For this week’s soundcheck I have compiled together a larger playlist than usual. This playlist is meant to serve to get into the vast and dense music of the electronic scene. I feel that the best way to introduce someone to this music scene is to break it up into a few different styles from which the listener can go in whatever direction they like. The article will discuss songs and albums, and the Spotify link to the actual playlist will be included below.
Over the many decades since the genre was first established by acts such as Brian Eno and Kraftwerk, the genre has developed many different elements, seeing a creative surge during the 90’s and 2000’s with acts such as Boards of Canada. Samples are commonly found throughout (sampledelia & plunderphonics are genres made entirely from samples; ex- “Since I Left You” by the Avalanches), beats are often synthesized on computers since the 90’s, and there is a large focus on build up and beat drops. Other genres can often be incorporated into electronic music as well, such as pop (the music of the XX) and folk (the subgenre of folktronica includes Sufjan Stevens – especially his record “The Age of Adz” -, Bon Iver, Four Tet and Bjork albums such as 2001’s “Vespertine”). Electronic music is one of the most versatile genres in all of popular music.
Overall, there are a few good starting points that cover the general styles of electronic music. The music of Aphex Twin covers a variety of styles dating all the way back to the 1990’s, ranging from ambient music to drum and bass. For Aphex Twin, I would recommend starting with 1994’s “Selected Ambient Works 85-92” or “Selected Ambient Works Vol. II”. Burials’ “Untrue” is a personal favorite album of mine, being one of the most groundbreaking electronic albums of all time, particularly for dubstep. This is a moody, atmospheric record full of haunting vocal samples and entrancing beats. The record sounds like walking through a lonely city on a rainy night. “Homeless” & “Raver” are two great songs to check out here”. If you are looking for something more electronic, look at the music of Crystal Castles. I would recommend starting with their second record from 2010, particularly the track “Baptism”. They bring a very alternative/punk energy to electronic music. Lastly, if you want something with more of a jazz or hip-hop influence, Flying Lotus’s 2010 record “Cosmogramma” is a perfect place to start.
Ambient music is the first specific scene that I will talk about. This is a subgenre known for its more minimal scale and peaceful qualities (sometimes veering off into the eerie). I have found ambient music to be especially great for studying. A large portion of our campus has likely been exposed to ambient music through the Minecraft soundtrack as well. Some great points to start here would be Tim Heckers’ 2013 record “Virgins” (a record that takes large influence from drone, electroacoustic, and glitch music; a perfect 10 in my opinion), the aforementioned Aphex Twin record (vol. II), and C418’s “Minecraft – Volume Alpha”. Grouper is a great ambient artist that does not fall under electronic, being more lo-fi.
Dance music is another style of electronic music to check out. I would say that it is the most iconic form that the genre has taken, and the most accessible at that. This is music that is meant to be fun and vibey, sometimes incorporating vocals as well. Daft Punk’s 2001 masterpiece “Discovery” is the best point to start with, being in my opinion the greatest dance record of all time. Other points to check out early on include Primal Scream’s 1991 record “Screamadelica”, “Dig Your Own Hole” by the Chemical Brothers (especially if you want to check out breakbeat; a popular subgenre from the 90’s), and Justice’s 2007 record “Cross”.
The last major subgenre to highlight is Trip-Hop. This is a genre with major ties to the 90’s alternative scene, and this was the decade it was born and peaked in. This is a style that incorporates a larger focus on vocals, and some acts lean more alternative and more electronic. Trip-Hop is the genre that led me to electronic music, and it is still influential to this day even out of its prime. Acts such as Gorillaz take major influence from the scene. DJ Shadow’s 1996 debut “Endtroducing…” is one of my favorite records of all time and one of the best starting points. It is a record made entirely of samples and is equally an instrumental hip-hop record. Other great starting points are Portishead’s “Dummy” and Massive Attacks’ “Mezzanine”. Bjork is another artist that often falls under the label, at least for her 90’s output.
Hopefully this playlist and article will be able to help introduce you to the many stylings of electronic music. It is one of the most versatile and rewarding genres that you can get involved with, and it has many occasions that it works in. It is still widely popular to this day, with artists such as Arca, Grimes, and FKA Twigs continuing to push out great records. Make sure to check out the playlist below and check in next week for weekly playlists and reviews.