This has bugged for a long time. I’m not a huge fan of the music in question, but I do have to refer to it sometimes and it’s more than slightly annoying to have someone correct you for using terms like “electronica” or “techno.”
Now, some people just like to use the term “electronic music.” But this seems perhaps a little too broad- and furthermore, it isn’t a true substitute. That is, if I say “electronica” I think most people would know I’m referring to music in which the beat plays a major role- people wouldn’t say “Ahh right, electronica, like what that Stockhausen guy does.” Whereas “electronic music” covers everything from Milton Babbitt to Haddaway.
Now, of course referring to specific sub-genres solves the problem to an extent, but at times an umbrella term is need.
So- after that overly long, poorly worded setup- is there a term for “electronic music with a beat” that won’t get me in trouble with the fans?
I don’t think there is a term to cover everything you’re talking about. I tend to say electronica, and not distinguish whether I’m talking about music with a beat like, say, the Chemical Brothers, or music not specifically beat-orientated, such as Stockhausen.
Techno is truly a horrible name to call all of this music - techno, as you may well know, is a subgenre with a specific sound. It’s akin to calling all rock music “metal.”
People often like to describe this music as dance music. I find this unsatisfactory, as it implies that the music is only good for shakingyour arse to, and is too unintelligent for anything beyond that.
Others think that dance is inadequate as a catch-all term because there are many other forms of music suited to dancing - hip-hop, funk, even waltzes and tangos, I suppose, if you wanted to look outside the realm of mainstream pop music.
That said, dance music, though an inadequate term may be your best bet.
Yeah, I’ve mostly avoided the term “dance” music for the same reasons that you mentioned, but I suppose it really may be the best bet. Just seems weird to call 'Boards of Canada’or ‘Aphex Twin’- “dance”
As a side-note, why do some people not like the term “electronica?” It sounds to me like a rather useful catch-all, but it seems to annoy some fans of the genres. And with increasing regularity I’ve had people take issue with my use of the term.
But maybe I’ve just been dealing with unusually sensitive fans?
I dunno. I call it electronica, but I don’t usually distinguish between beat-orientated electronic music and non-beat orientated electronic music.
Perhaps they feel that electronica is a misnomer; after all, there is plenty of music with electronic elements that wouldn’t be classed as electronica, and there is also plenty of music that I would call electronica that uses live instruments; I think Groove Armada, for instance, tour with a lot of live instruments. Also, is sampling electronic or not? It’s an electronic process, but it uses non-electronic sounds to produce music loosely grouped under the title electronica.
Perhaps this is why people are so fond of the infinite number of sub-genres associated with this style of music.
Acts like Fatboy Slim and Chemical Brothers sometimes get grouped together under a “big beat” label, but that wouldn’t apply to some other sub-genres that are still “beat” driven. “Big beat” might be a handy starting point, though.
It depends who I am talking to…
If I know the person is unsavvy in this area, I say Techno…
Most people ignorant of the scene or differing styles will know what I am talking about, and they can’t tell much difference anyway.
If I am talking to someone into the scene, I generally name the correct genre.
examples-
me speaking to someone at work:
I’m going to see Icey this weekend.
co-worker–who is Icey?
me- a techno DJ
me speaking to someone in a club, kinda into the scene…
I’m going to see Icey next weekend
person-never heard of him, what does he play?
me-Florida Breaks
There once was a very good website with examples of many different styles…I have long lost the link however.
I definately wouldn’t call it dance, that would give the impression to most people that you are talking about whatever the popular hip hop gimmick song was at the moment.
I’ve ever had a problem with how many sub-categories of sub-categories there seem to be popping up every other day.
I was once severely berated for commenting that Toni Braxton was an R&B singer. Or was it Soul? Smooth Jazz? I don’t remember, but apparently I was an idiot for not knowing the correct genre.
I think they should all be classified in 3 simple categores: Good, Bad, and WTF?!
I think what you’re referring to, however, is known as either “Beats and Breaks,” or “Bass and Drums.”
lol now you are going to confuse him
1)Big Beats
2)Breaks
3)Drum n Bass
are all genres of the style of music he is asking about. Trance, house, jungle, techno, hardcore, and goa are others…in addition, most of these genres have sub-genres. The OP is asking what the entire group of music should be known as.
I still say you should just call it “electronic dance music”, since as you said, “electronic” leaves you open to include more ambient types of music, while only calling it “dance” leave you open to include reggae, hip hop, etc.
