List of Music Styles
Below is our ever growing list of music genres, as we see it right now. This list of various genres within music is compiled as a collaboration with our readers. If you have any additions you would like to recommend to us, use our contact page.
Alternative Music
Alternative music emerged in the 1980s as a response to mainstream music, prioritizing artistic expression and experimentation over commercial success. Some notable sub-genres of alternative music include:
Art Punk
Art punk is a sub-genre that values artistic expression and experimentation over commercial success. It emerged in the 1970s and is characterized by unconventional song structures and instrumentation, often with politically charged lyrics.
Alternative Rock
Alternative rock is a genre that blends punk, folk, and metal influences, often with introspective lyrics and an emphasis on personal emotions. It emerged in the 1980s as a response to mainstream rock.
Britpunk
Britpunk is a sub-genre that originated in the UK in the late 1970s, featuring fast-paced songs with political and social commentary. It was a response to the political and economic turmoil of the era.
College Rock
College rock is a genre that emerged in the 1980s as college radio stations played non-commercial, alternative music. It features a diverse range of styles and influences, often with a DIY aesthetic.
Crossover Thrash
Crossover thrash is a sub-genre that blends punk and metal influences, featuring aggressive vocals and fast tempos. It emerged in the 1980s as a response to the commercialization of punk and metal music.
Crust Punk (thx Haug)
Crust punk is a sub-genre that emerged in the 1980s, featuring aggressive, politically charged lyrics and a DIY aesthetic. It often addresses social and political issues, and is characterized by its raw, unpolished sound.
Emotional Hardcore (emo / emocore)
Emotional hardcore, also known as emo or emocore, is a sub-genre that features introspective lyrics, expressive vocals, and an emphasis on personal emotions. It emerged in the 1980s and has since evolved to include a wide range of styles and influences.
Experimental Rock
Experimental rock is a genre that values innovation and artistic experimentation, featuring unconventional song structures and instrumentation. It emerged in the 1960s and has since evolved to include a wide range of styles and influences.
Folk Punk
Folk punk is a sub-genre that incorporates elements of traditional folk music, featuring acoustic instruments and politically charged lyrics. It emerged in the 1980s as a response to the commercialization of punk music.
Goth / Gothic Rock
Gothic rock is a genre that features dark, atmospheric music, and themes of death, romance, and the supernatural. It emerged in the late 1970s as a response to the punk and post-punk movements.
Grunge
Grunge is a genre that emerged in the late 1980s, characterized by its heavy, distorted sound and introspective lyrics. It was a response to the commercialization of rock music.
Hardcore Punk
Hardcore punk is a sub-genre that features fast-paced songs with politically charged lyrics, often with a focus on social issues. It emerged in the late 1970s as a response to the commercialization of punk music.
Hard Rock
Hard rock is a genre that emerged in the late 1960s, featuring loud, guitar-driven music, often with blues and heavy metal influences. It is characterized by its powerful sound and aggressive lyrics.
Indie Rock
Indie rock is a genre that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by its DIY aesthetic and rejection of mainstream culture. It often features guitar-based music and introspective lyrics, and has since evolved to include a wide range of styles and influences.
Lo-fi
Lo-fi is a sub-genre that is characterized by its raw, unpolished sound, often created using low-quality equipment or techniques. It emerged in the 1980s and has since been used in a variety of genres, including indie rock and hip-hop.
Musique Concrète
Musique concrète is a genre that features recorded sounds and manipulated audio samples, often used to create experimental, abstract music. It emerged in the 1940s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including film scores and electronic music.
New Wave
New wave is a genre that emerged in the late 1970s, characterized by its use of synthesizers and electronic instruments. It often features upbeat, danceable music with introspective lyrics, and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including film and television.
Progressive Rock
Progressive rock is a genre that values musical experimentation and virtuosity, featuring complex song structures and instrumentation. It emerged in the late 1960s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including concept albums and rock operas.
Punk
Punk is a genre that emerged in the mid-1970s, characterized by its fast-paced songs and politically charged lyrics. It often features an anti-establishment message and DIY aesthetic, and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including post-punk and hardcore punk.
Shoegaze
Shoegaze is a genre that emerged in the late 1980s, characterized by its use of heavily distorted guitars and ethereal vocals. It often features introspective lyrics and a dreamy, atmospheric sound.
Steampunk
Steampunk music is a sub-genre that incorporates elements of Victorian-era style and technology, often featuring a mix of acoustic and electronic instruments. It is inspired by the steampunk subculture, which blends science fiction and historical elements.
Anime
Anime music refers to the music used in Japanese anime series, films, and video games. It often features a mix of J-pop, rock, and orchestral elements, and is used to evoke emotion and enhance the viewing experience.
Blues
Blues is a genre that originated in the African American communities of the Southern United States, characterized by its use of the blues scale and call-and-response singing. It has since evolved to include a wide range of styles and influences, including the following sub-genres:
Acoustic Blues
Acoustic blues is a sub-genre that features unamplified, acoustic instruments, often with a focus on fingerpicking guitar. It is often characterized by its raw, intimate sound.
African Blues
African blues is a sub-genre that incorporates traditional African rhythms and instruments, often with a focus on call-and-response singing. It is characterized by its upbeat, energetic sound.
Blues Rock
Blues rock is a sub-genre that blends blues and rock influences, often with distorted guitar and a heavier sound. It emerged in the 1960s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including classic rock and hard rock.
Blues Shouter
Blues shouter is a sub-genre that features a powerful, expressive singing style, often with a call-and-response format. It emerged in the 1930s and was popularized by artists like Big Joe Turner and Wynonie Harris.
British Blues
British blues is a sub-genre that emerged in the UK in the 1960s, featuring a mix of blues and rock influences. It was popularized by bands like The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds.
Canadian Blues
Canadian blues is a sub-genre that emerged in Canada in the 1980s, featuring a mix of blues and folk influences. It often incorporates traditional Canadian themes and instrumentation.
Chicago Blues
Chicago blues is a sub-genre that originated in Chicago in the 1950s, featuring a mix of blues and jazz influences. It often features a horn section and a focus on improvisation.
Classic Blues
Classic blues is a sub-genre that refers to the early blues recordings of the 1920s and 1930s, often featuring female singers and a focus on personal emotions.
Classic Female Blues
Classic female blues is a sub-genre that refers to the early blues recordings of the 1920s and 1930s, often featuring female singers and a focus on personal emotions.
Contemporary Blues
Contemporary blues is a sub-genre that refers to modern blues recordings, often incorporating a mix of traditional and modern influences.
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a genre that evolved from classic R&B, often incorporating elements of hip-hop and electronic music. It emerged in the 1980s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including pop and rock music.
Country Blues
Country blues is a sub-genre that features acoustic instruments and a focus on storytelling, often with a rural, country sound. It emerged in the early 1900s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including folk and rock music.
Dark Blues
Dark blues is a sub-genre that features a darker, more melancholy sound, often with a focus on introspective lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation.
Delta Blues
Delta blues is a sub-genre that originated in the Mississippi Delta in the early 1900s, featuring a mix of African American and European influences. It often features bottleneck guitar and a focus on storytelling.
Detroit Blues
Detroit blues is a sub-genre that emerged in Detroit in the 1940s and 1950s, featuring a mix of blues and jazz influences. It often features a horn section and a focus on improvisation.
Doom Blues
Doom blues is a sub-genre that blends blues and doom metal influences, often featuring heavy, distorted guitar and a slower tempo. It emerged in the 1990s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including stoner rock and sludge metal.
Electric Blues
Electric blues is a sub-genre that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, featuring amplified instruments and a heavier sound. It was popularized by artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.
Folk Blues
Folk blues is a sub-genre that features acoustic instruments and a focus on storytelling, often with a focus on traditional folk themes and instrumentation. It emerged in the early 1900s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including protest music and singer-songwriter music.
Gospel Blues
Gospel blues is a sub-genre that incorporates gospel and spiritual music influences, often featuring a mix of religious and secular themes. It emerged in the early 1900s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including soul and R&B music.
Harmonica Blues
Harmonica blues is a sub-genre that features the harmonica as a prominent instrument, often with a focus on improvisation and a raw, bluesy sound. It emerged in the early 1900s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including folk and rock music.
Hill Country Blues
Hill country blues is a sub-genre that originated in the hill country region of Mississippi, featuring a mix of African American and European influences. It often features a repetitive, trance-like sound and a focus on rhythm and groove.
Hokum Blues
Hokum blues is a sub-genre that features bawdy, humorous lyrics and a playful, upbeat sound. It emerged in the 1920s and was popularized by artists like Tampa Red and Georgia Tom.
Jazz Blues
Jazz blues is a sub-genre that blends blues and jazz influences, often featuring a focus on improvisation and a more complex harmonic structure. It emerged in the early 1900s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including bebop and fusion.
Jump Blues
Jump blues is a sub-genre that features a lively, up-tempo sound and a focus on danceable rhythms. It emerged in the 1940s and was popularized by artists like Louis Jordan.
Kansas City Blues
Kansas City blues is a sub-genre that originated in Kansas City in the 1920s and 1930s, featuring a mix of blues and jazz influences. It often features a horn section and a focus on improvisation.
Louisiana Blues
Louisiana blues is a sub-genre that features a mix of blues and Cajun influences, often with a focus on danceable rhythms and a lively, upbeat sound. It emerged in the early 1900s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including zydeco and swamp pop.
Memphis Blues
Memphis blues is a sub-genre that originated in Memphis in the 1940s and 1950s, featuring a mix of blues, jazz, and R&B influences. It was popularized by artists like B.B. King and Howlin’ Wolf.
Modern Blues
Modern blues is a sub-genre that blends traditional blues with contemporary influences, often featuring a mix of acoustic and electric instruments and a focus on modern production techniques.
New Orleans Blues
New Orleans blues is a sub-genre that features a mix of blues, jazz, and R&B influences, often with a focus on the unique musical traditions of New Orleans. It was popularized by artists like Fats Domino and Professor Longhair.
NY Blues
NY blues is a sub-genre that originated in New York in the 1940s and 1950s, featuring a mix of blues and jazz influences. It often features a horn section and a focus on improvisation.
Piano Blues
Piano blues is a sub-genre that features the piano as a prominent instrument, often with a focus on boogie-woogie and other fast-paced piano styles. It emerged in the early 1900s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including jazz and rock music.
Piedmont Blues
Piedmont blues is a sub-genre that originated in the Piedmont region of the southeastern United States, featuring a mix of African American and European influences. It often features fingerstyle guitar and a focus on intricate guitar work.
Punk Blues
Punk blues is a sub-genre that blends blues and punk rock influences, often featuring raw, lo-fi production and a focus on high-energy performances. It emerged in the 1970s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including garage rock and alternative rock.
Ragtime Blues
Ragtime blues is a sub-genre that features a mix of blues and ragtime influences, often with a focus on piano and other ragtime-style instruments. It emerged in the early 1900s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including jazz and folk music.
Rhythm Blues
Rhythm blues (often abbreviated as R&B) is a sub-genre that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, featuring a mix of blues and jazz influences and a focus on danceable rhythms. It has since evolved to encompass a wide range of styles, including soul, funk, and hip-hop.
Soul Blues
Soul blues is a sub-genre that blends blues and soul music influences, often featuring a mix of bluesy guitar and soulful vocals. It emerged in the 1960s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including Southern soul and blues rock.
St. Louis Blues
St. Louis blues is a sub-genre that originated in St. Louis in the early 1900s, featuring a mix of blues and ragtime influences. It often features a focus on piano and a lively, upbeat sound.
Swamp Blues
Swamp blues is a sub-genre that features a mix of blues and Cajun influences, often with a focus on atmospheric instrumentation and a swampy, melancholy sound. It emerged in the 1950s and has since been used in a variety of contexts, including zydeco and blues rock.
Texas Blues
Texas blues is a sub-genre that originated in Texas in the early 1900s, featuring a mix of blues and country influences. It often features a focus on guitar and a high-energy, danceable sound.
Urban Blues
Urban blues is a sub-genre that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, featuring a mix of blues and jazz influences and a focus on the experiences of urban African Americans. It often features a horn section and a sophisticated, jazz-inspired sound.
Vaudeville Blues
Vaudeville blues is a sub-genre that emerged in the early 1900s and was popularized in vaudeville shows, featuring a mix of blues and theatrical influences. It often features a focus on performance and a humorous, lighthearted tone.
West Coast Blues
West Coast blues is a sub-genre that originated in California in the 1940s and 1950s, featuring a mix of blues and jazz influences and a focus on smooth, sophisticated arrangements. It often features a horn section and a laid-back, jazzy sound.
Zydeco
Zydeco is a sub-genre that originated in Louisiana in the early 20th century, featuring a mix of blues and Cajun influences and a focus on accordion and washboard instrumentation. It often features a lively, danceable sound and a mix of French and English lyrics.
Children’s Music
Children’s music is a genre designed for young listeners, featuring simple melodies, catchy lyrics, and often educational themes. It can include a variety of styles, from lullabies to sing-alongs and stories.
Lullabies
Lullabies are a sub-genre of children’s music designed to soothe and calm infants and young children. They often feature gentle melodies and soft, soothing vocals.
Sing-Along
Sing-along is a sub-genre of children’s music designed to encourage young listeners to participate and sing along with the music. It often features simple, repetitive lyrics and catchy melodies.
Stories
Stories are a sub-genre of children’s music that tell stories through music and lyrics. They can feature a variety of musical styles and often include educational themes.
Classical
Classical music is a genre of Western music that originated in Europe during the Classical period, roughly spanning from the mid-18th century to the early 19th century. It includes a wide range of styles and sub-genres, from the Baroque to contemporary classical.
Avant-Garde
Avant-garde is a sub-genre of classical music that emphasizes innovation and experimentation, often featuring unconventional instrumentation and techniques.
Ballet
Ballet is a sub-genre of classical music that is composed for and performed by ballet dancers. It often features orchestral arrangements and a focus on rhythm and movement.
Baroque
Baroque is a sub-genre of classical music that originated in Europe in the 17th century, featuring ornate, complex compositions and a focus on harmony and counterpoint.
Cantata
Cantata is a sub-genre of classical music that is composed for voice and instrumental accompaniment, often featuring a mix of solo and choral performances.
Chamber Music
Chamber music is a sub-genre of classical music that is composed for small ensembles, often featuring a mix of string and wind instruments.
String Quartet
String quartet is a sub-sub-genre of chamber music that is composed for a four-person ensemble consisting of two violins, a viola, and a cello.
Chant
Chant is a sub-genre of classical music that features monophonic, unaccompanied vocal music. It has roots in ancient religious traditions and is often used in liturgical settings.
Choral
Choral is a sub-genre of classical music that features vocal music performed by a choir, often with orchestral accompaniment. It can include a wide range of styles, from sacred music to modern choral arrangements.
Classical Crossover
Classical crossover is a sub-genre of classical music that blends classical elements with other genres, such as pop, rock, or jazz.
Concerto
Concerto is a sub-genre of classical music that features a soloist performing with an orchestra. It often highlights the virtuosity of the soloist and features a mix of solo and orchestral performances.
Concerto Grosso
Concerto grosso is a sub-genre of classical music that features a small group of soloists performing with an orchestra. It often highlights the interplay between the soloists and the orchestra.
Contemporary Classical
Contemporary classical is a sub-genre of classical music that features compositions from the 20th and 21st centuries, often featuring a mix of traditional and experimental styles.
Early Music
Early music is a sub-genre of classical music that features compositions from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods.
Expressionist
Expressionist is a sub-genre of classical music that emphasizes emotional expression and subjective experiences, often featuring dissonant harmonies and unconventional instrumental techniques.
High Classical
High classical is a sub-genre of classical music that features compositions from the late 18th century, often characterized by a balance of formal structure and emotional expression.
Impressionist
Impressionist is a sub-genre of classical music that emphasizes tone color and atmosphere, often featuring rich, evocative harmonies and a focus on sensory experiences.
Mass Requiem
Mass requiem is a sub-genre of classical music that is composed for liturgical settings, specifically for requiem masses honoring the dead.
Medieval
Medieval is a sub-genre of classical music that features compositions from the Middle Ages, often characterized by monophonic vocal music and simple instrumental accompaniment.
Minimalism
Minimalism is a sub-genre of classical music that emphasizes simplicity and repetition, often featuring a limited number of musical elements and a focus on gradual changes in sound.
Modern Composition
Modern composition is a sub-genre of classical music that features contemporary compositions, often incorporating elements from a variety of genres and styles.
Modern Classical
Modern classical is a sub-genre of classical music that features contemporary compositions, often incorporating elements from a variety of genres and styles.
Opera
Opera is a sub-genre of classical music that features vocal music performed with orchestral accompaniment and a focus on storytelling. It often incorporates elements of theater and performance.
Oratorio
Oratorio is a sub-genre of classical music that is similar to opera, but without staging or costumes. It often features vocal soloists, a choir, and orchestral accompaniment.
Orchestral
Orchestral is a sub-genre of classical music that features compositions performed by a full orchestra, often featuring a wide range of instrumental colors and textures.
Organum
Organum is a sub-genre of classical music that features vocal music performed in medieval European churches, often with a focus on harmonic complexity and resonance.
Renaissance
Renaissance is a sub-genre of classical music that features compositions from the Renaissance period, often characterized by polyphonic vocal music and a focus on humanist themes.
Romantic (early period)
Romantic (early period) is a sub-genre of classical music that features compositions from the early Romantic period, characterized by a focus on emotion and individualism.
Romantic (later period)
Romantic (later period) is a sub-genre of classical music that features compositions from the late Romantic period, characterized by a focus on expressive melodies and lush harmonies.
Sonata
Sonata is a sub-genre of classical music that features compositions for solo instrument or small ensemble, often featuring a structured, multi-movement form.
Symphonic
Symphonic is a sub-genre of classical music that features compositions for full orchestra, often characterized by a broad, sweeping sound and a wide range of instrumental colors.
Symphony
Symphony is a sub-genre of classical music that features large-scale compositions for full orchestra, often incorporating multiple movements and a wide range of musical elements.
Twelve-tone
Twelve-tone is a sub-genre of classical music that features compositions based on a specific technique called the twelve-tone system, which uses a series of 12 pitches in a specific order without repetition.
Wedding Music
Wedding music is a sub-genre of classical music that is often performed at weddings and other celebratory events, featuring romantic and joyful compositions for solo instruments or ensembles.
Comedy
Comedy music is a genre that combines music with humorous or comedic elements. This genre includes novelty music, parody music, and stand-up comedy.
Novelty
Novelty music is a sub-genre of comedy music that features humorous or unusual themes or lyrics, often with a catchy melody and simple structure.
Parody Music (Weird Al!)
Parody music is a sub-genre of comedy music that involves creating new lyrics for an existing song, often with a humorous or satirical twist. Weird Al Yankovic is a famous artist in this genre.
Stand-up Comedy
Stand-up comedy is a sub-genre of comedy that involves performing live comedy routines in front of an audience.
Vaudeville
Vaudeville is a sub-genre of comedy that originated in the late 19th century and involved a variety of performances, including comedy skits, music, dance, and acrobatics.
Commercial
Commercial music is a genre that is created specifically for commercial purposes, such as advertising jingles or television themes.
Jingles
Jingles are short, catchy tunes that are created to promote a product or brand through advertising.
TV Themes
TV themes are instrumental or vocal pieces of music that are created to accompany television programs, often with a recognizable melody or theme.
Country
Country music is a popular music genre that originated in the southern United States in the early 1920s. It incorporates elements of American folk music, blues, and gospel music. It has since evolved into numerous sub-genres, including:
Alternative Country
Alternative country, also known as alt-country, is a sub-genre that blends elements of country music with other genres, including rock, punk, and folk. It often features lyrics that are more introspective and poetic than traditional country songs.
Americana
Americana is a sub-genre that blends elements of country, folk, and rock music. It often features acoustic instruments, such as guitars and banjos, and emphasizes storytelling in its lyrics.
Bluegrass
Bluegrass is a sub-genre that originated in the Appalachian region of the United States. It is characterized by its use of acoustic instruments, including banjos, fiddles, and mandolins, and its fast-paced, virtuosic playing style.
Progressive Bluegrass
Progressive bluegrass is a sub-genre that blends traditional bluegrass with elements of jazz, rock, and classical music. It often features longer, more complex instrumental solos and arrangements than traditional bluegrass songs.
Reactionary Bluegrass
Reactionary bluegrass, also known as neo-traditional bluegrass, is a sub-genre that emphasizes a return to the traditional sounds and styles of early bluegrass music.
Cajun Fiddle Tunes
Cajun fiddle tunes are a sub-genre that originated in Louisiana. It is characterized by its use of the fiddle and accordion, and its lively, danceable rhythms.
Christian Country
Christian country is a sub-genre that combines country music with Christian lyrics. It often features themes of faith, redemption, and hope.
Classic Country
Classic country, also known as traditional country, is a sub-genre that emphasizes the sounds and styles of early country music. It often features simple, catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics about everyday life.
Contemporary Country
Contemporary country is a sub-genre that incorporates elements of pop and rock music. It often features polished production, catchy hooks, and lyrics about love and relationships.
Country Gospel
Country gospel is a sub-genre that combines country music with Christian gospel lyrics. It often features themes of faith, salvation, and redemption.
Country Pop
Country pop is a sub-genre that blends country music with pop music. It often features catchy hooks, polished production, and lyrics about love and relationships.
Country Rap
Country rap, also known as hick-hop, is a sub-genre that combines country music with rap. It often features rhyming lyrics, electronic beats, and references to rural culture.
Country Rock
Country rock is a sub-genre that blends elements of country music with rock music. It often features electric guitars, drums, and other rock instruments, as well as lyrics that incorporate themes of both genres.
Country Soul
Country Soul is a sub-genre of country music that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. This genre incorporates soul and R&B elements into country music. Artists like Charley Pride, Joe Tex, and Sammi Smith were known for their contributions to this genre.
Cowboy / Western
Cowboy / Western is a sub-genre of country music that incorporates themes of the American West and cowboy culture. Western music is often associated with films, television shows, and rodeos. Artists like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and Tex Ritter were pioneers of this genre.
Cowpunk
Cowpunk is a sub-genre of country music that emerged in the 1980s. This genre combines punk rock and country music, resulting in a unique sound that incorporates the speed and energy of punk with the storytelling and twang of country. The band Jason and the Scorchers is often credited with popularizing this genre.
Dansband
Dansband is a sub-genre of country music that originated in Sweden. It is characterized by danceable rhythms and upbeat melodies. Dansband music is often played at social events and dance halls in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries.
Honky Tonk
Honky Tonk is a sub-genre of country music that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s. This genre is characterized by a strong piano rhythm and lyrics that focus on drinking and heartbreak. Artists like Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, and Webb Pierce were pioneers of this genre.
Franco-Country
Franco-Country is a sub-genre of country music that originated in Quebec, Canada. This genre incorporates French lyrics and musical elements into country music. Artists like Willie Lamothe and Renée Martel were known for their contributions to this genre.
Gulf and Western
Gulf and Western is a sub-genre of country music that incorporates elements of tropical music and themes of beach culture. This genre was popularized by singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, whose songs often reference Margaritaville and island life.
Hellbilly Music
Hellbilly Music is a sub-genre of country music that incorporates elements of rockabilly, punk, and heavy metal. This genre is characterized by a dark and gritty sound and lyrics that often focus on horror and the supernatural.
Instrumental Country
Instrumental Country is a sub-genre of country music that features instrumental performances instead of vocals. This genre is often associated with the steel guitar and other stringed instruments. Artists like Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed were pioneers of this genre.
Lubbock Sound
Lubbock Sound is a sub-genre of country music that emerged in Lubbock, Texas in the 1950s and 1960s. This genre is characterized by a unique sound that incorporates rock and roll and R&B elements into country music. Artists like Buddy Holly and Waylon Jennings were known for their contributions to this genre.
Nashville Sound
Nashville Sound is a sub-genre of country music that emerged in the 1960s. This genre is characterized by a smooth and polished sound that incorporates strings and orchestral arrangements into country music. Artists like Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves were known for their contributions to this genre.
Neotraditional Country
Neotraditional Country is a sub-genre of country music that emerged in the 1980s as a reaction to the pop-oriented sound of mainstream country music. This genre is characterized by a return to traditional country music elements like fiddle and steel guitar. Artists like George Strait and Randy Travis were pioneers of this genre.
Outlaw Country
Outlaw Country is a sub-genre of country music that emerged in the 1970s as a reaction to the polished Nashville Sound. This genre is characterized by a rough and rowdy sound and lyrics that often focus on drinking, drugs, and rebellion. Artists like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash were known for their contributions to this genre.
Progressive Country
Progressive Country is a sub-genre of Country music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a response to the polished Nashville Sound that dominated Country music at the time. Progressive Country artists sought to create a more raw, rootsy sound that was closer to traditional Country music. They incorporated elements of rock, folk, and other genres to create a unique sound that appealed to a younger audience.
Psychobilly / Punkabilly
Psychobilly / Punkabilly is a fusion genre of Country, rockabilly, and punk rock. It emerged in the 1980s and is characterized by its fast-paced rhythms, aggressive sound, and lyrics that often deal with horror and violence. Psychobilly / Punkabilly often features upright bass, electric guitar, and drums.
Red Dirt
Red Dirt is a sub-genre of Country music that originated in Oklahoma in the 1970s. It is characterized by its mix of Country, rock, folk, and blues, and is known for its raw, gritty sound. Red Dirt artists often incorporate storytelling into their lyrics, drawing inspiration from their experiences growing up in rural areas.
Sertanejo
Sertanejo is a sub-genre of Country music that originated in Brazil. It emerged in the early 20th century and is characterized by its mix of traditional Brazilian music and Country music. Sertanejo often features accordion, guitar, and percussion, and has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Texas County
Texas Country is a sub-genre of Country music that emerged in Texas in the 1960s and 1970s. It is characterized by its mix of traditional Country music and rock, blues, and folk influences. Texas Country often features storytelling lyrics and has been influenced by outlaw Country music.
Traditional Bluegrass
Traditional Bluegrass is a sub-genre of Bluegrass music that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by its use of acoustic instruments, including the banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and guitar, and its emphasis on vocal harmonies. Traditional Bluegrass often draws inspiration from traditional Appalachian music.
Traditional Country
Traditional Country is a sub-genre of Country music that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterized by its focus on storytelling, simple melodies, and traditional instrumentation, such as guitar, fiddle, and steel guitar. Traditional Country often deals with themes of love, heartbreak, and rural life.
Truck-Driving Country
Truck-Driving Country is a sub-genre of Country music that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. It is characterized by its focus on the experiences of truck drivers, including life on the road and the challenges they face. Truck-Driving Country often features storytelling lyrics and simple, driving rhythms.
Urban Cowboy
Urban Cowboy is a sub-genre of Country music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its mix of Country music and pop, rock, and disco influences. Urban Cowboy often features synthesizers and electric guitars and has been associated with a particular style of dress and social scene.
Western Swing
Western Swing is a sub-genre of Country music that emerged in the 1930s and 1940s. It is characterized by its mix of Country music and swing jazz and often features horns, piano, and steel guitar. Western Swing has a lively, upbeat sound and is known for its danceability.
Zydeco
Zydeco is a sub-genre of music that originated in Louisiana in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its mix of French Creole music, African American blues, and Country music.
Dance (EDM – Electronic Dance Music – see Electronic below)
This genre is characterized by its emphasis on dancing, and is commonly played at nightclubs, raves, and festivals. It encompasses a wide range of styles, from house and techno to dubstep and drum and bass.
Club / Club Dance
This sub-genre of dance music is typically played in nightclubs and has a strong emphasis on the beat and rhythm, with a focus on creating a high-energy atmosphere to get people dancing.
Breakcore
Breakcore is a sub-genre of electronic music that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of breakbeats, heavy distortion, and experimental soundscapes.
Breakbeat / Breakstep
This sub-genre of electronic music originated in the early 1990s and is characterized by its use of breakbeats, which are samples of drum beats from funk, jazz, and rock songs. Breakbeat has several sub-genres, including 4-Beat, Acid Breaks, Baltimore Club, and Big Beat.
Acid Breaks
Acid Breaks is a sub-genre of breakbeat that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by the use of the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer, which creates a distinctive acid sound. Acid Breaks is known for its intense energy and high-tempo beats.
Baltimore Club
Baltimore Club is a sub-genre of breakbeat that originated in Baltimore, Maryland in the late 1980s. It is characterized by its use of fast-paced breakbeats, call-and-response vocals, and repetitive samples. Baltimore Club is often associated with dance battles and street parties.
Big Beat
Big Beat is a sub-genre of breakbeat that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of heavy, distorted basslines, and breakbeats that are often sampled from rock and funk records. Big Beat is known for its energetic and upbeat sound.
Breakbeat Hardcore
Breakbeat Hardcore, also known as rave breaks, is a sub-genre of breakbeat that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its use of fast-paced breakbeats, heavy basslines, and hardcore techno elements. Breakbeat Hardcore is known for its high energy and frenetic tempo.
Broken Beat
Broken Beat, also known as nu jazz, is a sub-genre of breakbeat that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and off-beat accents. Broken Beat is known for its experimental and eclectic sound.
Florida Breaks
Florida Breaks is a sub-genre of breakbeat that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of electro basslines, Miami bass sounds, and breakbeats. Florida Breaks is known for its upbeat and party-oriented sound.
Nu Skool Breaks
Nu Skool Breaks is a sub-genre of breakbeat that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its use of heavy basslines, breakbeats, and techno influences.
Brostep
Brostep is a sub-genre of dubstep that emerged in the late 2000s. It is characterized by its heavy use of bass drops and wobble bass, and often features aggressive and energetic rhythms.
Chillstep
Chillstep is a sub-genre of dubstep that is characterized by its mellow and relaxed sound, often incorporating ambient textures and elements of trip-hop.
Deep House
Deep house is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of soulful vocals, funky basslines, and complex chord progressions.
Dubstep
Dubstep originated in the UK in the early 2000s and is characterized by its heavy use of bass drops, wobble bass, and syncopated rhythms.
Electro House
Electro house is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the mid-2000s. It is characterized by its use of heavy basslines, synthesizers, and four-on-the-floor rhythms.
Electroswing
Electroswing is a fusion of swing music and electronic dance music. It emerged in the early 2010s and is characterized by its use of swing rhythms, brass and horn instruments, and electronic production techniques.
Exercise
Exercise music is specifically designed to be played during exercise routines. It typically has a fast tempo and a high-energy sound to help motivate listeners during their workouts.
Future Garage
Future garage is a sub-genre of garage that emerged in the late 2000s. It is characterized by its use of atmospheric sounds and basslines, and its incorporation of elements from other genres such as dubstep and house.
Garage
Garage is a sub-genre of electronic dance music that originated in the UK in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of four-on-the-floor rhythms, chopped-up vocal samples, and garage-style beats.
Glitch Hop
Glitch hop is a sub-genre of hip hop that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of glitchy and distorted sounds, breakbeats, and heavy basslines.
Glitch Pop
Glitch pop is a fusion of pop music and glitch hop. It is characterized by its use of glitchy and distorted sounds, catchy melodies, and pop-style song structures.
Grime
Grime is a sub-genre of dance music that originated in London in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its fast-paced rhythms and aggressive, fast-talking lyrics. Grime often incorporates elements of hip hop, dancehall, and electronic music, and has become increasingly popular in the UK and around the world.
Hardcore
Hardcore is a sub-genre of dance music that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its fast and intense rhythms, heavy use of bass and drum, and aggressive vocals. Some of the most popular sub-genres of hardcore include bouncy house, bouncy techno, breakcore, digital hardcore, doomcore, gabber, happy hardcore, hardstyle, jumpstyle, makina, speedcore, terrorcore, and UK hardcore.
Bouncy House
Bouncy house is a sub-genre of hardcore that emerged in the UK in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its bouncy rhythms and upbeat melodies, and often features samples from popular culture.
Bouncy Techno
Bouncy techno is a sub-genre of hardcore that originated in the UK in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its fast-paced rhythms and heavy use of synths and electronic instruments.
Breakcore
Breakcore is a sub-genre of hardcore that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its aggressive rhythms, heavy use of distortion and glitch effects, and frequent sampling of other genres and sounds.
Digital Hardcore
Digital hardcore is a sub-genre of hardcore that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of digital production techniques, heavy distortion, and aggressive vocals.
Doomcore
Doomcore is a sub-genre of hardcore that emerged in the 2000s. It is characterized by its dark, moody soundscapes, and heavy use of bass and drums.
Dubstyle
Dubstyle is a sub-genre of hardcore that emerged in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its fusion of dubstep and hardcore, and often features heavy use of synths and bass.
Gabber
Gabber is a sub-genre of hardcore that originated in the Netherlands in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its fast and aggressive rhythms, heavy use of bass and drums, and distorted vocals.
Happy Hardcore
Happy hardcore is a sub-genre of hardcore that emerged in the UK in the 1990s. It is characterized by its upbeat melodies, fast-paced rhythms, and happy, optimistic lyrics.
Hardstyle
Hardstyle is a sub-genre of hardcore that originated in the Netherlands in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of synths and electronic instruments, and its fast and intense rhythms.
Jumpstyle
Jumpstyle is a sub-genre of hardcore that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its high-energy rhythms and unique dance moves, which involve jumping and stomping in time with the music.
Makina
Makina is a sub-genre of hardcore that originated in Spain in the 1990s. It is characterized by its fast and aggressive rhythms, heavy use of synths and electronic instruments, and distorted vocals.
Speedcore
Speedcore is a sub-genre of hardcore that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its extremely fast and intense rhythms, heavy use of distortion, and aggressive vocals.
Terrorcore
Terrorcore is a sub-genre of hardcore that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its dark and aggressive soundscapes, heavy use of bass and drums, and distorted vocals.
UK Hardcore
UK hardcore is a sub-genre of hardcore that originated in the UK in the 1990s. It is characterized by its fast and energetic rhythms, heavy use of bass and drums, and positive, uplifting lyrics.
Hard Dance
Hard dance is a sub-genre of dance music that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its high-energy rhythms and heavy use of bass and drums. Some of the most popular sub-genres of hard dance include hi-NRG/eurodance and horrorcore.
Hi-NRG / Eurodance
Hi-NRG and eurodance are sub-genres of hard dance that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively. They are characterized by their upbeat rhythms, catchy melodies, and energetic vocals.
Horrorcore
Horrorcore is a sub-genre of hard dance that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its dark and ominous soundscapes, heavy use of bass and drums, and lyrics that often deal with horror and violence.
House
House music originated in Chicago in the early 1980s and quickly spread to other parts of the world. It is characterized by a 4/4 beat, synthesized melodies, and the use of a drum machine. House music is often played in nightclubs, and its popularity has led to the creation of numerous sub-genres.
Acid House
Acid House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the mid-1980s. It is characterized by its use of the Roland TB-303 synthesizer, which creates a distinctive “acid” sound. Acid House is known for its fast tempo and repetitive beats, and it has had a significant influence on the development of electronic dance music.
Chicago House
Chicago House is a sub-genre of house music that originated in Chicago in the early 1980s. It is characterized by its use of drum machines, synthesized melodies, and soulful vocals. Chicago House is considered the birthplace of house music and has had a significant impact on the development of electronic dance music.
Deep House
Deep House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the late 1980s. It is characterized by its use of complex melodies and chord progressions, as well as its use of soulful vocals and jazz-inspired instrumentation. Deep House has a slower tempo than other forms of house music, and it is often associated with a more relaxed and atmospheric sound.
Dutch House
Dutch House is a sub-genre of house music that originated in the Netherlands in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its use of Dutch-inspired synths, aggressive basslines, and complex drum patterns. Dutch House is known for its high energy and has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Electro House
Electro House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the mid-2000s. It is characterized by its use of heavy basslines, distorted synths, and a faster tempo than traditional house music. Electro House is often associated with a more aggressive and energetic sound, and it has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Funky House
Funky House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its use of funk-inspired melodies and basslines, as well as its use of disco and soul samples. Funky House is often associated with a more upbeat and danceable sound, and it has become popular in clubs and radio stations around the world.
Ghetto House
Ghetto House is a sub-genre of house music that originated in Chicago in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of a 4/4 beat, repetitive vocal samples, and a focus on sexual and explicit lyrics. Ghetto House is often associated with a more aggressive and confrontational sound, and it has had a significant impact on the development of electronic dance music.
Progressive House
Progressive House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its use of long, gradual build-ups and melodic breakdowns, as well as its use of orchestral and ambient elements. Progressive House is often associated with a more epic and emotional sound, and it has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Rave Music
Rave Music is a sub-genre of house music that originated in the United Kingdom in the late 1980s. It is characterized by its use of fast, repetitive beats, and its focus on creating a high-energy, party atmosphere. Rave Music has had a significant impact on the development of electronic dance music, and it continues to influence the genre to this day.
Tech House
Tech House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of techno-inspired sounds, such as heavy basslines and synthesized melodies, combined with the 4/4 beat and other elements of traditional house music. Tech House is often associated with a more stripped-down and minimalistic sound, and it has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Tribal House
Tribal House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its use of tribal-inspired percussion, such as bongos and congas, combined with the 4/4 beat and other elements of traditional house music. Tribal House is often associated with a more organic and earthy sound, and it has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Tropical House
Tropical House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its use of tropical-inspired sounds, such as steel drums and marimbas, combined with the 4/4 beat and other elements of traditional house music. Tropical House is often associated with a more relaxed and summery sound, and it has become popular on radio stations and streaming services around the world.
UK Hard House
UK Hard House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the mid-1990s in the UK. It is characterized by its use of hard, fast beats and aggressive synths, as well as its focus on creating an intense and energetic sound. UK Hard House has become popular in clubs and festivals in the UK and around the world.
US Garage
US Garage is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the early 1990s in the United States. It is characterized by its use of soulful vocals, piano riffs, and a 4/4 beat, as well as its focus on creating a more organic and soulful sound. US Garage has become popular in clubs and radio stations around the world.
Vocal House
Vocal House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the mid-1980s. It is characterized by its use of soulful and uplifting vocals, often featuring gospel or R&B influences, combined with the 4/4 beat and other elements of traditional house music. Vocal House is often associated with a more emotive and uplifting sound, and it has become popular in clubs and radio stations around the world.
Jackin House
Jackin House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of chopped-up and sampled vocal snippets, often taken from old disco or soul records, combined with the 4/4 beat and other elements of traditional house music. Jackin House is often associated with a more playful and fun sound, and it has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Jungle / Drum’n’bass
Jungle, also known as Drum’n’bass, is a sub-genre of electronic dance music that originated in the early 1990s in the UK. It is characterized by its use of fast breakbeats, heavy basslines, and a wide variety of sampled sounds and effects. Jungle has a high-energy, frenetic sound that has made it popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Liquid Dub
Liquid Dub is a sub-genre of drum’n’bass that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of smooth, rolling basslines, melodic chords and samples, and a more relaxed and atmospheric sound than other forms of drum’n’bass. Liquid Dub has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Regstep
Regstep is a sub-genre of drum’n’bass that emerged in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its use of reggae and dub-inspired sounds, such as off-beat guitar skanks and dub sirens, combined with the fast breakbeats and heavy basslines of drum’n’bass. Regstep has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Speedcore
Speedcore is a sub-genre of techno that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its use of extremely fast, pounding beats, often reaching speeds of over 300 beats per minute. Speedcore is known for its aggressive, intense sound and has become popular in the hardcore techno scene.
Techno
Techno is a sub-genre of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit in the mid-1980s. It is characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and a 4/4 beat, and is often associated with a more minimalist and industrial sound. Techno has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world and has spawned numerous sub-genres.
Acid Techno
Acid Techno is a sub-genre of techno that emerged in the late 1980s. It is characterized by its use of the Roland TB-303 synthesizer, which creates a distinctive “acid” sound, combined with the 4/4 beat and other elements of techno. Acid Techno has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Detroit Techno
Detroit Techno is a sub-genre of techno that emerged in Detroit in the mid-1980s. It is characterized by its use of futuristic and soulful sounds, such as synth pads and strings, combined with the 4/4 beat and other elements of techno. Detroit Techno has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world and has had a significant influence on the development of electronic dance music.
Free Tekno
Free Tekno is a sub-genre of techno that emerged in the early 1990s in Europe. It is characterized by its use of free parties and illegal raves as venues, as well as its focus on a more underground and DIY ethos. Free Tekno has become popular in the underground techno scene.
Ghettotech
Ghettotech is a sub-genre of techno that emerged in Detroit in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of fast, repetitive beats, aggressive synths, and a focus on creating a high-energy, party atmosphere. Ghettotech has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Minimal
Minimal Techno is a sub-genre of techno that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of stripped-down, minimalistic sounds, often featuring repetitive and hypnotic loops and rhythms. Minimal Techno has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Nortec
Nortec is a sub-genre of techno that emerged in the late 1990s in northern Mexico. It is characterized by its use of traditional Mexican music, such as banda and norteño, combined with electronic beats and sounds. Nortec has become popular in clubs and festivals in Mexico and around the world.
Schranz
Schranz is a sub-genre of techno that emerged in Germany in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its use of heavy, pounding beats, aggressive synths, and a focus on creating a dark and intense atmosphere. Schranz has become popular in the underground techno scene.
Techno-Dnb
Techno-Dnb, also known as Techstep, is a sub-genre of drum’n’bass that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of techno-inspired sounds, such as synthesized basslines and industrial samples, combined with the fast breakbeats of drum’n’bass. Techno-Dnb has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Technopop
Technopop is a sub-genre of techno that emerged in Japan in the late 1970s. It is characterized by its use of pop melodies, catchy hooks, and electronic instrumentation, and is often associated with a more upbeat and accessible sound than other forms of techno. Technopop has become popular in Japan and other parts of Asia.
Tecno Brega
Tecno Brega is a sub-genre of techno that emerged in northern Brazil in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of traditional Brazilian music, such as forró and brega, combined with electronic beats and sounds. Tecno Brega has become popular in clubs and festivals in Brazil and has had a significant impact on the country’s music scene.
Toytown Techno
Toytown Techno is a sub-genre of techno that emerged in the early 1990s in the UK. It is characterized by its use of playful and childlike sounds, such as toy pianos and cartoon samples, combined with the 4/4 beat and other elements of techno. Toytown Techno has become popular in the underground techno scene.
Trance
Trance is a sub-genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 1990s in Germany. It is characterized by its use of uplifting melodies, driving beats, and a focus on creating a euphoric and trance-like state in the listener. Trance has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world and has spawned numerous sub-genres.
Acid Trance
Acid Trance is a sub-genre of trance that emerged in the late 1980s. It is characterized by its use of the Roland TB-303 synthesizer, which creates a distinctive “acid” sound, combined with the driving beats and uplifting melodies of trance. Acid Trance has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Acid-House
Acid House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the mid-1980s. It is characterized by its use of the Roland TB-303 synthesizer, which creates a distinctive “acid” sound, combined with the 4/4 beat and other elements of house music. Acid House has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Classic Trance
Classic Trance is a sub-genre of trance that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of melodic synth leads, uplifting chord progressions, and a focus on creating an emotional and uplifting atmosphere. Classic Trance has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world and is considered a defining sound of the genre.
Dark Psy
Dark Psy is a sub-genre of psychedelic trance that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of dark, atmospheric sounds, distorted synths, and a focus on creating a deep and intense psychedelic experience for the listener. Dark Psy has become popular in underground clubs and festivals around the world.
Deep House
Deep House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the late 1980s. It is characterized by its use of soulful vocals, jazzy chords, and a more relaxed and atmospheric sound than other forms of house music. Deep House has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Dream Trance
Dream Trance is a sub-genre of trance that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of dreamy and ethereal sounds, including atmospheric pads and choirs, combined with the driving beats and uplifting melodies of trance. Dream Trance has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Goa Trance
Goa Trance is a sub-genre of trance that emerged in the late 1980s in Goa, India. It is characterized by its use of psychedelic sounds, including acid synths and exotic samples, combined with the driving beats and uplifting melodies of trance. Goa Trance has become popular in underground clubs and festivals around the world.
Dark Psytrance
Dark Psytrance is a sub-genre of psychedelic trance that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of dark, atmospheric sounds, distorted synths, and a focus on creating a deep and intense psychedelic experience for the listener. Dark Psytrance has become popular in underground clubs and festivals around the world.
Full on
Full on is a sub-genre of psychedelic trance that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of fast, driving beats, melodic synths, and a focus on creating an energetic and uplifting atmosphere. Full on has become popular in underground clubs and festivals around the world.
Psybreaks
Psybreaks is a sub-genre of psychedelic trance that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of breakbeats, distorted synths, and a focus on creating a psychedelic and danceable sound. Psybreaks has become popular in underground clubs and festivals around the world.
Psyprog
Psyprog is a sub-genre of psychedelic trance that emerged in the mid-2000s. It is characterized by its use of progressive and melodic elements, including long build-ups and atmospheric pads, combined with the driving beats and psychedelic sounds of trance. Psyprog has become popular in underground clubs and festivals around the world.
Suomisaundi
Suomisaundi is a sub-genre of psychedelic trance that emerged in Finland in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its use of experimental and quirky sounds, including distorted synths and unconventional percussion, combined with the driving beats and psychedelic sounds of trance. Suomisaundi has become popular in underground clubs and festivals around the world.
Hard Trance
Hard Trance is a sub-genre of trance that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of hard, pounding beats, aggressive synths, and a focus on creating a high-energy and intense atmosphere. Hard Trance has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Prog. Trance
Prog. Trance, also known as Progressive Trance, is a sub-genre of trance that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its use of progressive and melodic elements, including long build-ups and atmospheric pads, combined with the driving beats and uplifting melodies of trance. Prog. Trance has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Psy-Trance
Psy-Trance is a sub-genre of psychedelic trance that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its use of psychedelic sounds, including acid synths and exotic samples, combined with the driving beats and uplifting melodies of trance. Psy-Trance has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Minimal Techno
Minimal Techno is a sub-genre of techno that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of stripped-down, minimalistic sounds, often featuring repetitive and hypnotic loops and rhythms. Minimal Techno has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Tech House
Tech House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of techno-inspired sounds, such as synthesized basslines and percussion, combined with the 4/4 beat and other elements of house music. Tech House has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Tech Trance
Tech Trance is a sub-genre of trance that emerged in the mid-2000s. It is characterized by its use of techno-inspired sounds, such as synthesized basslines and percussion, combined with the driving beats and uplifting melodies of trance. Tech Trance has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Uplifting Trance
Uplifting Trance is a sub-genre of trance that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its use of uplifting melodies, driving beats, and a focus on creating a euphoric and uplifting atmosphere. Uplifting Trance has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Orchestral Uplifting
Orchestral Uplifting is a sub-genre of uplifting trance that emerged in the mid-2000s. It is characterized by its use of orchestral elements, such as strings and horns, combined with the uplifting melodies and driving beats of trance. Orchestral Uplifting has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
Vocal Trance
Vocal Trance is a sub-genre of trance that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of melodic vocals, often featuring female vocalists, combined with the driving beats and uplifting melodies of trance. Vocal Trance has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world and is known for its emotional and anthemic qualities.
Trap
Trap is a sub-genre of hip hop and electronic dance music that emerged in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its use of heavy 808 drums, dark and moody melodies, and trap-style hi-hat rolls. Trap has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world and has had a significant impact on the modern music landscape.
Disney
Disney music is the genre of music created specifically for Disney movies, TV shows, and theme parks. It includes a wide variety of musical styles, from Broadway-style show tunes to pop and rock ballads, as well as instrumental music and background scores. Disney music has become a beloved and iconic part of popular culture, with many of its songs and themes being recognized around the world.
Easy Listening
Easy Listening is a genre of music that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a response to the fast-paced and often noisy nature of modern life. It is characterized by its use of soothing melodies, gentle vocals, and relaxing instrumentation, often featuring orchestral arrangements and soft, crooning vocals. Easy Listening music is designed to be listened to in the background, providing a calming and pleasant atmosphere.
Background
Background music is a genre of music that is designed to be played softly in the background, creating a pleasant and unobtrusive atmosphere. It is often used in public spaces such as restaurants and retail stores, as well as in movies and TV shows to enhance the emotional impact of a scene.
Bop
Bop is a sub-genre of easy listening music that emerged in the 1950s. It is characterized by its use of fast-paced rhythms, complex chord progressions, and improvisation, often featuring virtuosic solos on saxophone, trumpet, and other instruments. Bop has become a beloved and influential genre in the world of jazz.
Elevator
Elevator music, also known as Muzak, is a genre of music that is designed to be played softly in elevators, retail stores, and other public spaces. It is characterized by its use of easy listening melodies, gentle instrumentation, and a lack of vocals, creating a calming and unobtrusive atmosphere.
Furniture
Furniture music is a genre of music that is designed to be played in the background, creating a pleasant and unobtrusive atmosphere. It was first popularized by French composer Erik Satie in the early 20th century and is often associated with the concept of “sonic wallpaper.”
Lounge
Lounge music is a genre of easy listening music that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s. It is characterized by its use of gentle melodies, relaxed rhythms, and lush arrangements, often featuring the sounds of jazz, bossa nova, and other exotic genres. Lounge music has become associated with a retro and kitschy aesthetic, and is often used in movies and TV shows to create a nostalgic atmosphere.
Middle of the Road
Middle of the Road music is a genre of popular music that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s. It is characterized by its use of simple melodies, straightforward lyrics, and a focus on creating a pleasant and accessible sound that can appeal to a wide audience.
Swing
Swing music is a genre of jazz that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterized by its use of a swinging, rhythmic feel, with a focus on creating a danceable and upbeat sound. Swing has become a beloved and influential genre, with many of its songs and styles still popular today.
Electronic
Electronic music is a genre of music that is produced primarily using electronic instruments and technology. It encompasses a wide range of styles, from ambient and experimental music to dance music and pop. Electronic music has had a significant impact on the music industry and has influenced many other genres of music.
2-Step
2-Step is a sub-genre of garage and UK bass music that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its use of a swung rhythm, typically featuring syncopated hi-hats and a skipping bassline, as well as soulful vocals and melodic hooks. 2-Step has become popular in clubs and festivals around the world.
8bit – aka 8-bit, Bitpop and Chiptune
8bit music, also known as chiptune or bitpop, is a genre of music that is created using sound chips from vintage computers and video game consoles. It is characterized by its use of retro, low-fi sounds and simple, catchy melodies, often featuring arpeggios and pulse waves. 8bit music has become popular in the gaming and nerd culture communities.
Ambient
Ambient music is a genre of music that is designed to create a specific atmosphere or mood, often using slow and evolving soundscapes and textures. It is often used in film and television to create an emotional backdrop, and has become popular in the field of meditation and relaxation.
Ambient Dub
Ambient Dub is a sub-genre of ambient music that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of dub-inspired rhythms and basslines, combined with the atmospheric and textural qualities of ambient music. Ambient Dub has become popular in the chill-out rooms of clubs and festivals around the world.
Ambient House
Ambient House is a sub-genre of house music that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. It is characterized by its use of the atmospheric and textural qualities of ambient music, combined with the 4/4 beat and other elements of house music. Ambient House has become popular in the chill-out rooms of clubs and festivals around the world.
Ambient Techno
Ambient Techno is a sub-genre of techno that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of the atmospheric and textural qualities of ambient music, combined with the driving beats and electronic sounds of techno. Ambient Techno has become popular in the chill-out rooms of clubs and festivals around the world.
Dark Ambient
Dark Ambient is a sub-genre of ambient music that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. It is characterized by its use of dark and eerie soundscapes, often featuring ominous drones, eerie voices, and otherworldly textures. Dark Ambient has become popular in horror and science fiction films, as well as in the goth and industrial music scenes.
Drone Music
Drone Music is a genre of music that is characterized by its use of long, sustained tones and drones, often featuring minimal or no melody or rhythm. It is often used in meditation and spiritual practices, as well as in experimental and avant-garde music.
Illbient
Illbient is a sub-genre of electronic music that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of dark and experimental sounds, often featuring distorted and chopped-up samples, as well as the atmospheric and textural qualities of ambient music. Illbient has become popular in underground clubs and festivals around the world.
Isolationism
Isolationism is a sub-genre of ambient music that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of sparse and minimalistic soundscapes.
Lowercase
Lowercase is a sub-genre of ambient music that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its use of extremely quiet and subtle sounds, often featuring field recordings and environmental sounds. Lowercase has become popular in the field of sound art and experimental music.
Asian Underground
Asian Underground is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the 1990s, combining elements of Indian classical music, hip hop, and electronica. It is characterized by its use of traditional Indian instruments and rhythms, combined with electronic beats and production techniques. Asian Underground has become popular in the South Asian diaspora and beyond.
Bassline
Bassline is a sub-genre of UK garage and bass music that emerged in the 2000s. It is characterized by its use of a heavy bassline and choppy, syncopated rhythms, often featuring fast-paced vocal samples and a driving beat. Bassline has become popular in clubs and festivals around the UK.
Chillwave
Chillwave is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the late 2000s. It is characterized by its use of lo-fi production techniques, hazy and dreamy soundscapes, and nostalgic 80s and 90s pop culture references. Chillwave has become popular in the indie music scene and has influenced other genres such as synthwave and vaporwave.
Chiptune
Chiptune, also known as 8-bit or bitpop, is a genre of electronic music that is created using sound chips from vintage computers and video game consoles. It is characterized by its use of retro, low-fi sounds and simple, catchy melodies, often featuring arpeggios and pulse waves. Chiptune has become popular in the gaming and nerd culture communities, and has influenced other genres of music.
Bitpop
Bitpop is a sub-genre of chiptune that emerged in the 2000s. It is characterized by its use of retro video game sounds and pop music sensibilities, often featuring upbeat melodies and catchy hooks.
Game Boy
Game Boy music is a sub-genre of chiptune that is created using the sound chip of the original Game Boy handheld console. It is characterized by its use of the distinctive sound of the Game Boy, combined with catchy melodies and driving beats.
Nintendocore
Nintendocore is a sub-genre of chiptune that emerged in the 2000s. It is characterized by its use of heavy metal and punk rock sounds, combined with video game-inspired melodies and sound effects.
Video Game Music
Video game music, or VGM, is a genre of music that is created for video games. It encompasses a wide variety of styles and genres, from chiptune and electronic music to orchestral and cinematic scores.
Yorkshire Bleeps and Bass
Yorkshire Bleeps and Bass, or YBB, is a sub-genre of electronic music that emerged in the 1990s in the Yorkshire region of England. It is characterized by its use of gritty, industrial sounds and heavy basslines, often featuring chopped-up vocal samples and fast, frenetic rhythms.
Crunk
Crunk is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the early 2000s in the Southern United States. It is characterized by its use of heavy basslines, rapid-fire hi-hats, and aggressive, boastful lyrics.
Downtempo
Downtempo is a genre of electronic music that is characterized by its relaxed and mellow soundscapes, often featuring slow tempos, atmospheric textures, and simple, repetitive melodies.
Acid Jazz
Acid Jazz is a sub-genre of downtempo that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. It is characterized by its use of jazz-inspired instrumentation, combined with electronic beats and production techniques.
Balearic Beat
Balearic Beat is a sub-genre of downtempo that emerged in the 1980s in the Balearic Islands of Spain. It is characterized by its use of laid-back, sun-soaked melodies and atmospheric soundscapes, often featuring elements of world music and electronica.
Chill Out
Chill Out is a sub-genre of downtempo that is characterized by its use of relaxed, atmospheric textures and soothing melodies, often featuring elements of ambient and world music.
Dub Music
Dub music is a genre of electronic music that emerged in Jamaica in the 1960s. It is characterized by its use of reggae-inspired rhythms, combined with heavy basslines, reverb, and echo effects.
Dubtronica
Dubtronica is a sub-genre of dub that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of electronic production techniques and instrumentation, often featuring glitchy and abstract soundscapes.
Ethnic Electronica
Ethnic Electronica is a genre of electronic music that is characterized by its use of traditional ethnic instruments and sounds, often combined with electronic beats and production techniques.
Moombahton
Moombahton is a sub-genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 2010s. It is characterized
by its use of reggaeton-inspired rhythms, combined with electronic beats and production techniques, often featuring a slowed-down tempo and chopped-up vocal samples.
Nu Jazz
Nu Jazz is a sub-genre of downtempo that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of jazz-inspired instrumentation and harmonies, combined with electronic beats and production techniques.
Trip Hop
Trip Hop is a sub-genre of downtempo that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of slow, trip-hop beats, atmospheric textures, and moody, introspective melodies, often featuring elements of hip hop, jazz, and electronica. Trip Hop has become popular in the indie and underground music scenes.
Drum & Bass
Drum & Bass, also known as D&B, is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its fast breakbeats, heavy basslines, and frenetic rhythms, often featuring chopped-up vocal samples and other sound effects. Drum & Bass has become popular in the UK and around the world, with many sub-genres and variations emerging over the years.
Darkcore
Darkcore is a sub-genre of drum & bass that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its dark, ominous soundscapes, often featuring heavy basslines, haunting melodies, and distorted vocal samples.
Darkstep
Darkstep is a sub-genre of drum & bass that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its aggressive, industrial sound, often featuring distorted basslines, harsh percussion, and dark atmospheres.
Drumfunk
Drumfunk is a sub-genre of drum & bass that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its complex, intricate rhythms and unusual beat structures, often featuring organic, live-sounding percussion.
Drumstep
Drumstep is a sub-genre of drum & bass that emerged in the late 2000s. It is characterized by its use of half-time drum and bass beats, combined with elements of dubstep and other bass music genres.
Hardstep
Hardstep is a sub-genre of drum & bass that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its heavy, aggressive sound, often featuring distorted basslines, hard-hitting drums, and intense atmospheres.
Intelligent Drum and Bass
Intelligent Drum and Bass, also known as atmospheric drum & bass, is a sub-genre of drum & bass that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of complex, layered soundscapes, melodic harmonies, and rolling, understated beats.
Jump-Up
Jump-Up is a sub-genre of drum & bass that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its bouncy, energetic sound, often featuring catchy hooks, simple melodies, and heavy basslines.
Liquid Funk
Liquid Funk is a sub-genre of drum & bass that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its smooth, melodic sound, often featuring jazzy and soulful elements, combined with rolling, funky beats.
Neurofunk
Neurofunk is a sub-genre of drum & bass that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its dark, futuristic sound, often featuring intricate, distorted basslines, and technical, complex rhythms.
Oldschool Jungle
Oldschool Jungle, also known as classic jungle, is a sub-genre of drum & bass that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its use of breakbeats, reggae and dub samples, and fast, frenetic rhythms.
Darkside Jungle
Darkside Jungle is a sub-genre of oldschool jungle that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its dark, moody sound, often featuring ominous atmospheres, hard-hitting drums, and heavy basslines.
Ragga Jungle
Ragga Jungle is a sub-genre of oldschool jungle that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of reggae and dancehall samples, combined with fast, energetic rhythms and heavy basslines.
Raggacore
Raggacore is a sub-genre of drum & bass that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of hardcore punk and ragga music influences, combined with drum & bass beats and heavy basslines.
Sambass
Sambass is a sub-genre of drum & bass that emerged in Brazil in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of Brazilian rhythms and percussion, combined with drum & bass beats and electronic production techniques.
Techstep
Techstep is a sub-genre of drum & bass that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its use of hard, metallic soundscapes, complex rhythms, and intricate, futuristic basslines. Techstep has been influential in the development of other bass music genres, such as dubstep and neurofunk.
Electro
Electro, also known as electro-funk, is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of heavy, syncopated rhythms, synthesizers, and funk-inspired basslines. Electro has influenced many other electronic genres, including hip hop, techno, and bass music.
Crunk
Crunk is a sub-genre of electro that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of heavy basslines, chopped-up vocal samples, and frenetic, energetic rhythms, often featuring elements of Southern hip hop and trap music.
Electro Backbeat
Electro Backbeat is a sub-genre of electro that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of classic electro sounds and grooves, updated with modern production techniques and a more dancefloor-friendly approach.
Electro-Grime
Electro-Grime is a sub-genre of electro that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of grime-inspired rhythms and sounds, combined with electro beats and production techniques.
Electropop
Electropop is a sub-genre of electro that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of catchy, pop-inspired melodies, synthesizers, and electronic production techniques, often featuring influences from other genres such as new wave and disco.
Electro-swing
Electro-swing is a sub-genre of electro that emerged in the 2010s. It is characterized by its use of swing music samples, combined with modern electronic beats and production techniques, often featuring elements of jazz and big band music.
Electroacoustic
Electroacoustic is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by its use of sound manipulation and synthesis techniques, often featuring field recordings, found sounds, and experimental instrumentation.
Acousmatic Music
Acousmatic music is a sub-genre of electroacoustic music that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by its use of sound that is removed from its source, often featuring abstract or otherworldly soundscapes.
Computer Music
Computer music is a sub-genre of electroacoustic music that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by its use of computers and digital technology to create and manipulate sound, often featuring algorithmic composition and generative processes.
Electroacoustic Improvisation
Electroacoustic improvisation is a sub-genre of electroacoustic music that emerged in the 20th century. It is characterized by its use of improvisation techniques and live performance, often featuring the use of electronics and digital technology to manipulate sound in real-time.
Field Recording
Field recording is a sub-genre of electroacoustic music that emerged in the 20th century. It is characterized by its use of recordings made in the field, such as natural sounds, found objects, and environmental noise, often used as source material for electronic compositions.
Live Coding
Live coding is a sub-genre of electroacoustic music that emerged in the 21st century. It is characterized by its use of programming languages to create and manipulate sound in real-time, often featuring live performance and improvisation.
Live Electronics
Live electronics is a sub-genre of electroacoustic music that emerged in the 20th century. It is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and processing techniques in live performance, often featuring the manipulation of sound in real-time.
Soundscape Composition
Soundscape composition is a sub-genre of electroacoustic music that emerged in the 20th century. It is characterized by its use of field recordings and other found sounds to create immersive, environmental soundscapes.
Tape Music
Tape music is a sub-genre of electroacoustic music that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by its use of magnetic tape as a medium for recording and manipulating sound, often featuring experimental techniques such as tape loops, delay, and tape speed manipulation.
Electronica
Electronica is a broad term used to describe a wide range of electronic music genres that emerged in the late 20th century. It is characterized by its experimental, exploratory approach to electronic sound production, often featuring a blend of different genres and styles.
Berlin School
Berlin School is a sub-genre of electronica that emerged in Germany in the 1970s. It is characterized by its use of analog synthesizers and sequencers to create long, evolving soundscapes and hypnotic rhythms.
Chillwave
Chillwave is a sub-genre of electronica that emerged in the 2000s. It is characterized by its use of lo-fi production techniques, nostalgic melodies, and dreamy atmospheres, often featuring influences from 1980s pop and new wave music.
Electronic Art Music
Electronic Art Music is a sub-genre of electronica that emerged in the 20th century. It is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and techniques to create experimental, avant-garde compositions that challenge traditional musical conventions.
Electronic Dance Music
Electronic Dance Music, or EDM, is a sub-genre of electronica that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of electronic beats and production techniques, often featuring a high-energy, dancefloor-friendly sound.
Folktronica
Folktronica is a sub-genre of electronica that emerged in the 2000s. It is characterized by its use of traditional folk instruments and melodies, combined with electronic production techniques and beats.
Freestyle Music
Freestyle Music is a sub-genre of electronica that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of electronic beats and synthesizers, often featuring influences from Latin, hip hop, and R&B music.
Glitch
Glitch is a sub-genre of electronica that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of digital glitches and errors, often created through the intentional manipulation of electronic sound.
Idm
IDM, or Intelligent Dance Music, is a sub-genre of electronica that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of complex rhythms, glitchy soundscapes, and experimental production techniques.
Laptronica
Laptronica is a sub-genre of electronica that emerged in the 2000s. It is characterized by its use of laptops and other portable electronic devices as musical instruments, often featuring live performance and improvisation.
Skweee
Skweee is a sub-genre of electronica that emerged in Scandinavia in the 2000s. It is characterized by its use of retro synth sounds, funk-inspired basslines, and a quirky, playful approach to electronic production.
Sound Art
Sound art is a sub-genre of electronica that emerged in the 20th century. It is characterized by its use of sound as a medium for artistic expression, often featuring installations, performances, and other experimental approaches to sound production.
Synthcore
Synthcore is a sub-genre of electronica that emerged in the 2000s. It is characterized by its use of heavy, aggressive electronic sounds and beats, often featuring influences from punk and metal music.
Electronic Rock
Electronic rock is a sub-genre of electronica that emerged in the 20th century. It is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and production techniques in rock music, often featuring a blend of traditional rock sounds and electronic elements.
Alternative Dance
Alternative Dance is a sub-genre of electronic rock that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of electronic beats and production techniques, often featuring a blend of rock, pop, and dance music influences.
Baggy
Baggy is a sub-genre of alternative dance that emerged in the late 1980s in the United Kingdom. It is characterized by its use of electronic beats and production techniques, often featuring a blend of indie rock, psychedelia, and dance music influences.
Madchester
Madchester is a sub-genre of alternative dance that emerged in Manchester, UK, in the late 1980s. It is characterized by its use of electronic beats, psychedelic and acid house influences, and a distinct fashion style featuring baggy clothing and bucket hats.
Dance-Punk
Dance-punk is a sub-genre of electronic rock that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of punk rock energy and attitude, combined with electronic beats and production techniques, often featuring a high-energy, danceable sound.
Dance-Rock
Dance-rock is a sub-genre of electronic rock that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of electronic beats and production techniques, often featuring a blend of rock, pop, and dance music influences.
Dark Wave
Dark wave is a sub-genre of electronic rock that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of moody, atmospheric soundscapes, often featuring a blend of electronic and traditional rock instrumentation.
Electroclash
Electroclash is a sub-genre of electronic rock that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its use of electronic beats and production techniques, often featuring a blend of new wave, punk, and electro-pop influences.
Electronicore
Electronicore is a sub-genre of electronic rock that emerged in the 2000s. It is characterized by its use of heavy, aggressive electronic sounds and beats, often featuring a blend of metal and post-hardcore influences.
Electropunk
Electropunk is a sub-genre of electronic rock that emerged in the 2000s. It is characterized by its use of electronic beats and production techniques, combined with a punk rock attitude and energy.
Ethereal Wave
Ethereal wave is a sub-genre of electronic rock that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes, often featuring ethereal female vocals and a blend of electronic and traditional rock instrumentation.
Indietronica
Indietronica is a sub-genre of electronic rock that emerged in the 2000s. It is characterized by its use of electronic beats and production techniques, combined with a lo-fi, indie rock sensibility.
New Rave
New Rave is a sub-genre of electronic rock that emerged in the mid-2000s. It is characterized by its use of electronic beats and production techniques, combined with a punk rock attitude and a distinctly neon, 1980s-inspired fashion style.
Space Rock
Space rock is a sub-genre of electronic rock that emerged in the 1960s. It is characterized by its use of spacey, atmospheric soundscapes and a blend of electronic and traditional rock instrumentation, often featuring influences from psychedelic and progressive rock music.
Synthpop
Synthpop is a sub-genre of electronic rock that emerged in the late 1970s. It is characterized by its use of electronic beats and synthesizers, often featuring catchy melodies and a danceable, pop-oriented sound.
Synthpunk
Synthpunk is a sub-genre of electronic rock that emerged in the late 1970s. It is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and production techniques, combined with a punk rock attitude and energy.
Eurodance
Eurodance is a high-energy dance music genre that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Europe. It is characterized by catchy melodies, strong beats, and synthesizer-driven soundscapes. Eurodance often features rap verses and catchy sung choruses.
Bubblegum Dance
Bubblegum Dance is a sub-genre of Eurodance, featuring upbeat, catchy, and often repetitive melodies with a lighthearted, youthful feel. The lyrics are usually simple and fun, making it a popular choice for dance parties and clubs.
Italo Dance
Italo Dance is a sub-genre of Eurodance that originated in Italy in the 1990s. It is characterized by strong synthesizer melodies, catchy hooks, and a pulsating rhythm. The genre often incorporates elements of Italo Disco, giving it a unique and nostalgic sound.
Turbofolk
Turbofolk is a fusion of electronic dance music and traditional Balkan folk music. It emerged in the 1990s in former Yugoslavia and is characterized by its energetic beats, catchy melodies, and the incorporation of traditional instruments and themes.
Hardstyle
Hardstyle is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the Netherlands in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its hard-hitting, distorted kicks, aggressive basslines, and energetic melodies. The genre often includes elements of trance, techno, and hardcore.
Hi-NRG
Hi-NRG is a fast-paced, energetic genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its high tempo, strong basslines, and powerful, uplifting melodies. Hi-NRG was influential in the development of several electronic music genres, including Eurodance and trance.
Eurobeat
Eurobeat is a high-energy sub-genre of Hi-NRG that emerged in the late 1980s, primarily in Japan and Italy. It is characterized by its fast tempo, energetic melodies, and synthesizer-heavy sound. Eurobeat is often associated with Japanese street racing culture due to its prominent use in the anime and manga series “Initial D.”
Hard NRG
Hard NRG is a sub-genre of Hi-NRG that combines the high-energy beats and melodies of Hi-NRG with the darker, more aggressive elements of hard dance music. It is characterized by its fast tempo, distorted kicks, and intense, driving basslines.
New Beat
New Beat is a sub-genre of Hi-NRG that originated in Belgium in the late 1980s. It is characterized by its slower tempo, heavy use of samples, and dark, atmospheric soundscapes. New Beat played a significant role in the development of the techno and house music scenes in Europe.
IDM/Experimental
IDM, or Intelligent Dance Music, is a genre of electronic music that focuses on complex rhythms, intricate melodies, and experimental sound design. It emerged in the early 1990s as a response to the more commercial and formulaic dance music of the time. IDM is often considered more cerebral and avant-garde, with artists pushing the boundaries of electronic music production and composition.
Industrial
Industrial music is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its abrasive, experimental, and often dark sound, incorporating elements of noise, distortion, and unconventional instruments. Industrial music often explores themes of dystopia, rebellion, and transgression, and has influenced a wide range of electronic and alternative music styles.
Trip Hop
Trip Hop is a downtempo electronic music genre that emerged in the early 1990s, primarily in the United Kingdom. It is characterized by its slow, hip-hop-influenced beats, atmospheric soundscapes, and often moody, introspective lyrics. Trip Hop incorporates elements of various musical styles, including jazz, soul, and dub, and has inspired a wide range of artists across different genres.
Vaporwave
Vaporwave is a sub-genre of electronic music characterized by its nostalgic, retro-futuristic, and often surreal soundscapes. It often samples and manipulates music from the 1980s and 1990s, blending elements of smooth jazz, elevator music, and new-age ambience.
Hyponagogic
Hyponagogic is a sub-sub-genre of vaporwave that focuses on creating dreamy, hazy soundscapes. It incorporates elements of lo-fi, experimental, and psychedelic music, often evoking a sense of nostalgia and memory.
Vektroid
Vektroid is a sub-sub-genre of vaporwave named after the artist of the same name. It is characterized by its experimental nature, incorporating elements of ambient, glitch, and noise music to create a unique, futuristic sound.
Mallsoft
Mallsoft is a sub-sub-genre of vaporwave that emphasizes the use of ambient sounds and field recordings, often simulating the atmosphere of a shopping mall. This genre creates a sense of nostalgia and dislocation through its distant, echoey music and background noise.
Vaportrap
Vaportrap is a sub-sub-genre of vaporwave that incorporates elements of trap music, such as 808 bass, hi-hat rolls, and snare patterns. This fusion results in a unique blend of nostalgic vaporwave soundscapes and modern trap beats.
Vaporhop
Vaporhop is a sub-sub-genre of vaporwave that combines elements of hip-hop, such as sampled beats and rap vocals, with the nostalgic and surreal soundscapes of vaporwave. The result is a genre that is both familiar and otherworldly.
Protovapor
Protovapor is a sub-sub-genre of vaporwave that refers to the early, experimental phase of the genre. It is characterized by its raw, lo-fi aesthetic and its exploration of the possibilities of sampling and manipulation.
UK Garage
UK Garage is a sub-genre of electronic music that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1990s. It is characterized by its syncopated rhythms, shuffling beats, and heavy use of basslines. UK Garage has spawned several sub-genres and has had a significant influence on the development of electronic dance music.
2-Step
2-Step is a sub-sub-genre of UK Garage that emphasizes a distinctive, off-beat rhythm pattern. It typically features chopped-up vocal samples, syncopated percussion, and smooth basslines, creating a danceable, energetic sound.
4×4
4×4 is a sub-sub-genre of UK Garage that features a more straightforward, four-to-the-floor rhythm pattern. It often incorporates elements of house music and is characterized by its driving beats and basslines.
Bassline
Bassline is a sub-sub-genre of UK Garage that focuses on heavy, wobbling basslines and energetic rhythms. It is influenced by other genres like drum and bass, dubstep, and grime, and is known for its high-energy, dancefloor-filling sound.
Grime
Grime is a sub-sub-genre of UK Garage that emerged in the early 2000s, primarily in London. It is characterized by its dark, aggressive sound, combining elements of UK Garage, jungle, and hip-hop. Grime features rapid, syncopated breakbeats, heavy basslines, and often includes rapped vocals that address urban life and culture.
Speed Garage
Speed Garage is a sub-sub-genre of UK Garage that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its fast tempo, typically around 130-140 BPM, and its energetic, bass-heavy sound. Speed Garage often features chopped-up vocals, staccato synths, and driving percussion, creating an intense and danceable atmosphere.
Enka
Enka is a popular Japanese music genre that originated in the 19th century as a form of traditional Japanese music. It is characterized by its melancholic and sentimental melodies that often tell stories of love, loss, and nostalgia. Enka typically features the use of traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen and the taiko drums. This music genre is often associated with older generations in Japan, but it still has a following among younger audiences.
French Pop
French pop is a popular music genre that originated in France in the 1950s and became popular in the 1960s. It is characterized by its catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and romantic lyrics. French pop often features the use of electronic instruments such as synthesizers and drum machines. Some of the most famous French pop singers include Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, and Charles Aznavour.
Folk Music
Folk music is a genre of music that is characterized by its traditional and acoustic sound. It is often associated with the cultural heritage of a particular region or country and is passed down through generations by oral tradition. Folk music often tells stories of everyday life, history, and culture. It has many sub-genres, some of which include:
American Folk Revival
The American Folk Revival was a movement in the 1950s and 1960s that sought to revive traditional American folk music. It was characterized by the use of acoustic instruments such as the guitar, banjo, and fiddle, and often featured vocal harmonies. Some of the most famous American folk revival artists include Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and Joan Baez.
Anti-Folk
Anti-folk is a music genre that originated in the 1980s in New York City. It is characterized by its DIY approach and often features unconventional song structures and lyrics. Anti-folk artists often use humor and irony to address political and social issues. Some of the most famous anti-folk artists include Beck, Regina Spektor, and Jeffrey Lewis.
British Folk Revival
The British Folk Revival was a movement in the 1960s that sought to revive traditional British folk music. It was characterized by the use of acoustic instruments such as the guitar, mandolin, and concertina, and often featured vocal harmonies. Some of the most famous British folk revival artists include Fairport Convention, Bert Jansch, and Pentangle.
Contemporary Folk
Contemporary folk is a music genre that blends traditional folk music with modern influences. It often features the use of acoustic instruments such as the guitar, mandolin, and fiddle, and incorporates elements of other genres such as rock and pop. Some of the most famous contemporary folk artists include Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Leonard Cohen.
Filk Music
Filk music is a music genre that originated in science fiction fandom in the 1950s. It is characterized by its humorous and often satirical lyrics that address science fiction and fantasy themes. Filk music often features the use of acoustic instruments such as the guitar, banjo, and accordion, and incorporates elements of other genres such as folk and country.
Freak Folk
Freak folk is a music genre that emerged in the 2000s and is characterized by its experimental and unconventional approach to folk music. It often features the use of acoustic instruments such as the guitar, banjo, and mandolin, and incorporates elements of other genres such as psychedelia and avant-garde music. Some of the most famous freak folk artists include Joanna Newsom, Devendra Banhart, and Animal Collective.
Indie Folk
Indie folk is a music genre that emerged in the 2000s and is characterized by its DIY approach and independent spirit. It often features the use of acoustic instruments
such as the guitar, banjo, and harmonica, and incorporates elements of other genres such as indie rock and pop. Indie folk artists often focus on personal and introspective themes and have a raw and intimate sound. Some of the most famous indie folk artists include Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, and The Tallest Man on Earth.
Industrial Folk
Industrial folk is a music genre that blends traditional folk music with elements of industrial and electronic music. It often features the use of acoustic instruments such as the guitar and banjo, along with electronic instruments such as synthesizers and drum machines. Industrial folk often has a dark and atmospheric sound and addresses themes of social and political commentary. Some of the most famous industrial folk artists include Death in June, Current 93, and Sol Invictus.
Neofolk
Neofolk is a music genre that emerged in the 1980s and is characterized by its fusion of traditional folk music with elements of industrial, experimental, and avant-garde music. It often features the use of acoustic instruments such as the guitar and accordion, along with electronic instruments such as synthesizers and drum machines. Neofolk often addresses dark and esoteric themes and has a haunting and atmospheric sound. Some of the most famous neofolk artists include Rome, Of the Wand and the Moon, and Blood Axis.
Progressive Folk
Progressive folk is a music genre that blends traditional folk music with elements of progressive rock. It often features the use of acoustic instruments such as the guitar, mandolin, and violin, along with electric instruments such as the bass and keyboards. Progressive folk often has complex arrangements and song structures and incorporates elements of other genres such as jazz and classical music. Some of the most famous progressive folk artists include Jethro Tull, Fairport Convention, and Steeleye Span.
Psychedelic Folk
Psychedelic folk is a music genre that emerged in the 1960s and is characterized by its fusion of traditional folk music with elements of psychedelia and experimental music. It often features the use of acoustic instruments such as the guitar, banjo, and mandolin, along with electric instruments such as the electric guitar and keyboard. Psychedelic folk often has a dreamy and trippy sound and addresses themes of mysticism and spirituality. Some of the most famous psychedelic folk artists include The Incredible String Band, Donovan, and Tim Buckley.
Sung Poetry
Sung poetry is a music genre that originated in Eastern Europe and is characterized by its fusion of poetry and music. It often features the use of acoustic instruments such as the guitar, accordion, and piano, and incorporates elements of traditional folk music. Sung poetry often addresses social and political issues and has a poetic and lyrical sound. Some of the most famous sung poetry artists include Vladimir Vysotsky, Bulat Okudzhava, and Arkady Severny.
Techno-Folk
Techno-folk is a music genre that blends traditional folk music with elements of techno and electronic music. It often features the use of acoustic instruments such as the guitar, violin, and accordion, along with electronic instruments such as synthesizers and drum machines. Techno-folk often has a danceable and upbeat sound and incorporates elements of other genres such as world music and hip-hop. Some of the most famous techno-folk artists include The Gloaming, Afro Celt Sound System, and The Prodigy.
German Folk
German Folk music is a traditional genre deeply rooted in the cultural history and regional identity of Germany. Featuring rich melodies and lyrics that often tell stories of daily life, love, and historical events, this music genre is performed with a variety of traditional instruments, such as the accordion, zither, and various types of flutes. German Folk music is known for its vibrant community gatherings, where participants dance and sing along to the tunes, celebrating their shared heritage.
German Pop
German Pop is a modern music genre that emerged in the late 20th century as an adaptation of the international pop sound to the German language and cultural context. It features catchy melodies, engaging rhythms, and lyrics that often revolve around themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. German Pop has produced many successful artists and bands that have gained recognition both nationally and internationally, contributing to the diversity of the global pop music landscape.
Fitness & Workout
Fitness & Workout music is a genre specifically curated to motivate and energize listeners during physical activities such as exercising, running, or working out at the gym. This type of music typically features high-energy beats, motivational lyrics, and fast tempos to help maintain an elevated heart rate and encourage peak performance. Fitness & Workout music encompasses a wide range of sub-genres and styles, as it can include anything from upbeat pop and electronic dance music to intense rock and hip-hop tracks.
Hip-Hop/Rap
Hip-Hop/Rap is a diverse and influential music genre that originated in African American and Latinx communities in the Bronx, New York City, during the 1970s. It is characterized by its unique combination of rapping (a vocal style in which the artist speaks rhythmically and in rhyme), beats, and often incorporates elements of funk, soul, and electronic music.
Alternative Rap
Alternative Rap is a sub-genre of hip-hop that deviates from the conventional themes and sounds of mainstream rap. This style often incorporates experimental beats, eclectic musical influences, and introspective or socially conscious lyrics, resulting in a more diverse and artistic approach to rap music.
Avant-Garde
Avant-Garde Hip-Hop is a sub-genre that pushes the boundaries of rap music through experimental sounds, unconventional song structures, and abstract lyrics. This style often incorporates elements from other genres, such as electronic, jazz, and rock, creating a unique fusion that challenges traditional hip-hop conventions.
Bounce
Bounce is a high-energy sub-genre of hip-hop that originated in New Orleans in the early 1990s. Known for its infectious beats, repetitive chants, and call-and-response style, Bounce music is designed to make people dance and has been a significant influence on the evolution of Southern hip-hop.
Chap Hop
Chap Hop is a niche sub-genre of hip-hop that combines the lyrical style of rap with the cultural aesthetics of the British upper class. With its witty, humorous, and often satirical lyrics, Chap Hop artists deliver their raps in a posh, British accent over traditional hip-hop beats, creating a unique and entertaining blend of styles.
Christian Hip Hop
Christian Hip Hop is a sub-genre of rap music that centers around themes of faith, spirituality, and Christianity. The artists in this genre use rap as a medium to express their beliefs, promote positive values, and share uplifting messages, often incorporating gospel and contemporary Christian music elements into their sound.
Conscious Hip Hop
Conscious Hip Hop is a socially aware sub-genre that focuses on thought-provoking lyrics and themes, addressing topics such as politics, social issues, and personal growth. This style often incorporates jazz, soul, and funk influences, and is characterized by its emphasis on positive messages and intellectual content.
Country-Rap
Country-Rap, also known as “Hick-Hop,” is a fusion of hip-hop and country music that blends rap’s rhythmic vocal style with the storytelling and instrumentation of country music. This sub-genre often features themes related to rural life, southern culture, and country living, appealing to fans of both hip-hop and country music.
Grunk
Grunk is a sub-genre of hip-hop that combines elements of Southern rap and crunk music, known for its aggressive beats, heavy bass, and energetic vocals. This style often features fast-paced, party-oriented themes and has been popularized by artists from the Southern United States.
Crunkcore
Crunkcore is a sub-sub-genre of Grunk that fuses crunk’s high-energy sound with elements of screamo and punk rock. This style is characterized by its aggressive, in-your-face attitude, heavy use of autotune, and lyrics that often focus on partying and hedonistic themes.
Cumbia Rap
Cumbia Rap is a fusion of hip-hop and traditional Colombian cumbia music. This sub-genre blends rap’s rhythmic vocal delivery with the infectious beats and instrumentation of cumbia, resulting in a unique sound that appeals to fans of both styles and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Colombia.
Dirty South
Dirty South is a sub-genre of hip-hop that originated in the Southern United States, characterized by its heavy bass, aggressive beats, and gritty lyrics. This style has played a significant role in shaping the sound of Southern hip-hop and has produced many successful artists and acts, including OutKast, Ludacris, and T.I.
East Coast
East Coast Hip-Hop is a sub-genre that originated in the Eastern United States, particularly New York City, and is known for its lyricism, complex wordplay, and diverse range of samples. This style has produced many influential artists and groups, such as The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Wu-Tang Clan, and has had a significant impact on the development of hip-hop as a whole.
Brick City Club
Brick City Club is a sub-sub-genre of East Coast hip-hop, originating from Newark, New Jersey, and characterized by its energetic, uptempo beats and dance-oriented sound. This style is influenced by the club scene and is designed to make people move on the dancefloor, with its infectious rhythms and catchy hooks.
Hardcore Hip Hop
Hardcore Hip Hop is a sub-sub-genre of East Coast hip-hop, known for its aggressive beats, gritty lyrics, and confrontational themes. This style often delves into dark subject matter, such as crime, violence, and social issues, and has been popularized by artists like Mobb Deep, DMX, and Big L.
Mafioso Rap
Mafioso Rap is a sub-sub-genre of East Coast hip-hop that focuses on themes of organized crime, wealth, and power. This cinematic style often features storytelling and lavish production, drawing inspiration from classic gangster films and the lifestyles of infamous crime figures.
New Jersey Hip Hop
New Jersey Hip Hop is a sub-sub-genre of East Coast hip-hop that emerged from the New Jersey music scene, characterized by its diverse sounds, lyrical prowess, and introspective themes. Artists from this region, such as Redman, Queen Latifah, and Naughty by Nature, have contributed significantly to the development of hip-hop and its various styles.
Freestyle Rap
Freestyle Rap is a sub-genre of hip-hop that focuses on the spontaneous, improvisational aspect of rapping. In this style, artists showcase their creativity and lyrical skills by composing verses on the spot, often in response to a beat or a specific topic, without any prior preparation or written lyrics.
G-Funk
G-Funk is a sub-genre of hip-hop that emerged from the West Coast in the early 1990s, characterized by its smooth, melodic sound and heavy use of funk samples. Pioneered by artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Warren G, G-Funk has played a significant role in shaping the sound of West Coast hip-hop and has left a lasting impact on the genre as a whole.
Gangsta Rap
Gangsta Rap is a sub-genre of hip-hop that focuses on themes of street life, crime, and violence. Often controversial and explicit, this style is characterized by its gritty lyrics, aggressive beats, and vivid storytelling, reflecting the harsh realities faced by many artists who grew up in impoverished urban environments. Notable Gangsta Rap artists include N.W.A, Ice-T, and 2Pac.
Golden Age
The Golden Age of Hip-Hop refers to a period during the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the genre experienced significant growth, creativity, and innovation. This era produced many influential artists and groups, such as Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, and De La Soul, who pushed the boundaries of hip-hop, both musically and lyrically, and laid the groundwork for future generations.
Grime
Grime is a sub-genre of hip-hop that originated in the UK in the early 2000s, characterized by its fast, aggressive beats and raw, gritty lyrics. Drawing influences from UK garage, drum and bass, and dancehall, Grime has a distinct sound that sets it apart from traditional hip-hop and has produced notable artists such as Skepta, Stormzy, and Dizzee Rascal.
Hardcore Rap
Hardcore Rap is a sub-genre of hip-hop that emphasizes aggressive beats, confrontational lyrics, and themes of street life, crime, and social issues. This style often features intense, raw delivery and has been popularized by artists like Onyx, M.O.P., and DMX, who brought a distinctive energy and edge to their music.
Hip-Hop
Hip-Hop is a broad term that encompasses various styles and sub-genres of rap music, including East Coast, West Coast, Dirty South, and more. At its core, hip-hop is characterized by its unique combination of rapping, beats, and sampling, and has evolved over time to incorporate diverse sounds, themes, and influences from other genres.
Hip Pop
Hip Pop is a sub-genre of hip-hop that blends the catchy melodies, hooks, and production techniques of pop music with the rhythmic vocal delivery and lyrical content of rap. This style has been popularized by artists such as Will Smith, Black Eyed Peas, and Flo Rida, who have achieved mainstream success with their accessible, radio-friendly sound.
Horrorcore
Horrorcore is a sub-genre of hip-hop that incorporates themes of horror, violence, and the macabre into its lyrics and music. Known for its dark, graphic storytelling and eerie soundscapes, Horrorcore has developed a cult following and has been popularized by artists like Brotha Lynch Hung, Gravediggaz, and Insane Clown Posse.
Hyphy
Hyphy is a high-energy sub-genre of hip-hop that originated in the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1990s. Characterized by its uptempo beats, frenetic rhythms, and party-oriented themes, Hyphy has played a significant role in shaping the sound of West Coast hip-hop and has been popularized by artists like E-40, Keak da Sneak, and Mac Dre.
Industrial Hip Hop
Industrial Hip Hop is a sub-genre that fuses the aggressive, experimental sounds of industrial music with the rhythmic vocals and beats of hip-hop. This style often features heavy use of electronic elements, distorted sounds, and dark, dystopian themes, resulting in a unique and powerful blend of genres. Notable Industrial Hip Hop artists include Death Grips, Dalek, and Clipping.
Instrumental Hip Hop
Instrumental Hip Hop is a sub-genre that focuses on the musical aspect of hip-hop, showcasing beats, samples, and melodies without the inclusion of vocals or rapping. This style allows producers and beatmakers to shine, offering a platform for their creativity and skill in crafting atmospheric, engaging soundscapes. Artists such as J Dilla, DJ Shadow, and Madlib are well-known for their instrumental hip-hop contributions.
Jazz Rap
Jazz Rap is a fusion of hip-hop and jazz music, characterized by its smooth melodies, complex harmonies, and live instrumentation. This sub-genre often features thoughtful, introspective lyrics, and has been popularized by artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Guru’s Jazzmatazz, and The Roots, who have successfully blended the two genres to create a unique and sophisticated sound.
Latin Rap
Latin Rap is a sub-genre of hip-hop that incorporates elements of Latin American music and culture into its sound and lyrics. This style often features Spanish-language rapping, as well as the use of traditional Latin instruments, rhythms, and melodies. Notable Latin Rap artists include Cypress Hill, Big Pun, and Pitbull.
Low Bap
Low Bap is a sub-genre of hip-hop that originated in Greece during the 1990s, characterized by its slow beats, dark atmospheres, and socially conscious lyrics. This style often addresses political and philosophical themes, providing a platform for artists to express their thoughts and ideas on a variety of issues.
Lyrical Hip Hop
Lyrical Hip Hop is a sub-genre that emphasizes the importance of strong, poetic, and thought-provoking lyrics in rap music. Often focused on storytelling, introspection, and wordplay, this style showcases the skill and creativity of rappers who excel in crafting complex, meaningful verses. Notable lyrical hip-hop artists include Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco, and J. Cole.
Merenrap
Merenrap is a fusion of hip-hop and Dominican merengue music, blending the rhythmic vocal delivery of rap with the infectious beats and melodies of merengue. This sub-genre offers a unique sound that appeals to fans of both styles and has been popularized by artists such as El Cata, Fuego, and Proyecto Uno.
Midwest Hip Hop
Midwest Hip Hop is a sub-genre that emerged from the Midwestern United States, characterized by its diverse sounds, styles, and lyrical themes. This style has produced many successful artists and acts, including Eminem, Kanye West, and Common, who have contributed significantly to the development of hip-hop music.
Chicago Hip Hop
Chicago Hip Hop is a sub-sub-genre of Midwest Hip Hop that originated in Chicago, Illinois, and is known for its innovative sounds, conscious lyrics, and unique styles. This scene has produced influential artists like Common, Kanye West, and Chance the Rapper, who have made significant contributions to the genre.
Detroit Hip Hop
Detroit Hip Hop is a sub-sub-genre of Midwest Hip Hop that emerged from the Detroit, Michigan music scene, characterized by its diverse sounds, gritty lyrics, and emphasis on storytelling. Notable Detroit Hip Hop artists include Eminem, Big Sean, and Danny Brown, who have helped shape the sound and direction of hip-hop music.
Horrorcore
Horrorcore, as a sub-sub-genre of Midwest Hip Hop, showcases dark, horror-themed lyrics and atmospheric beats, reflecting the harsh realities of life in some urban areas. This style has a significant following in the Midwest and has produced notable artists like Twiztid and Tech N9ne.
St. Louis Hip Hop
St. Louis Hip Hop is a sub-sub-genre of Midwest Hip Hop that originated in St. Louis, Missouri, and is known for its catchy hooks, energetic beats, and diverse range of styles. This scene has produced popular artists like Nelly, Chingy, and Murphy Lee, who have achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Twin Cities Hip Hop
Twin Cities Hip Hop is a sub-sub-genre of Midwest Hip Hop that emerged from the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota area, characterized by its introspective lyrics, innovative production, and strong emphasis on community and collaboration. This scene has produced influential artists like Atmosphere, Brother Ali, and Doomtree, who have helped shape the sound of Midwest hip-hop.
Motswako
Motswako is a sub-genre of hip-hop that originated in Botswana and South Africa, characterized by its fusion of traditional African rhythms, modern beats, and socially conscious lyrics. This style has played a significant role in the development of African hip-hop and has produced popular artists like HHP, Khuli Chana, and Cassper Nyovest.
Nerdcore
Nerdcore is a sub-genre of hip-hop that focuses on themes related to nerd culture, such as video games, science fiction, and technology. This style often features clever, witty lyrics and has developed a cult following among fans who appreciate the unique blend of hip-hop and geek culture. Notable nerdcore artists include MC Frontalot, MC Lars, and Mega Ran.
New Jack Swing
New Jack Swing is a fusion of hip-hop and R&B that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, characterized by its energetic beats, smooth melodies, and dance-oriented sound. This style played a significant role in shaping the sound of urban music during its time and has been popularized by artists like Teddy Riley, Bell Biv DeVoe, and Bobby Brown.
New School Hip Hop
New School Hip Hop is a term used to describe the wave of hip-hop artists and styles that emerged during the mid-1980s and continued into the 1990s, characterized by its diverse sounds, innovative production techniques, and the incorporation of various musical influences. This era helped to further expand and evolve hip-hop music and produced influential artists like Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy.
Old School Rap
Old School Rap refers to the early days of hip-hop music, from its inception in the late 1970s to the early 1980s. This era laid the foundation for future generations of hip-hop artists and is characterized by its simple beats, catchy hooks, and party-oriented themes. Notable old school rap artists include Sugarhill Gang, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, and Afrika Bambaataa.
Rap
Rap is the vocal component of hip-hop music, characterized by its rhythmic delivery of spoken words, rhymes, and wordplay. As an essential element of hip-hop culture, rap has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of styles, themes, and techniques, producing countless iconic artists and tracks that have left a lasting impact on the music industry.
Trap
Trap is a sub-genre of hip-hop that originated in the Southern United States, characterized by its aggressive beats, heavy use of 808 drum machines, and lyrics that often focus on themes of street life, drugs, and hustling. This style has become increasingly popular in recent years, with notable Trap artists including T.I., Gucci Mane, and Migos.
Turntablism
Turntablism is an art form within hip-hop that focuses on the creative manipulation of sound using turntables and a mixer. Turntablists, also known as DJs, play a vital role in hip-hop culture, providing the beats and soundscapes that accompany rapping and often showcasing their skills through scratching, beat juggling, and other techniques. Iconic turntablists include Grandmaster Flash, DJ Qbert, and Mix Master Mike.
Underground Rap
Underground Rap refers to hip-hop music that exists outside of the mainstream music industry, often focusing on experimental sounds, socially conscious lyrics, and a strong emphasis on artistic integrity. This sub-genre has produced a wealth of talented artists who have gained loyal followings through their unique, authentic approach to hip-hop, including MF DOOM, Aesop Rock, and Immortal Technique.
West Coast Rap
West Coast Rap is a sub-genre of hip-hop that emerged from the West Coast of the United States, particularly California, characterized by its laid-back vibes, smooth production, and distinct regional influences. This style has produced many successful artists and acts, including Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Tupac Shakur, who have contributed significantly to the development of hip-hop music.
Holiday
Holiday music encompasses a wide variety of songs and melodies that celebrate and evoke the spirit of various holidays and festive occasions. These tunes are typically played during their respective seasons and help to create a joyful atmosphere that brings people together.
Chanukah
Chanukah music celebrates the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights. These songs often tell the story of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil, while expressing themes of unity, perseverance, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Christmas
Christmas music is a diverse genre that encompasses songs celebrating the Christian holiday of Christmas. Ranging from traditional carols to modern pop hits, Christmas music is a staple during the festive season and can evoke nostalgia, warmth, and joy in listeners.
Christmas: Children’s
Christmas: Children’s music features family-friendly songs that are specifically aimed at young listeners. These tunes often have catchy melodies and easy-to-learn lyrics, making them perfect for sing-alongs and holiday performances in schools and communities.
Christmas: Classic
Christmas: Classic music includes timeless holiday songs that have been enjoyed by generations. These traditional carols and festive tunes have stood the test of time, becoming an essential part of the holiday season for many people around the world.
Christmas: Classical
Christmas: Classical music comprises orchestral and choral works inspired by the Christmas season. These compositions often feature grand arrangements, soaring vocals, and intricate harmonies, providing a more sophisticated and elegant take on holiday music.
Christmas: Comedy
Christmas: Comedy music combines humor and festive cheer to create lighthearted, entertaining holiday songs. These tunes often use satire, parody, or quirky lyrics to bring laughter and fun to the season, providing a playful break from more traditional fare.
Christmas: Jazz
Christmas: Jazz music offers a smooth and sophisticated take on holiday classics. Featuring improvisation, syncopation, and unique arrangements, jazz renditions of Christmas songs can provide a laid-back and enjoyable listening experience during the festive season.
Christmas: Modern
Christmas: Modern music showcases contemporary holiday songs, often with a pop or rock influence. These tunes offer fresh takes on the festive season and can quickly become new favorites among listeners seeking an updated holiday soundtrack.
Christmas: Pop
Christmas: Pop music consists of popular, catchy holiday tunes that often feature upbeat melodies and memorable choruses. This subgenre includes songs by well-known artists and bands, providing a mainstream and easily accessible holiday soundtrack for all to enjoy.
Christmas: R&B
Christmas: R&B music brings a soulful touch to holiday songs, blending smooth vocals with rhythmic beats and harmonies. R&B renditions of festive classics can offer a fresh and captivating listening experience during the Christmas season.
Christmas: Religious
Christmas: Religious music focuses on the spiritual aspects of the holiday, with songs that celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. These tunes often feature meaningful lyrics and uplifting melodies that inspire reflection and gratitude.
Christmas: Rock
Christmas: Rock music offers a more energetic and edgy take on holiday songs, with driving guitars, powerful vocals, and catchy hooks. This subgenre is perfect for those looking to add some excitement and attitude to their festive playlist, giving traditional tunes a fresh and modern twist.
Easter
Easter music celebrates the Christian holiday of Easter, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These songs often feature themes of renewal, hope, and spiritual reflection, providing a meaningful soundtrack for this important religious occasion.
Halloween
Halloween music encompasses a variety of songs and melodies that evoke the spooky and mysterious atmosphere of the popular October holiday. These tunes often feature eerie soundscapes, haunting vocals, and chilling lyrics, making them perfect for setting a creepy and festive mood.
Holiday: Other
Holiday: Other music includes songs and melodies associated with various other festive occasions and celebrations. This category can cover a wide range of holidays and events, providing a diverse selection of tunes to enjoy throughout the year.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving music celebrates the American holiday of Thanksgiving, which is traditionally a time for families and friends to come together and give thanks for their blessings. These songs often express themes of gratitude, togetherness, and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Indie Pop
Indie Pop is a music genre that combines the catchy melodies and accessibility of mainstream pop music with the DIY ethos and creative freedom of independent music. Characterized by its eclectic sound and often introspective lyrics, Indie Pop offers a refreshing alternative to more commercially driven pop music, allowing artists to experiment with a wide variety of styles and influences.
Industrial
Industrial music is a genre characterized by its experimental nature, abrasive sounds, and incorporation of unconventional instrumentation and noise. Influenced by avant-garde, punk, and electronic music, Industrial often features dark and provocative themes, pushing the boundaries of traditional musical structures.
Aggrotech
Aggrotech is a subgenre of Industrial music that combines aggressive electronic beats, distorted synths, and harsh, often screamed vocals. This style is closely associated with the dark electro and EBM scenes, and its confrontational nature makes it popular among underground club scenes.
Coldwave
Coldwave is a subgenre of Industrial music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, characterized by its minimalistic and somber soundscapes. It often features cold, distant vocals and a heavy use of synthesizers, evoking a sense of isolation and introspection.
Cybergrind
Cybergrind is a fusion of Industrial music with grindcore, combining the experimental and abrasive elements of both genres. This subgenre often features heavily distorted guitars, chaotic electronic beats, and aggressive, often unintelligible vocals, resulting in an intense and dissonant listening experience.
Dark Electro
Dark Electro is a subgenre of Industrial music that emphasizes sinister, atmospheric electronic soundscapes, often accompanied by distorted beats and brooding vocals. This style is closely related to electro-industrial and EBM, and is popular within the goth and darkwave scenes.
Death Industrial
Death Industrial, also known as power industrial, is a subgenre of Industrial music that emphasizes heavy use of noise, distortion, and dark ambient elements. The result is a bleak, oppressive atmosphere, often featuring themes of death, decay, and nihilism.
Electro-Industrial
Electro-Industrial is a subgenre of Industrial music that combines the experimental and abrasive aspects of Industrial with electronic dance music elements. This style often features complex rhythmic structures, layered synthesizers, and dark, dystopian themes.
Electronic Body Music
Electronic Body Music (EBM) is a subgenre of Industrial music that emerged in the early 1980s, characterized by its repetitive, danceable beats, and aggressive electronic soundscapes. It often features heavy use of drum machines, synthesizers, and sampling, resulting in a powerful and energetic sound.
Futurepop
Futurepop is a sub-subgenre of Electronic Body Music that incorporates elements of synthpop and trance, resulting in a more melodic and accessible sound. This style often features catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and uplifting themes, making it popular among fans of both EBM and mainstream electronic music.
Industrial Metal
Industrial Metal is a fusion of Industrial music with heavy metal, combining the aggressive, distorted guitars of metal with the experimental electronic elements of Industrial. This subgenre often features dark, provocative themes and intense, driving rhythms.
Neue Deutsche Härte
Neue Deutsche Härte (NDH) is a sub-subgenre of Industrial Metal that emerged in Germany in the 1990s. Characterized by its heavy use of guitars, electronic elements, and German-language lyrics, NDH often explores themes of power, violence, and sexuality, and is known for its theatrical live performances.
Industrial Rock
Industrial Rock is a subgenre of Industrial music that incorporates elements of rock music, such as guitar-driven melodies and traditional song structures. This style often features dark, dystopian themes and a fusion of electronic and acoustic instrumentation, creating a unique and powerful sound.
Noise
Noise music is an experimental subgenre of Industrial that embraces the use of unconventional sounds, dissonance, and distortion. It often challenges traditional musical norms, focusing on texture and atmosphere over melody and harmony, and can range from chaotic and abrasive to meditative and ambient.
Japanoise
Japanoise is a sub-subgenre of Noise music originating in Japan. It is characterized by its extreme volume, chaotic soundscapes, and often aggressive performances. Japanoise artists are known for their innovative use of distortion, feedback, and unconventional instruments, pushing the boundaries of what is considered music.
Power Electronics
Power Electronics is a sub-subgenre of Noise music that combines harsh electronic sounds with provocative, often controversial themes. It often features heavily distorted vocals, abrasive synthesizers, and intense, confrontational performances, making it a challenging and polarizing listening experience.
Power Noise
Power Noise, also known as rhythmic noise, is a sub-subgenre of Noise music that emphasizes the use of repetitive, pounding beats and aggressive electronic sounds. This style is closely related to electro-industrial and EBM, and is known for its intense, danceable rhythms and abrasive soundscapes.
Witch House
Witch House is a subgenre of Industrial music that emerged in the late 2000s, combining elements of darkwave, shoegaze, and electronic music. It is characterized by its ethereal, haunting soundscapes, slow tempos, and occult themes, often featuring heavily manipulated vocals and samples.
Inspirational – Christian & Gospel
Inspirational – Christian & Gospel music encompasses a wide range of styles and genres that focus on themes of faith, spirituality, and worship. These songs often feature uplifting lyrics and melodies that encourage listeners and help them connect with their religious beliefs.
CCM
Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) is a subgenre of Christian music that combines elements of pop, rock, and folk with faith-based themes. CCM often features catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and uplifting messages, making it popular among a wide audience of Christian listeners.
Christian Metal
Christian Metal is a subgenre of Christian music that blends heavy metal with faith-based themes and messages. This style often features aggressive guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and spiritually driven lyrics, offering a unique alternative to secular heavy metal music.
Christian Pop
Christian Pop is a subgenre of Christian music that fuses mainstream pop elements with faith-based themes. Christian Pop songs often feature catchy hooks, upbeat melodies, and inspiring lyrics that resonate with a broad audience, both religious and secular.
Christian Rap
Christian Rap is a subgenre of Christian music that combines hip-hop and rap with faith-based themes and messages. This style often features rhythmic beats, skillful wordplay, and lyrics that explore spiritual growth, making it a powerful medium for sharing the Christian faith.
Christian Rock
Christian Rock is a subgenre of Christian music that incorporates rock music elements with religious themes. This style often features driving guitars, energetic rhythms, and powerful vocals, delivering faith-based messages through a more edgy and contemporary sound.
Classic Christian
Classic Christian music is a subgenre that includes traditional Christian hymns and songs, which have been cherished and passed down through generations. These timeless tunes often feature meaningful lyrics and beautiful melodies, providing a sense of comfort and familiarity for listeners.
Contemporary Gospel
Contemporary Gospel is a subgenre of Gospel music that blends traditional gospel elements with modern musical styles, such as R&B, jazz, and pop. This style often features uplifting lyrics, powerful vocals, and a diverse range of instrumentation, providing a fresh and engaging take on gospel music.
Gospel
Gospel music is a deeply rooted genre within the Christian & Gospel category, characterized by its emotional, soulful vocals and themes of praise, worship, and spiritual reflection. Gospel often features powerful harmonies and a strong sense of community, drawing on African-American musical traditions and influences.
Christian & Gospel
Christian & Gospel is a broad genre that encompasses a variety of faith-based music styles, including contemporary Christian, gospel, worship, and more. This category includes songs and artists who create music with the purpose of spreading messages of faith, hope, and inspiration.
Praise & Worship
Praise & Worship music is a subgenre of Christian music that focuses on songs specifically designed for congregational singing and worship settings. These songs often feature simple, repetitive melodies and lyrics that encourage audience participation and foster a sense of community and connection to one’s faith.
Qawwali
Qawwali is a form of devotional music originating from the Sufi Islamic tradition, primarily in South Asia. This subgenre features powerful vocals, rhythmic hand clapping, and the use of instruments such as harmoniums and tabla. Qawwali songs often explore themes of love, devotion, and the divine, providing a deeply spiritual and emotional experience for listeners.
Southern Gospel
Southern Gospel is a subgenre of Gospel music that originated in the Southern United States. It is characterized by its blend of traditional gospel themes with elements of country, bluegrass, and folk music. Southern Gospel often features close harmonies and a strong emphasis on storytelling, evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
Traditional Gospel
Traditional Gospel music is a subgenre that focuses on the roots and foundational elements of gospel music. It often includes classic hymns, spirituals, and anthems that have been passed down through generations, preserving the rich history and heritage of this faith-based musical tradition.
Instrumental
Instrumental music is a genre that emphasizes the use of musical instruments rather than vocals. This broad category can include a wide variety of styles and genres, ranging from classical and jazz to electronic and experimental music. Instrumental music often focuses on melody, harmony, and rhythm, allowing the listener to appreciate the nuances and complexities of the compositions.
March (Marching Band)
March music is a subgenre of instrumental music that is specifically composed for marching bands and military parades. This style often features strong, rhythmic patterns and repetitive melodies, creating a sense of unity and synchronicity as the music propels the marchers forward.
J-Pop
J-Pop, or Japanese Pop, is a music genre that encompasses a wide range of contemporary Japanese music, often characterized by its catchy melodies, polished production, and vibrant visuals. J-Pop often fuses elements of traditional Japanese music with modern Western pop, rock, and electronic styles, resulting in a unique and diverse listening experience.
J-Rock
J-Rock, or Japanese Rock, is a subgenre of J-Pop that incorporates elements of rock music. This style often features energetic guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and a fusion of Western and Japanese musical influences, creating a distinctive and dynamic sound.
J-Synth
J-Synth is a subgenre of J-Pop that focuses on the use of synthesizers and electronic production techniques. This style often features lush soundscapes, intricate melodies, and a fusion of traditional and modern musical elements, providing a fresh and innovative take on Japanese pop music.
J-Ska
J-Ska is a subgenre of J-Pop that combines elements of traditional ska music with Japanese pop and rock influences. This style often features upbeat tempos, brass instrumentation, and playful lyrics, creating a lively and energetic sound that is popular among ska enthusiasts worldwide.
J-Punk
J-Punk is a subgenre of J-Pop that incorporates elements of punk rock music. This style often features fast-paced tempos, distorted guitars, and rebellious themes, providing a powerful and edgy alternative to more mainstream J-Pop sounds.