Music genres are the building blocks of the diverse world of DJing. DJs have the power to transform any crowd with their choice of tracks, and the genre of music they choose plays a crucial role in setting the tone for an event. With countless genres available, understanding which ones are most popular among DJs can help both music enthusiasts and aspiring DJs navigate the dynamic landscape of electronic dance music (EDM) and beyond.
The Rise of EDM and Its Subgenres
Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has become synonymous with the modern DJ, with its vast array of subgenres forming the foundation of club culture, music festivals, and mainstream radio. EDM encompasses a wide range of sounds, from intense drops and hard beats to smooth, melodic flows. DJs gravitate toward these subgenres based on their energy, rhythm, and ability to connect with audiences.
- House: One of the most influential and enduring subgenres, house music originated in Chicago in the 1980s and continues to dominate global dance floors. Its steady four-on-the-floor beat, combined with soulful melodies and infectious basslines, makes it a go-to choice for both mainstream DJs and underground producers. Variations like deep house, progressive house, and tech house allow DJs to mix between smooth, melodic vibes and more experimental, minimalistic tones.
- Techno: Known for its repetitive beats and driving rhythms, techno is a genre that thrives on experimentation. Originating in Detroit in the late 1980s, techno is widely popular in warehouse raves and underground clubs. DJs often turn to techno for its hypnotic, bass-heavy qualities and its ability to create an immersive atmosphere.
- Trance: Trance music is characterized by uplifting melodies, ethereal vocals, and dramatic build-ups. DJs who prefer to create an emotionally charged atmosphere often lean on trance music for its euphoric highs and smooth, melodic progressions. Trance festivals, like the legendary A State of Trance, draw massive crowds eager to experience an unforgettable musical journey.
- Dubstep: Known for its heavy bass drops and distinctive wobble, dubstep emerged from the UK in the early 2000s and has since become a mainstay in the EDM scene. Dubstep is popular among DJs for its ability to energize a crowd and create explosive moments on the dance floor. With its bass-heavy beats and aggressive sound, dubstep is perfect for high-energy sets.
- Future Bass: Future bass brings an eclectic mix of melodic and bass-driven sounds. DJs who incorporate future bass into their sets tend to emphasize complex synth patterns and laid-back beats. The genre blends well with pop and trap influences, making it versatile for festivals and club nights.
Popular Genres in the Hip-Hop and Trap Scene
Though EDM often takes center stage in the DJ world, genres like hip-hop and trap are making their presence felt more and more, with many DJs incorporating these styles into their sets.
- Hip-Hop: Hip-hop DJs are known for their ability to craft intricate mixes by sampling classic tracks and creating new beats. Hip-hop blends rhythm, poetry, and scratching techniques, making it a favorite genre for DJs who prefer to work with turntables and engage in live remixing. The genre is also known for its rich culture of freestyle battles, which adds a layer of improvisation to DJ performances.
- Trap: Trap music, which draws its roots from southern hip-hop and EDM, is another genre that has been embraced by DJs in recent years. Characterized by 808 drum patterns, hi-hats, and distorted basslines, trap has become an essential part of festival DJ sets. DJs who mix trap music can create powerful drops and high-energy moments on the dance floor, making it a crowd favorite at electronic music events.
Genres Popular in Commercial and Radio-Friendly DJ Sets
While underground genres like techno and deep house have their place in club culture, there are also genres that cater to more mainstream, radio-friendly audiences. DJs who play commercial sets often choose genres that appeal to a broad range of listeners, from pop to electro house.
- Electro House: Electro house is known for its punchy basslines, big drops, and high energy. It’s a genre that DJs often gravitate toward when performing at large-scale events or festivals where the goal is to create an electrifying atmosphere. Electro house’s commercial appeal and high-energy sound make it a mainstay in club settings and mainstream radio stations.
- Progressive House: Progressive house shares similarities with electro house but focuses more on the journey of the track, building gradually into euphoric moments. DJs who incorporate progressive house into their sets create a more gradual build-up, often transitioning smoothly between tracks to maintain the momentum of the crowd. This genre is popular at large festivals and in mainstream club settings.
- Pop and Commercial Dance: Pop music and commercial dance have crossed paths with EDM in recent years, with DJs remixing popular tracks to fit the festival-friendly EDM sound. Commercial dance and pop-dance remixes often dominate the airwaves, and DJs are frequently called upon to put their spin on top 40 hits to appeal to a wider audience. This genre’s mainstream popularity makes it a constant fixture in many DJ sets, particularly at festivals and large events.
Genres in the Indie and Alternative Scene
For DJs looking to break away from the commercial realm, indie and alternative genres offer an opportunity to explore fresh sounds and create unique sets that stand apart from the norm.
- Indie Dance: Indie dance blends alternative rock with electronic dance music, incorporating live instruments, indie vocals, and experimental beats. DJs who embrace indie dance create a blend of raw, organic energy with electronic production, often drawing inspiration from both indie rock and electronic genres. This fusion allows for more diverse and laid-back sets that cater to an audience looking for something different.
- Synthwave: Synthwave is a nostalgic genre that draws inspiration from 1980s electronic music, incorporating lush synths, retro beats, and atmospheric soundscapes. DJs who experiment with synthwave bring a sense of nostalgia to their performances, often mixing it with modern electronic sounds to create a unique fusion that appeals to fans of both retro and contemporary music.
Which Genre Is Right for You as a DJ?
The genre of music a DJ chooses plays a huge role in their career, as it defines their style and audience. DJs should explore different genres to discover what resonates with them and their audience. Whether it’s the high-energy drops of dubstep, the smooth grooves of house, or the nostalgic vibes of synthwave, finding the right genre is key to crafting an unforgettable experience for the crowd.
Additionally, many successful DJs often blend multiple genres in their sets, creating an eclectic mix that keeps things fresh and unexpected. By drawing from a wide range of styles and genres, DJs can offer a unique experience every time they step behind the decks.
Conclusion
The world of DJing is diverse, with countless genres influencing the direction of music and performance. From the energetic beats of EDM subgenres to the raw soundscapes of hip-hop and trap, the genres DJs embrace are as varied as the audiences they entertain. By exploring different styles, DJs can create signature sets that define their careers and bring something special to the global music scene.
