The Most Popular EDM Genre, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the genre you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 9, 2024 07:03
In the pulsing world of electronic dance music, each genre carries its unique beat and style, captivating diverse audiences across the globe. Understanding which genre resonates most with listeners can help event organizers, DJs, and music producers tailor their offerings to meet the current tastes of the dance music community. A live ranking of EDM genres does just that, updating in real-time as fans cast their votes for their top favorites.
By participating in this interactive ranking, fans not only contribute to shaping the landscape of the music scene but also connect with a community of like-minded enthusiasts. This dynamic voting system ensures that every voice is heard and every vote counts, directly influencing the genre standings. Witnessing how the preferences shift and evolve over time offers an engaging insight into the vibrant, ever-changing world of EDM.
What Is the Most Popular EDM Genre?
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1108votes
House music
Jesse SaundersHouse music - characterized by its four-on-the-floor beat, repetitive basslines, and use of synthesizers and drum machines. It originated in the early 1980s and has since evolved into various subgenres.House music is a genre of electronic dance music characterized by a repetitive four-on-the-floor beat, synthesized basslines, and soulful vocals. It originated in the early 1980s in Chicago, United States. House music is known for its energetic and uplifting vibe that often incorporates elements of disco, funk, and soul. It has been one of the most popular and influential genres in the EDM scene for several decades.- Four-on-the-floor beat: Kick drum hits on every beat
- Tempo: 120-130 BPM
- Synthesized basslines: Repetitive and groovy basslines
- Soulful vocals: Often featuring uplifting and emotional vocal performances
- Sampling: Frequent use of samples from various genres
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233votesTechno is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Detroit, Michigan, in the United States during the mid-to-late 1980s. It features a repetitive beat, often with a minimalistic and futuristic sound.Techno is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in Detroit, Michigan, United States in the 1980s. It is characterized by its repetitive beats, synthesized sounds, and a strong emphasis on rhythm and bass. Techno is often associated with the use of drum machines, synthesizers, and sequencers to create its distinctive sound.
- Tempo: 120-150 BPM
- Rhythm: Repetitive and driving beats
- Instruments: Drum machines, synthesizers, sequencers
- Melody: Minimalistic or atmospheric melodies
- Structure: Long, continuous mixes with gradual progressions
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341votesTrance - characterized by its melodic, uplifting, and emotional sound. It originated in the early 1990s and is known for its use of arpeggiated melodies, long breakdowns, and build-ups.Trance is a popular subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) known for its distinctive melodic and uplifting sound. It is characterized by its high energy, emotive melodies, and repetitive beats, creating an intense and euphoric atmosphere. Trance often features mesmerizing arpeggiated synth patterns, atmospheric pads, driving basslines, and ethereal vocals. The genre is designed to induce a trance-like state, evoking feelings of euphoria, escapism, and unity among the listeners.
- BPM Range: 120-140 BPM
- Melodies: Emotive and uplifting
- Repetitive Beats: Driving and energetic
- Synth Patterns: Mesmerizing arpeggios
- Atmospheric Elements: Ethereal pads
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419votesDubstep - characterized by its heavy basslines, syncopated rhythms, and use of wobble and modulation effects. It originated in the early 2000s in the UK and has since become popular worldwide.Dubstep is a popular genre of electronic dance music (EDM) characterized by its heavy bass lines, syncopated rhythmic patterns, and prominent use of sub-bass frequencies. It originated in the late 1990s in South London, UK, as a fusion of various musical elements like UK garage, drum and bass, and reggae. Dubstep gained mainstream popularity in the 2000s and continues to evolve with different sub-genres and variations.
- Basslines: Deep, heavy, and often modulated
- Rhythm: Syncopated and often characterized by half-time beats
- Wobble Bass: Distinctive bass sound created through manipulation of low-frequency oscillation
- Drop: Intense and impactful section of the track, usually characterized by a switch to a heavier and more intense sound
- Tempo: Usually around 140 beats per minute (BPM)
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530votesDrum and Bass - characterized by its fast breakbeats and heavy basslines. It originated in the early 1990s in the UK and has since evolved into various subgenres.Drum and Bass is a popular subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in the UK during the 1990s. It is characterized by fast breakbeats, heavy basslines, and intricate drum patterns. Known for its high energy and pulsating rhythm, Drum and Bass has gained a large following worldwide.
- BPM Range: between 160 and 180 BPM
- Breakbeats: fast and complex rhythm patterns
- Basslines: deep and heavy, often using sub-bass frequencies
- Rolling Bass: repetitive basslines that create a rolling, hypnotic effect
- Amen Break: frequently sampled drum break originating from the song 'Amen, Brother' by The Winstons
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614votesFuture bass - characterized by its use of synths, choppy vocal samples, and heavy basslines. It originated in the early 2010s and has since become popular in the EDM scene.Future bass is a popular subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) known for its futuristic sounds and blending of various musical styles. It typically features heavy basslines, catchy melodies, and a fusion of elements from genres such as trap, pop, R&B, and hip-hop. Future bass often incorporates chopped vocal samples, lush synthesizers, and unique sound design techniques to create a dreamy and atmospheric vibe.
- Tempo: Usually ranges between 140-160 BPM
- Melodies: Catchy and uplifting, often utilizing major key progressions
- Basslines: Prominent, deep, and heavily layered
- Sound Design: Characterized by unique and innovative synthesis techniques
- Drums: Driven by punchy and rhythmic trap-inspired drum patterns
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710votes
Progressive house
Sasha and John DigweedProgressive house is characterized by its use of melodic and uplifting sounds, often with a slower tempo than traditional house music. It originated in the early 1990s and has since become popular worldwide.Progressive house is a subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) characterized by its melodic and atmospheric nature. It emerged in the early 1990s and gained popularity throughout the decade. Progressive house features extended tracks with gradual progressions, building up layers of sound and incorporating elements from other EDM genres such as trance and techno. The genre is known for its lush synthesizer melodies, driving basslines, and uplifting vibes.- Tempo: 125-130 BPM
- Structure: Extended tracks with gradual progressions
- Melodies: Lush and emotive synthesizer melodies
- Basslines: Driving and rhythmic basslines
- Atmosphere: Atmospheric and ethereal soundscapes
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86votesElectro house - characterized by its use of heavy basslines, distorted synths, and high energy. It originated in the early 2000s and has since become popular in the EDM scene.Electro house is a popular subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) that emerged in the late 2000s. It combines the energetic and aggressive elements of electro with the four-on-the-floor beats of house music. Characterized by its heavy basslines, catchy melodies, and high-energy drops, electro house quickly gained popularity in clubs and music festivals around the world.
- BPM Range: 128-132
- Heavy Basslines: Prominent and driving basslines
- Four-on-the-Floor Beats: Consistent kick drum on each beat
- Synthesized Melodies: Catchy and melodic hooks created using synths and samples
- Build-Ups and Drops: High-energy build-ups leading to euphoric drops
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916votesHardstyle - characterized by its use of heavy basslines, distorted kicks, and high energy. It originated in the early 2000s in the Netherlands and has since become popular worldwide.Hardstyle is an energetic and high tempo subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in the early 2000s in the Netherlands. It is known for its intense and powerful sound, characterized by distorted basslines, aggressive beats, and heavily distorted kicks. Hardstyle combines elements of techno, trance, and hardcore, resulting in a unique fusion of genres.
- Tempo: 150-160 BPM
- Kick Drum: Heavily distorted and punchy
- Basslines: Thick and distorted
- Synths: Melodic and uplifting
- Atmosphere: Energetic and intense
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103votesTrap - characterized by its use of heavy basslines, 808 drums, and vocal samples. It originated in the early 2010s and has since become popular in the EDM and hip-hop scenes.Trap is a subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its slow, heavy beats, deep basslines, and the use of hip-hop and rap vocal samples. Trap music often incorporates aggressive and energetic elements, combining electronic sounds with traditional trap music elements.
- Tempo: 70-110 BPM
- Drums: Prominent 808 kick drums and snare rolls
- Basslines: Deep and heavy
- Melodies: Often sparse and repetitive
- Vocal Samples: Frequent use of hip-hop and rap vocal samples
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular genre
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Festival and club presenceThe prevalence of a genre in major music festivals, clubs, and live events is also important. The more a genre is played and celebrated at these events, the more popular it is among fans.
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Chart performanceAnother way to rank the popularity of an EDM genre is by looking at its presence in music charts. Genres with numerous chart-topping tracks and albums are generally more popular than those with less chart success.
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Impact on mainstream popularityThe extent to which an EDM genre has influenced and been embraced by mainstream music and culture can be a strong indicator of its popularity. This can be seen through collaborations with popular non-EDM artists, commercial usage in advertisements and movies, or recognition in major music awards.
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Artist representationThe number of successful and well-known artists who produce and play a specific genre is another key factor. The more artists representing a genre, the more widespread and popular it likely is.
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Community and fan engagementActive online communities, blogs, and social media pages dedicated to a specific EDM genre can be a sign of popularity. The level of fan engagement and interaction within these communities can also be an indicator of a genre's popularity.
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Longevity and staying powerA genre's ability to maintain or grow its popularity over time is another important factor. If a genre has a long history and has evolved and adapted over time, it may be considered more popular compared to short-lived or niche genres.
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Innovation and creativityA genre that pushes the boundaries and fosters new creative approaches can garner more interest and attract more fans over time.
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Regional popularityWhile some genres may be more popular globally, others might have strong regional appeal. In ranking popularity, it's important to consider the varying preferences of listeners around the world.
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Critical receptionPositive reviews, feedback, and acclaim from music journalists and critics can contribute to the popularity of a genre. High-profile coverage and praise can help solidify a genre's reputation and popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular EDM genre. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Genre is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 4997 views
- 226 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Genre once every 24 hours. The rank of each Genre is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular edm genre
Electronic Dance Music, or EDM, has been a popular genre of music since the 1980s, but it wasn't until the early 2000s that it really took off. EDM is characterized by its heavy use of electronic and digital instruments, as well as its fast-paced beats and rhythms. Since its inception, EDM has evolved into a wide variety of sub-genres, each with its own unique sound and style. From the high-energy beats of techno and house, to the more melodic and emotional sounds of trance and progressive house, there is truly something for everyone in the world of EDM. So, what is the most popular EDM genre? Let's take a look at the polls and rankings on StrawPoll to find out!
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