Sound Exploration: 4 Types of EDM Subgenres

If there’s one thing a fab Las Vegas creature of the night(club) can’t live without, it’s EDM.

Characterized by inorganic timbres, energetic pulses, and high-speed tempos, EDM is a true club staple. What was once an underground gem is now enjoying its rightful moment in the sunshine—as it should.

Over the years, EDM has gotten a serious glow-up by branching out into EDM subgenres that give us life by serving as the energetic soundtrack to our epic adventures.

If you’re ready to learn about the most popular EDM subgenres and their most notable artists, grab a cup, coz we got the tea.

    1. House

The first EDM genre on our list is house, an OG queen sub genre of EDM, as it was one of the first ones ever. This three-decade-old EDM genre was born in Chicago and rose from the era of disco. House music is primarily personified by the iconic “four to the floor” beat.

The best thing about house music is that it’ll make you want to vibe, whether you’re at the club, in your car, or even at home. But wait! We’re going to travel a bit deeper down the rabbit hole, Alice. ‘Coz house can be further subdivided into these subgenres:

• Deep house;
• Progressive house;
• Electro house;
• Tech house; and
• Tribal house.

House Artists Who Slay All Day

Swedish House Mafia

You know who these guys are. Swedish House Mafia is a supergroup composed of Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Axwell. Often credited for being the blueprint of EDM of the early 2010s, Swedish House Mafia is most famous for their monster hit, “Don’t You Worry Child.” ISTG, this song is a timeless mood.

David Guetta

David Guetta is a household name in the world of EDM. From “Hey Mama” and “I’m Good” all the way to “Titanium” and “She Wolf,” this DJ only knows how to produce hits.

    2. Techno

Let’s talk about techno!

This EDM sub genre is a form of electronic dance music that had its humble beginnings in the 1980s and 1990s. The repetitive “four on the floor” rhythm is also commonly heard in this iconic club sound. Techno isn’t just a want, it’s a need.

Just like house, techno can also be further subcategorized into the following:

• Minimal techno;
• Ambient techno;
• Hardcore techno;
• Industrial techno;
• Detroit techno;
• Deep techno; and
• Intelligent dance music.

Techno Artists Who Slay All Day

Juan Atkins

Juan Atkins is an American record producer who propelled to widespread success thanks to bops like “Clear,” “Night Drive,” and more. His techno beats slap hard. Facts.

Carl Cox

Hailing from the U.K., Carl Cox has successfully brought his sound to the international scene. All his music will live in your head rent-free, but some of the most notable tracks include “How It Makes You Feel,” “Speed Trials on Acid,’ and “Give Me Your Love.”

    3. Dubstep

Among all EDM subgenres, even non-party nationals must recognize dubstep.

Throwing it back to Y2K, dubstep was born in South London. This EDM baby made its mark with blended two-step rhythms mixed with grime, drum, and broken beat. Highkey lit, no doubt.

Dubstep also gave rise to its own subgenres:

• Thugstep;
• Brostep; and
• Luvstep.

Techno Artists Who Slay All Day

Skream

Skream is an OG dubstep master. Yup, he was spinning those two steps early on, fam.

One of his first solo singles is titled “Midnight Request Line.” The track dropped in 2005 and was deemed the most recognizable substep crossover hit.

Skrillex

NGL, Skrillex is a pillar in the genre of dubstep.

Some of his most popular loop-worthy hits include “In Da Getto,” “Where Are Ü Now,” “Mind,” “Don’t Go,” and “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites.”

    4. Trance

Tracing back its roots, trance was made in Germany. This genre lives in everyone’s head rent-free; we’re guessing it’s because of the recurring tension build-ups and fire peaks and drops.

Some lit trance subgenres include:

• Vocal trance;
• Pstrance;
• Tech trance; and
• Progressive trance.

Trance Artists Who Slay All Day

Armin van Buuren

Armin van Buuren is a Dutch DJ and record producer. It’s no secret that he’s one of the most prominent trance artists on the planet. Aside from spinning tracks at the club, on tour, and at music festivals, this music industry heavyweight also slays with his weekly radio show titled A State of Trance.

Tiësto

There is clearly a pattern in the trance industry, ‘coz another notable name that totally owns this genre is also a national of the Netherlands.

Tiësto is a DJ and music producer who never fails to drop a hit song. Aside from being DJ Mag’s Best DJ of the Last 20 Years, he has also been regarded as the “Godfather of EDM.”

Yas, spitting facts only.

EDM Subgenres: The Soundtrack to Your Sin City Trip

Given that there is no substitute for fire EDM beats, you can’t miss out on hearing their authenticity live and in person.

And where’s the best place to see your EDM favs in action?

The answer is the Exodus Festival in Las Vegas, ofc! With an Exodus pass, you can look forward to 10+ parties and 10 massive DJs for one low price.

Ready to live the VIP life in Vegas? Book your tickets to the hottest parties in Sin City today!