In the music scenario, electronic dance music is one of the most popular ones. In every part of the world, this particular music genre is widely celebrated. A lot of sub-genres are there in EDM. Some sub-genres of this genre are electro, house, dubstep, electropop, downtempo, disco, trance, and more. Each of the sub-genres has made a deep impact on the music industry too. Among these, electro is one of the most proficient ones that has grown over time. The genre ‘electro’ is also known as ‘electrofunk’. This means are large extension of electronic music that is more or less the same as the origin.
This music sub-genre was first introduced in the 80s right after the drop of disco. And it became more popular than techno and hip-hop. This music genre is widely used by DJs. It has the potential to boost the energetic vibe of a music track, which was hugely appreciated by all. In the beginning, this genre was introduced by African American artists and later it was also persuaded in European music as well. Since then, this music genre expanded even more and electro has become a huge part of the music industry. Electro is considered one of the biggest music genres that has thoroughly influenced the world of music. Thus, let’s find out more interesting facts of this genre-
• Origin of electro:
The music genre, electro was developed from electronic dance music in the 1980s. When it came to using such music genres, the most common music instruments were drum machines and synthesizers. These are the instruments that can help to produce smooth punk music. They are a huge part of electronic dance music. This music genre was first created with Ronald’s TR-808 drum machine. Later on, the TR-909 was also heavily used for electro music. It is a fusion of various other music styles, such as funk and technopop.
In the year, 1980, YMO, the profound band utilized the TR-808 drum machine and worked with this genre creating a huge buzz. After that, one of the band members of the group, Ryuichi Sakamoto dropped an album, named ‘Riot in Lagos’, which is still considered a great example of electro. With each passing time, the experiment with instruments like synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers increased rapidly to develop the music genre. That is why, these are considered as the roots of the genre that grew over time. These instruments have defined the features of the genre at a large scale and made it even more brilliant.
However, in 1978, an electronic act took place, named ‘Kraftwerk’ in Germany, which is considered the very first electro act. It was an excellent blend of electro, techno, and house. That consists of futuristic sounds, which grow more with each passing time. Later, in 1982, Afrika Bambaataa came up with ‘Planet Rock’, which is another great example of electro and hip-hop music. The groundbreaking essence of the genre had a deep influence on the music creation and the whole industry, which is undeniable. Even now, TR-808 is celebrated all around the world due to its great contribution to the making of one of the most popular music genres.
• The rise of electro music in popular culture:
Electronic music gained much popularity in the time of 1970. This particular music genre earned a place in the mainstream music scene. Electronic music is a diverse music genre and a lot can take away from it. And that’s how, a decade later electro music came into the scene. This genre grew as more music creators from all around the world started working with it. Renowned artists who have played a huge role in developing the genre were Kraftwerk, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Tangerine Dream. It is their innovative creations that have attracted listeners and music makers. With the help of synthesizers and electronic instruments, this genre grew and offered new possibilities for the genre.
• The digital revolution in electro music:
The digital revolution in electro-music took place in the late 20th century. Digital audio workstations were there to be used for new musical innovations. With these, electronic music was first manipulated and used for making new sub-genres. It is one of the most influential things that assisted in working with various complex rhythms, tunes, and sound designs. In addition to all these, there were many artists like Autechre, The Prodigy, and Aphex Twin, who experimented with sound production and brought a huge change in electronic music, and assisted in the growth of electro.
• Characteristics of electro music:
In electro music, there are certain characteristics that have enhanced the genre even more. A few key characteristics of the music genre are-
1. Futuristic sound:
It has been seen that in this particular music genre, some unique elements are there that make the genre completely different from all. This particular genre is immensely intertwined with technology. And it is the technology that helps to create conceptual and visual elements. In this particular music genre, such elements are found and that makes it even more brilliant from all. This not only makes the piece of music different, but it also gives a chance to use futuristic imagery to the artists. It influences more in the artwork of the album and the music video. It is one of the major characteristics of this genre that is not often seen.
2. Synthesized sound:
Electro music has a clear characteristic and that is synthesized sound. The use of a synthesizer is prominent in this music genre along with the bassline. The melody of this genre is cultivated with the help of machines. As said earlier, drum machines are a huge part of this genre. Therefore, from this, it can be understood that electro-music should have synthesized sound that makes it unique in every aspect.
3. Digital manipulation:
At the very beginning of developing this music genre, a huge use of digital devices has been done. Due to the heavy use of digital devices, there is a deep effect of digital manipulation on this genre. There would be a mechanical sound in this music genre and that is a huge part of its identity.
• The evolution of the electro music genre:
This music genre has evolved a lot since it was developed. Throughout the 80s and 90s, the genre has been improved a lot. Let’s know more about its evolution-
1. The start of electro and hip-hop:
Electro and hip-hop, both genres are quite tightly tied to each other. In the hip-hop music culture, both these play a significant role. In the beginning, hip-hop was a much more used music genre than electro. Later that, artists like Jean-Michel Jarre and Afrika Bambaataa utilized this music genre, and only then it started gaining recognition. Eventually, music makers and producers started experimenting with drum machines and turntables, which led to the development of the genre even more. At the very beginning, the genre gained popularity in the United States and the United Kingdom. Later, it grew massively and became a huge part of the modern music industry.
2. Influence of techno and house:
It has been seen that in the 80s, this genre started being merged with other electronic music sub-genres like house and techno. At that this, when artists were creating music in this genre, they experimented with it along with various other electronic music genres. In addition to that, it also has been seen that artists were heavily dependent on electronic sounds, which had a deep influence on the genre. Various artists like Derrick May and Juan Atkins experimented with techno music, which has been quite impactful on the electro genre.
3. Electroclash:
In the time of early 2000, an electroclash was seen quite prominently. At the beginning of the 21st century, the use of punk music increased more than ever and that is known as electroclash. Electro music was much influenced by punk music which also led to losing the raw elements of the genre. Electroclash was a combination of retro music along synthesized sound. And that made the sound of the genre quite different. Later that, various artists like The Hacker and Miss Kittin took the initiative and started working on defining the electro-music genre.
4. Electropop and EDM:
A decade later, electro evolved even more and the introduction of electropop and EDM took place. In 2010, electronic dance music got huge popularity and started grabbing the attention of listeners. It is a much more enthusiastic and vibrant addition that made the genre quite unique and different. Various artists like Skrillex, Daft Punk, and Deadmau5 have influenced the genre and pushed the electro boundaries. This way, the genre became even more polished and edgy. Right after that, music artists like Lady Gaga and Robyn added pop along with the electro beats. And that has made a huge impact on electropop.
Electro music has evolved at a large scale from the time of its invention. Right now, it is a huge part of the music world. This music genre will continue to shape the industry more with each passing day.
