What is Electronic music?

Origin of Electronic

Globally from the 1960s-70s. Kraftwerk in Dusseldorf codified electronic music as pop in 1974 with Autobahn. Parallel experiments in musique concrete (Pierre Schaeffer, 1940s France), Moog synthesizers (1960s USA), and dub (Jamaica, 1960s) fed into the explosion of house, techno, and ambient in the 1980s.

Era: 1940s--present

Defining sound of Electronic

Produced entirely or primarily with electronic instruments -- synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, sequencers. Encompasses an enormous range of tempos (40-200+ BPM) and timbres. The unifying thread is technology as primary instrument rather than amplified acoustic source.

Pioneers of Electronic

• Kraftwerk
• Giorgio Moroder
• Brian Eno
• Pierre Schaeffer
• Silver Apples

Key Electronic artists

• Aphex Twin
• Daft Punk
• Burial
• Four Tet
• Boards of Canada
• Autechre

Related genres

Frequently asked questions about Electronic

When did Electronic start?

Electronic originated 1940s--present. Globally from the 1960s-70s.

Who invented Electronic?

Electronic was pioneered by Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, Brian Eno, Pierre Schaeffer, Silver Apples. Globally from the 1960s-70s. Kraftwerk in Dusseldorf codified electronic music as pop in 1974 with Autobahn. Parallel experiments in musique concrete (Pierre Schaeffer, 1940s France), Moog synthesizers (1960s USA), and dub (Jamaica, 1960s) fed into the explosion of house, techno, and ambient in the 1980s.

Is Electronic still popular?

Electronic continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Aphex Twin, Daft Punk, Burial, Four Tet.

What does Electronic sound like?

Produced entirely or primarily with electronic instruments -- synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, sequencers. Encompasses an enormous range of tempos (40-200+ BPM) and timbres. The unifying thread is technology as primary instrument rather than amplified acoustic source.

What is the difference between Electronic and techno?

Electronic and techno are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the techno definition page for a full comparison.