Music Genre

Music genre is used to identify pieces of music that have similar conventions and to put them into categories. Music can be separated into these genre through a variety of ways as some genres do overlap. Some genres are categorised though the time era they were present; example 50's rock.

The most popular genres of music are:

Pop: this originated in the 50's deriving from rock and roll. Pop as a genre borrow different elements from other genres. The main conventions include repeated chorus', melodic tunes and catchy hooks. examples of this can be seen in the music of artist such as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake etc.

Hip Hop: also known as rap music. The main elements of this genre is rhythmic music accompanied  rapping of a chanted like speech. The origin of this genre first became popular in the 70's. The genre is more predominately a male genre. Artists such as Grandmaster Flash and The Sugarhill Gang progressed the popularity of this genre. More modern artist of this genre include Jay Z, Kanye West and Missy Elliot.

R&B: stands for Rhythm and Blues and a very popular throughout the African-American culture and originated in the 1940's. It was a term used by record companies to describe artist and records that they wanted to market to urban African Americans. Artist such as Usher and Beyonce are the popular throughout this genre.

Rock: This genre originated from 'rock and roll' in 1950's from America. Throughout the years the rock genre has expanded into different sub genres, such as garage rock and pop rock. A rock band consists of vocalist, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass guitar, drummer and occasionally a keyboard player. Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones are popular throughout this genre.

Punk: The Punk genre developed in the 70's and was a major rebellion against establishments especially the government. The Punk era was about the fashion as much as thew music itself. Similar to the rock genre the bands usually consist of vocalist, lead guitar, bass guitar and a drummer. Popular artists are The Ramones and The Clash.

Indie: Also known as independent music, it developed in the UK in 50/60's. The Indie chart was established in the 1980's. The genre is sometimes associated with low budgets, the music videos are easily filmed and edited but are effective. Similarly to the Punk genre, the Indie genre is as much about the fashion and lifestyle as it is about the music. Popular modern Indie artist include Two Door Cinema Club and The Pigeon Detectives.