The Impactful Branches of Progressive Electronic Music
Forward-Thinking Soundscape: Celebrating the Advancement and Creativity in Progressive Electronic Music!
The genre of Progressive Electronic Music has evolved significantly since its emergence in the late 1960s, inferring distinguishing offshoots and seminal artists along the way. Take a tour of the groundbreaking evolution that pioneered electronic music:
Early Pioneers (Late 1960s to Early 1970s)
- Psych-rock and Progressive Rock paved the path for experimentation, with acts like Pink Floyd and King Crimson fusing synthesizers and intricate compositions to lay the foundation for the future. Kraftwerk captured the zeitgeist, becoming the backdrop for the development of Synth-pop and Techno as their albums, such as Autobahn (1974) and The Man-Machine* (1978), echoed innovation worldwide.
Synth-pop's Emergence (Late 1970s to Early 1980s)
- British artist Gary Numan garnered recognition as a pioneer of Synth-pop, with his chart-topping single "Cars" paving the way for electronic music's entrance into mainstream territory. Japanese group Yellow Magic Orchestra introduced the world to the TR-808 rhythm machine, inspiring both early Synth-pop acts and future generations. Depeche Mode furthered synth-pop's trajectory, shedding their roots to pursue darker, more experimental sounds, remaining impactful in the electronic music sphere.
The Groove of Electronic Dance Music (1980s to Present)
- Post-Punk and New Wave artists like The Cure and New Order integrated electronic components into their music, setting the stage for the development of Electronic Dance Music genres. The heartbeat of Techno and House music pumped in Detroit and Berlin, with influential figures like Juan Atkins and Sven Väth leading the charge. A wide array of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) subgenres emerged in the 2000s, including dubstep (courtesy of Skrillex) and Progressive House (headlined by Swedish House Mafia). Furthermore, Electro House was popularized by Steve Aoki*, showing the expansive range of EDM.
Modern Progressive Electronic Music
- Daft Punk remains a key figure in the merging of EDM and mainstream pop, with their sophisticated synthesis of electronic music elements. Aphex Twin and Autechre continue to push boundaries in electronic music, employing complex rhythms and sounds to keep the genre progressing. Four Tet captivates audiences by blending electronic music with folk and psychedelic elements, embodying the diverse nature of contemporary Progressive Electronic Music.
This winding tale demonstrates the myriad flows and offshoots that characterize Progressive Electronic Music, generating intricate patterns and pulsating beats as it marches forward.
Throughout the evolution of Progressive Electronic Music, rock and pop influences have often intertwined with the genre, as seen in Daft Punk's blend of EDM and mainstream pop. Japanese group Yellow Magic Orchestra, a pioneer in Synth-pop, also drew inspiration from rock music. Today, Four Tet captivates listeners by merging electronic music with folk and psychedelic elements, showcasing the fusion between various music genres in contemporary Progressive Electronic Music.
