About this Section

Our highest aim at Resonant Vibes is to add joy to people's lives through electronic music. We believe that an increased knowledge and understanding of the art form will generally allow for a more intense appreciation and enjoyment of it. With this in mind, we created an Explore the Styles section. If you are new to electronic music, then this section might serve as an introduction. On the other hand, if you are already familiar with electronic music, this section can be used as a resource for learning more. To explore any of the genres featured on our site, simply click on the appropriate icon to the left. We encourage you not just to read the description of each genre but to also check out the DJs, tracks, and links on each page. We also encourage you to share any responses or feedback you might have regarding the information in this section by using our Contact page.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section should not be taken as absolute or definitive. Resonant Vibes is not the ultimate authority on electronic music. In fact, we doubt that any such authority exists. We have provided this Explore the Styles section to help you go deeper by furthering your own understanding and interpretation of electronic music. Resonant Vibes would like to credit Wikipedia as a significant source for our research.

History of Electronic Music

Virtually all of the music at Resonant Vibes falls in the broad category of electronic music. Simply put, electronic music is, as the name would suggest, music produced primarily by electronic components, such as synthesizers, samplers, computers, drum machines, etc. As long ago as 1897, people began experimenting with electronic instruments. Modern electronic composition, however, is considered to have actually begun with the development of tape recorders in 1948. It rapidly evolved with the advent of analog synthesizers.

At this time, electronic music was limited for the most part to uses in classical composition, but this would soon change. As technology developed in the 60s and 70s and synthesizers became smaller and cheaper, many rock bands began to experiment with electronic music. In jazz also, certain musicians began to experiment with synthesizers and electronic music. During this same time, the film industry began to make extensive use of electronic music soundtracks.

In the late 70s and early 80s, there was much improvement of electronic music instruments. These years saw the emergence of digital synthesizers and samplers. The facility music machines had for making irregular, non-harmonic, staticky sounds led to the development of industrial music.

The development of the techno sound in Detroit and house music in Chicago in the 80s, and the later UK-based acid house movement, all fueled the development and acceptance of electronic music and introduced electronic dance music to the nightclub scene.

Electronic music continues to evolve today as the "instruments" on which it is played are improved and adapted to new, creative purposes. Not limited significantly by language and cultural barriers, electronic music has spread throughout practically all regions of the modern world.