The Best Known Genres of Electronic Music

Synthesizers and electronic devices
Daniel González
Electronic Music

July 22 2025

Discover the top genres of electronic music, their BPMs, sounds, the events where they dominate, and the DJs who made them famous. Do you know them all?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between House, Techno, and Trance? In this article, we explore the most popular genres of electronic music—their brief history, key characteristics, typical BPM, where they shine best, and their main representatives.

1. House

Origin: Chicago, mid-80s
Elements: 4/4 beats, punchy kicks, repetitive basslines, vocal samples
BPM: 118–125
Common events: Clubs, private parties
Key artists: Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, David Morales

2. Tech House

Origin: UK, late 90s
Elements: Fusion of House groove and minimal Techno energy. Dry percussion and immersive basslines
BPM: 122–128
Common events: Underground clubs, afterparties, boutique festivals
Key artists: Fisher, Michael Bibi, Hot Since 82, Marco Carola

3. Deep House

Origin: Chicago, 1980s
Elements: Smooth sounds, atmospheric pads, deep bass, soulful or jazzy vocals
BPM: 110–122
Common events: Lounges, rooftops, beach clubs
Key artists: Kerri Chandler, Maya Jane Coles, Jimpster

4. Progressive House

Origin: UK, early 90s
Elements: Constantly evolving structure, emotional melodies, harmonic layering
BPM: 124–128
Common events: Large festivals, sunset or closing sets
Key artists: Sasha, John Digweed, Eric Prydz, Guy J

5. Techno

Origin: Detroit, mid-80s
Elements: Industrial, repetitive rhythms, dark atmospheres, energy-driven
BPM: 125–135
Common events: Raves, warehouse clubs, underground outdoor events
Key artists: Jeff Mills, Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, Adam Beyer

6. Trance

Origin: Germany, early 90s
Elements: Epic melodies, emotional builds, long breakdowns
BPM: 130–145
Common events: Massive festivals, main stages
Key artists: Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, Above & Beyond, early Tiësto

7. Psytrance

Origin: Goa, India, early 90s
Elements: Hypnotic rhythms, alien-like synths, psychedelic loops
BPM: 140–150
Common events: Outdoor festivals, natural environments
Key artists: Infected Mushroom, Astrix, Vini Vici, Ajja

8. Dubstep

Origin: London, early 2000s
Elements: Distorted basslines, aggressive drops, garage and grime influences
BPM: 138–142
Common events: Alternative clubs, bass stages at festivals
Key artists: Skrillex, Excision, Zomboy, Flux Pavilion

9. Drum and Bass

Origin: UK, early 90s
Elements: Fast-paced rhythms, broken beats, powerful bass, raw energy
BPM: 160–180
Common events: Bass music clubs, raves, underground venues
Key artists: Andy C, Netsky, Noisia, Pendulum

10. Melodic Techno

Origin: Europe, 2010s
Elements: Emotional melodies over techno foundations, deep synths, cinematic harmonies
BPM: 120–126
Common events: Stylish clubs, closing sets, artsy festivals
Key artists: Tale of Us, ARTBAT, Stephan Bodzin, Adriatique

Conclusion

Electronic music isn’t just beats and synthesizers—it’s a global culture in constant evolution. From the dark clubs of Berlin to the massive stages of Tomorrowland, each genre has its own essence, tempo, and purpose.

Whether you're into the groove of House, the industrial energy of Techno, or the sonic landscapes of Melodic Techno, the most important thing is to let yourself be carried away by the rhythm.

Which genre do you connect with the most? Leave me a comment, and if you enjoyed this article, share it with your fellow electronic music lovers. 🎶