Category: Electro

Electro is a genre of electronic music and early hip hop directly influenced by the use of the Roland TR-808 drum machines, and funk.

Electro music, often referred to simply as “electro,” is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the early 1980s. It is characterized by its use of electronic instruments, synthesizers, and drum machines to create a futuristic and often robotic sound. Electro has a distinct style and is known for its influence on various electronic music subgenres, including techno, house, and hip-hop. Here are some key aspects of electro music:

**1. Electronic Instruments:**
– Electro music relies heavily on electronic instruments and technology. Synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers are essential components for creating the genre’s sound.

**2. Robotic and Futuristic Sound:**
– Electro is known for its robotic and futuristic soundscapes. The use of synthesized sounds and vocoders (voice synthesizers) often gives the music a mechanical and otherworldly quality.

**3. Beat-Driven:**
– The genre places a strong emphasis on rhythm, with driving and repetitive beats being a central element of electro tracks. The beats are often produced using drum machines, with the Roland TR-808 and TR-909 being iconic choices.

**4. Synthesized Basslines:**
– Electro often features synthesized basslines that provide a distinct groove and low-end presence in the music.

**5. Early Pioneers:**
– Early pioneers of electro music include artists like Kraftwerk, Afrika Bambaataa & the Soulsonic Force, and Egyptian Lover. Kraftwerk’s 1978 album “The Man-Machine” is often considered a precursor to the electro genre.

**6. Influence on Hip-Hop:**
– Electro played a significant role in the development of hip-hop music. Early hip-hop DJs and producers incorporated electro elements into their tracks, leading to the emergence of electro hip-hop, or “electro-funk,” in the 1980s.

**7. Crossover with Other Genres:**
– Electro has influenced and crossed over with various other genres, including techno, house, and breakbeat. It contributed to the evolution of electronic dance music as a whole.

**8. Subgenres and Variations:**
– Electro has evolved over the years, giving rise to subgenres and variations such as “electroclash,” “nu electro,” and “electropop,” each with its unique characteristics and influences.

**9. Electro in Pop Culture:**
– Electro music has made appearances in pop culture, often featured in films, television shows, and video games to convey a futuristic or retro-futuristic atmosphere.

**10. Resurgence:**
– Electro experienced a resurgence in popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with artists like Daft Punk incorporating electro elements into their music. This resurgence brought attention to classic electro tracks and artists.

**11. Electro DJs and Producers:**
– Prominent electro DJs and producers include Kraftwerk, DJ Stingray, Anthony Rother, The Hacker, and Dave Clarke, among others.

Electro music continues to be a significant and influential genre within the electronic music landscape, known for its innovative use of technology and its impact on various music styles. It remains a source of inspiration for artists exploring the intersection of electronic and futuristic soundscapes.