The music we listen to, reflect our culture, and fingerprints of a certain generation, in the lyrics and sound. It has a deep impact on listeners and reflects the change in tastes. Since ages, the genres are also equally responsible for creating impression on people.
The Genealogy of Music Influences
Musical genres come and go, but there are some that have evolved but still predominant! There are many listeners who are motivated to start their own music label and sing multi-genre songs. In the social media era, these aspiring musicians can head over to soundcloud to post their songs and enjoy fame. However, with the rising competition, it is next to impossible to promote songs without any external help. So, to make it easier for your music to spread worldwide, it is best to hire services from Music Promotion Club to smoothly carry on your soundcloud music promotion.
Music is blissful and offers an amazing experience to all those who listens. From Beethoven’s sonatas to hip hop to classical music and operas – all of these are awe-inspiring.
Sounds evoke different sensation amongst humans – so there is no comprehensive and universal definition of music. Many believe trying out diverse music genres is a waste of time. However, there are some sensible humans who can discern various genres from one another and doesn’t think them to be same.
The Origin of Music Genres
Genre is a group of music styles with a common tradition or fundamental value is called genre. Music genres are further divided into sub-genres – likes a genus in taxonomy. The sub-genres might not sound the same but it evolved from a particular genre. In the contemporary era, the music industry has a huge say in forming a new genre. Many modern genres is said to have evolved from a commercial stunt than an artistic endeavor.
Music can be classified into styles – Western and African, however, there are several African styles that have made its way into American music. With all that being said, let’s explore some of the evergreen music genres that are continually evolving.
ROCK
The genre of rock music was created back in 1950’s with a fusion of jazz, country and blues.Rock music revolutionized the music scene in the West. It generally has a singer, bass player, drummer and guitarist. The best part is, rock has several sub-genres that are equally fascinating.
Popular Bands
The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, Aerosmith, and The Beatles.
Popular Performers
Kurt Cobain, Chuck Berry, Mick Jagger, Elvis Presley and John Lennon.
Sub-genres
Electronic Rock, Heavy Metal, Psychedelic Rock, Grunge, Indie Pop, Folk Rock, Rap Metal, Sadcore, Sothern Rock and Celtic Rock.
JAZZ
Jazz evolved in the black community of the Southern US that originated way back in the 1920s. Often termed as the classical version of blues music, Jazz has an African influence. It can be regarded as an emphasis on spontaneity and blend of various but steadily played rhythms that is uncommon in the tradition of Western music.
Mostly Jazz is performed in groups but there are single artists as well. The main importance of jazz music is laid on its ability to improvise extempore and capability to play off each other. This music genre has intrinsic set of melodies that forms fusion ensembles.
Popular Bands
Incognito, Return to Forever, Colosseum, Fourplay and The Jazz Messengers.
Popular Performers
Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Sonny Rollins, Louis Armstrong.
Sub-genres
Boogie-Woogie, Jazz Blues, Swing, Soul Jazz, Dixieland, Orchestral Jazz, Bossa Nova, Latin Jazz, Hard Bop and Jazz Funk.
HIP HOP
Hip hop is one of the most popular genres of music in the world. It developed from the hip hop movement in the 1970s, which started in Bronx that spread to the other parts of USA and hip hop music benefitted from the expansion. As a result, in the 1970-1980s, it became one of the most popular genres of music. From 1990s, the genre became synonymous with rapping – it is a stylized genre of rhythmic music that accompanies rapping, a rhythmic rhyming music that is continually chanted.
Popular Bands
The Black Eyed Peas, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy and The Roots.
Popular Performers
Eminem, Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar, Akon, and Nicki Minaj
Sub-genres
Boom-bap, Trap, Gangsta Rap, Alternative Hip Hop, Breakbeat, Crunk, Grime, Turntablism, Rap Opera and G-Funk.
ELECTRONIC MUSIC
One of the contemporary music genres is electronic music which is based on electronic instruments. It pioneered in the early 1960s and gradually attained popularity in the 1970-1980s with a significant influence on popular music. The instruments included in it – theremin, electronic guitar, synthesizers. This genre of music is widely known as Disco or House music. With the evolvement of music, electronic music is incorporated in other genres like R&B, Hard Rock and Metal.
Popular Bands
The Chainsmokers, Major Lazer, Hot Chip, Daft Punk and Kraftwerk
Popular Performers
Brain Eno, Wendy Carlos, Avicii, Afrojack, David Guetta.
Sub-genres
Ambient, Dream Trance, Disco, House, Electronica, 2-step, Downtempo, Synthpop and Acid House.
COUNTRY MUSIC
In the early 1920s, country music originated in the Southern USA from folk songs. The Appalachian Mountains immigrants merged their art forms and instruments to create the popular genre of country music. It contained elements from various countries such as African countries, Germany, Italy and Ireland. It inculcates the use of guitar and harmonica.
Country music has similar elements like blues. With a three-cord arrangement of songs – it gained space for innovation and was adapted by various artists in various forms. Later, in the 1940s, country music underwent several changes and it witnessed the strains of rock music. Ray Charles became associated with country music around this time, and gradually Country evolved as one of the popular music genres after several transitions.
Popular Bands
The Desert Rose Band, Alabama, Little Big Town, Eagles and Lady Antebellum.
Popular Performers
Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Jimmie Rodgers, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.
Sub-genres
Classic Country, Nashville Sound, Cowboy Music, Cajun, Blues Country, Close Harmony, Sertanejo, Rap Country, Honky-Tonk and Country Rock.
Nowadays, it is almost impossible to form a profound music genres list as the slightest alteration in the style or instruments is regarded as a change in the genre. However, no matter the genre, language or instruments – music is absolutely divine, engaging and mellifluent to everyone!
