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Topic: DESCRIPTIONS AND EXAMPLE OF DANCE GENRES

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1) Acid jazz – This genre is a combination of jazzy elements and dance elements. Acid jass is slower than most other dance genres and is great for chill-out and lounge rooms.

Ex: Jamiroquie– Virtual Insanity

2) Ambient – Ambient is made for listening and chilling to rather than for dancing. Instrumentation can be melodic to very nonmelodic. This genre is know for its ethereal feel it creates. There may or not be any bassline also...and if there is, it may be very sparse or abstract.

Ex: Delerium – Desert, The Orb – Halcyon On+On+On

3) Breakbeat – This genre is characterized by its syncopated basslines. There is a wide range in its tempo, with BPMs from 120-160. Instrumentation also greatly varies, for there are other subgenres in breakbeat.

a) Bigbeat – Bigbeat is known for its heavily used riffs (repeated phrase), often utitlizing guitar samples and thick
texturized instrumentation.

b) Funky – Funky breaks contain lighter instrumentation (and may be somewhat housey) compared to bigbeat and nu skool breaks. Yet, this doesn’t take away from the funk that funky breaks bring to the dancefloor. This subgenre usually has pronounced, great basslines and percussions which add to the funkiness!

c) Nu Skool – Tracks here display a different kind of instrumentation. Instead of relying on heavily repeated riffs or light, funky instrumentation, nu skool breaks may use melodic or nonmelodic instrumentation that may be light to heavy in texture. It may be trancey or techno-ish too.

Ex: Fatboy Slim – Rockafeller Skank (bigbeat), Chemical Brothers – Block Rockin’ Beats (bigbeat), DJ Icey – Can’t Stop This Track (funky), Crystal Method – Keep Hope Alive (nu skool), Tsunami One - Dawn Of The Standing Wave (nu skool)

4) Dancehall – Dancehall is a combination of reggae elements and dance elements plus reggae vocals in it.

Ex: Beenie Man feat. Chevelle Franklyn – Dancehall Queen

5) Dreamhouse – Although popularized by Robert Miles, dreamhouse was actually around before Robert Miles stunned the world with his all-time classic “Children.” This genre is characterized by it’s dreamy anthems, most often driven by piano or some other simple, conservative-sounding instrument. Instrumentation is at most never very thick. As its name implies, dreamhouse is supposed to be dreamy, although it actually is a lot closer to trance than house.

Ex: Robert Miles – Children (Dream Version), Robert Miles – Fable, DJ Dado – X-Files Theme (DADO Paranormal Activity Mix), Blue Planet – Dream Mix, Chicane - Offshore

6) Drum-n-bass/Jungle – Drum-n-bass is known for its very complex, highly syncopated basslines. Instrumentation more often than not isn’t melodic and rather depend on great texture. BPMs are set at at least 145, usually much much higher. Again, drum-n-bass relies heavily on a great bassline and texture. Drum-n-bass is usually referred to as “jungle” when it becomes dark sounding, more aggressive, and with deeper bass. Sub-bass instrumentation is common too. As one could guess, drum-n-bass/jungle is broken up into many subgenres. (Note: Much of this genre comes from the UK)

a) Hard-step

b) Intelligent – In this case, the term “drum-n-bass” is rather used instead of “jungle.” Intelligent drum-n-bass is actually quite relaxing and great for chill-out and lounge rooms. Usually not very melodic, this subgenre depends on very ethereal, landscape-ish sounds and instrumentation...all set to a very nice sophisticated bassline.

c) Jazz-step – Jazz-step drum-n-bass/jungle contains some jazzy elements.

d) Jump-up

e) Ragga – Ragga jungle contains reggae elements and often reggae vocals and/or samples.

f) Tech-step – This subgenre is rather associated with the term “jungle” instead of “drum-n-bass.” Tech-step jungle is aggressive sounding and the basslines are highly cut-up and more frenetic and complicated than most other drum-n-bass. Usually, there are powerful synth work and sub-bass frequencies. The BPMs are extremely fast here.

Ex: Capone – Genetically Unmodified Sampler (hard-step), LTJ Bukem – Atlantis (intelligent), Lost Tribe – Under The Red Sea (intelligent), Roni Size – It’s Jazzy (jazz-step), Aphrodite – BM Funkster (jump-up), Souljah – Zion 3 (ragga), Technical Itch & Dieselboy – Atlantic State (tech-step)

7) Electro – This genre contains very sparse and light instrumentation, texture, and layering. With a deep, pronounced, syncopated bassline and frequent use of repeated mono-layered riffs, electro can add quite some funk to a dancefloor. Not to be confused with funky breaks, electro is a lot simpler sounding...but yes, it often has some funky elements in it.

Ex: DJ Donotask – 3lectro, Hydrophonix – Rollin’ A Hard Six

8) Eurodance/Hi-NRG – This popular dance genre usually contain lyrics. Characterized by its infectious melodies and common use of hi-energy synth work (instrumentation is really varied though), eurodance/hi-NRG is considered the pop, mainstream counterpart of dance music. Melody is prominent and a track heavily depends on it. There may be rap and/or reggae rap in it too done by a male...vocals are more often than not done by a female.

Ex: Real McCoy – Another Night, Fun Factory – Close To You, Le Click – Call Me, 2 Unlimited – Get Ready, Gina G. – Ooh Aah...Just A Little Bit, Captain Hollywood – More & More, Masterboy – Anybody, 2 Bros. On The 4th Floor – Let Me Be Free, DJ Bobo – Love Is All Around

9) Eurogressive – Catalyzed by Faithless’s all-time classic “Insomnia,” the eurogressive (euro + progressive = eurogressive) movement started a small “revolution” in the dance scene. This genre is characterized by it’s crowd-pleasing pizzacotto strings anthems. Although instrumentation, texture, and layering isn’t very thick compared to other dance genres, its pizzacotto strings are enough to drive any dance music enthusiast nuts. Like eurodance, an infectious melody is paramount; in this case, the melody is driven by pizzacotta strings (almost always...if not, orchestral strings or some other great sounding instrument is used) and may be accompanied with orchrestral strings. Ever since this eurogressive movement, all genres of dance music have caught on the pizzacotto strings fever and began implementing this infectious sound!

Ex: Faithless – Insomnia, DJ Quicksilver – Belissima, Sash! – Encore Une Fois, Brainbug – Nightmare, Brooklyn Bounce – Get Ready To Bounce, Hypertrophy – Beautiful Day

10) Freestyle – Freestyle is another mainstream, pop-based dance genre. Like eurodance, it almost always have some kind of vocals and lyrics. Unlike eurodance, the bassline is not four-to-the-floor (boom boom boom boom) but rather syncopated like breakbeat. Usually, there is some kind of melody and the instrumentation is somewhat lighter than eurodance.

Ex: INOJ – Love You Down, M:G – What Do You Remember, Jocelyn Enriquez – A Little Bit Of Ecstacy, Buffy – 2 Find U, Music Instructor – Get Freaky

11) Gabber/Hardcore – Gabber/Hardcore is recognized by its fast BPMs (around 160-200+) and loud, driving basslines. Instrumentation is usually not very melodic and revolves around riffs...this genre is really aggressive sounding.

Ex: DJ Wizzard – The Way I Like It, Chosen Few – Chosen Paradise

12) Garage – This genre is somewhat similar to freestyle, but it is lighter in its sound. There are also almost vocals as well. Like freestyle and breakbeat, it has a syncopated bassline, but it’s not as prominent and driving though. Instrumentation is lighter too.

Ex: Artful Dodger - Rewind

13) Goa/Psychedelic trance – As its name implies, goa/psychedelic trance sounds psychedelic. This fast-paced genre (around 145-160 BPM) is extremely thick and heavy in texture and is really driving and dark. There is a melody but may or may not be very prominent as in eurodance, happy hardcore, or Dutch trance. Goa also adds a lot of ethereal sounds and often uses samples. The layering is rich and the music sounds as if it has some direction. There are a lot of electronic accompaniments. (Note: Much of this genre comes from Israel)

Ex: Cosmosis – Spores From Space (A Microscopic Trace), Laughing Buddha – Astral Traveller, Delta – The Speed
Of Thought, Astral Projection - Mahadeva

14) Happy hardcore – A rough way of describing this genre is to compare it to super sped-up eurodance/hi-NRG. Set at 170-200+ BPMs and unbelievably happy sounding melodies, happy hardcore easily spices up any dancefloor. Instrumentation varies greatly like eurodance. There is often vocals, usually done be a female. Piano is also very common too. A drum-n-bass bassline accompaniment to it’s usual four-to-the-floor bassline is also frequently heard. This genre is extremely energetic and easily puts a smile on happy hardcore lovers! (Note: Much of this genre comes from the UK)

Ex: Bang! – Shooting Star, Triple J – Follow The Sun, Scooter – Back In The UK, Blümchen – Heut Ist Mein Tag, Fade & Bananman – Please Be Mine, Sharkey – E-Nuff, Vinylgroover - Time

15) Hard NRG/Nu NRG/Dark NRG/UK hard house – This genre is set at the same speeds as goa. Also like goa, this genre is often dark sounding. Hard NRG (it’s name is still not set on one yet...nu NRG, dark NRG, UK hard house...) uses a lot dark synth work and its chorus is usually a great, infectious, dark, synthy anthem. There is much vocal and nonvocal sampling involved as well. The texture and layering is not extremely rich nor is it little. This relatively newly exposed genre is often mislabeled as hard trance, dark trance, hard house, etc. A few regular listening sessions will easily familiarize any dance music lover with this genre. Dark, synthy, hard, driving, fast, and progressive!

Ex: DJ Misjah & DJ Tim – Access (Ky Jelly Babies Remix), DJ Choci & The Powder Front – Just Feel It, Cortina – Higher (BK Remix)

16) House – This may perhaps be the largest genre in dance music (in terms of the number of subgenres). All house, however, rely on a heavily repeated riff, use four-to-the-floor basslines, and utilize great texture. BPMs range from 120-140.

a) Acid

b) Ambient – Ambient house is noted for its ethereal atmosphere.

c) Chicago – This subgenre is characterized by its heavy use of piano riffs and a lighter feel. BMPs are no more 135.

d) Commercial – This subgenre is known for its frequent “pop” house remixes. Instrumentation revolves around vocals and may be a melodic riff. BPMs here are usually from 120-135.

e) Deep – Deep house has a deeper bassline and used a heavily repeated, catchy riff. The speeds here are from 130-140 BPM.

f) Disco – As the name implies, disco house is a fusion of disco and house elements. This combination proves to be a great crowd-pleaser. The tempo usually doesn’t exceed 135 BPM.

g) Hard – This subgenre is harder in its basslines, riffs, and instrumental as implied by its name. BPMs range from 130-140.

h) Latin – This is basically house with some Latin influence in it.

i) Speed garage – Speed garage (as it is usually just called) has a lot of filtered effects. It is dark and somewhat moody. It’s more minimal than other house types. The tempo is usually around 120-130 BPM.

j) Tech – This is house with some driving techno elements.

k) Tribal – Tribal house is house with a lot more added percussions and percussion effects accompanying the bassline, thus giving an “African tribal” feel to it.

Ex: Happy Clappers – I Believe (Chicago), Shania Twain – You’re Still The One (Soul Solution Radio Mix) (commercial), Crystal Waters – 100% Pure Love (commercial), Ruffnecks feat. Yavahn – Everybody Be Somebody (deep), Pure Sugar – The Feelin’ ’98 (deep), Gusto – Disco’s Revenge (disco), Bob Marley vs. Funkstar de Luxe – The Sun Is Shining (ATB Remix) (disco), DJ Choice – Tetris ’98 (hard), Klubbheads – Klubb hopping (hard), Yomanda – Synth And Strings (hard), Los Del Rio – Macarena (Latin), Armand Van Helden – Funk Phenomenon (speed garage), USURA – Open Your Mind (T.S. Triponphunky Remix) (speed garage), Mory Kante – Yeke Yeke (tribal)

17) Noisecore – This is basically gabber/hardcore with a LOT of distortion and noisy instrumentation. The heavy metal counterpart of dance music.

Ex: Destroyer – Rave Is My Church

18) Progressive house – This genre is often and easily confused. Basically, it’s in between trance and house. It may or may not be melodic. It is often atmospheric and can be driving. Some of the stuff that Sasha and John Digweed spins are progressive house and this genre tends to go very well with progressive trance sets.

19) Speed bass – Speed bass is recognized by its ridiculously ultra-fast tempos (faster than happy hardcore and gabber/hardcore) and simple instrumentation, texture, and layering.

Ex: Garth Vader - PiGPoP

20) Techno – Many people wrongly label anything with electronic instrumentation as “techno.” Techno is really another genre of dance music. This genre is characterized by it’s lack of melody and driving four-to-the-floor basslines. Instrumentation is very electronic and may use a repeated riff. Texture is essential and progressive layering is used here. There are many subgenres in techno.

a) Acid

b) Detroit

c) Hard

d) Minimal deep

e) Minimal hard

Ex: Empirion – Ciao (Advent Remix), DJ Misjah – Mankind, 2 Smokin’ Barrels – Basses Loaded (Main Mix), Zolex – Open The Ice, Azzido Da Bass – Doom’s Night (Timo Maas Remix), Burgy – Lockfresser, Megamind – Sturm Und Drang (Picotto Mix)

21) Terrorcore – This is basically noisecore that is scary sounding and terrifying.

22) Trance – This genre is known for it beautiful, entrancing melodies and texture. The melody may or may not be clearcut and prominent. Throughout the years, trance have developed many many different sounds and styles. Many have long, dramatic breakdowns. The texture and layering can range from simple to thick. Tempos range from 130-145 BPM.

b) Cyber – Cyber trance has a clearcut, prominent melody driven by a simple souding, monolayered instrument which sounds somewhat electronic/cyber.

c) Epic – This trance subgenre has a dramatic, storytelling feel to it.

d) Euro – Especially during trance’s peaktime from late 1998 to 2000, a lot poor quality, cheesy sounding trance have been put out. Much of them are characterized by a euro-synth sound...very high-energy sounding but at the same time, often not very sophisticated and complex sounding as trance should be. This is euro trance. Euro trance does not need to be high-energy though...it basically is just trance that has a very “pop/mainstream” feel to it and isn’t very sophisticated.

e) Hard – Hard trance has a more driving bassline and may be a little faster than most other trance subgenres. Instrumentation may be thicker too as well as harder.

g) Progressive – As the name implies, this subgenre progresses and builds with some sort of direction. It may or not be very melodic.

Ex: Liquid Child – Diving Faces (cyber), Popeye – Block In The Back (cyber), Dreamwave – Lift Off (cyber), Chicane – Saltwater (epic), BT – Flaming June (epic), Paul Van Dyk – For An Angel (E-Werk Club Mix) (epic), Binary Finary – 1998 (epic), Deepsky – Legend (epic), DJ Sakin & Friends – Protect Your Mind (euro), ATB – 9pm (Till I Come) (euro), DJ Jean – The Launch (euro), Commander Tom – Are Am Eye ’99 (hard), Baby Doc – Hard Work (hard), Mars & Mystrë – Save The Rave (hard), Christopher Lawrence – Rush Hour (progressive), Mea Culpa – Spiritual Light (John ‘00’ Fleming Remix) (progressive), HH – Ice (progressive), Arcadium – Fade Instinct (progressive), Sandra Collins – Flutterby (progressive)

23) Trancecore – This is basically trance at happy hardcore speeds.

Ex: Scott Brown – Elysium

24) Trip hop – Trip hop is set at much slower speeds compared to other dance genres, ranging from around 70-110 BPMs. Instrumentation is lighter as well. Despite this, great texture is produced. This genre is usually dark and very ethereal and moody.

Ex: Massive Attack – Teardrop, The Future Sound Of London – Papa New Guinea, The Orb – Little Fluffy Clouds


thats all, ihope its helpfull

source:i found it somewhere post it on the web but i cant remember where...so plz give some greetz to the unknown author
 

Posted Thu 26 Jun 03 @ 12:35 am


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