electronic music
C1Formal, technical, journalistic
Definition
Meaning
Music created primarily using electronic instruments, devices, and technology.
A broad genre of music that relies on electronic generation, manipulation, and recording of sound, encompassing a wide spectrum from experimental art forms to mainstream dance music.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is both a generic label for a music category and can function as a compound noun. It contrasts with 'acoustic music'. Often used as a classifier before other genre terms (e.g., 'electronic dance music').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. British English may show slightly more frequent use of the clipped form 'electronica' for certain non-dance subgenres.
Connotations
Generally neutral in both. In academic/art contexts, it may connote avant-garde experimentation. In popular contexts, it's strongly associated with club culture.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, given the global nature of the genre.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] composes/produces/makes/plays electronic music.Electronic music [Verb] emerged/developed/evolved.He is into/known for electronic music.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the music industry sector involving labels, festivals, and gear manufacturers focused on this genre.
Academic
Used in musicology, cultural studies, and technology departments to denote a field of study and artistic practice.
Everyday
Used to describe personal music taste or refer to music heard in clubs, films, or advertisements.
Technical
Precise descriptor in audio engineering, synthesis, and music production contexts, specifying methods of sound generation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The festival had a strong electronic-music lineup.
- He's part of the electronic-music community.
American English
- She has an electronic music background.
- The electronic music scene is thriving.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like electronic music.
- We listened to electronic music at the party.
- He wants to learn how to make electronic music on his computer.
- This film uses a lot of electronic music in its soundtrack.
- The evolution of electronic music has been heavily influenced by advances in technology.
- While she enjoys some electronic music, she generally prefers acoustic singer-songwriters.
- The academic conference explored the socio-political implications of early German electronic music.
- Her compositional practice deconstructs the very paradigms upon which mainstream electronic music is built.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ELECTRIC guitar, but for the whole MUSIC — all the sounds are generated or shaped electronically.
Conceptual Metaphor
ELECTRONIC MUSIC IS A LABORATORY (experimentation, synthesis, technology). ELECTRONIC MUSIC IS A MACHINE (precision, repetition, artificiality).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'электронная музыка' when referring specifically to 'electronic dance music' (EDM) — use 'электронная танцевальная музыка'. The Russian term can be broader.
- Do not confuse with 'electric music' (музыка, исполняемая на электрогитарах).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'electronic music' as a countable noun (e.g., 'an electronic music' — incorrect). It is non-count.
- Confusing it with 'electro', which is a specific subgenre of hip-hop/funk-influenced electronic music.
- Misspelling as 'electric music'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is typically NOT a defining characteristic of 'electronic music' in its broadest sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Early electronic music was created using tape machines, analogue synthesisers, and modular systems. While computers are dominant now, the core definition is about electronic sound generation, not the specific tool.
EDM (Electronic Dance Music) is a specific, commercially-oriented subgenre of electronic music designed for dancefloors. 'Electronic music' is the overarching category that includes EDM, but also ambient, experimental, industrial, and many other non-dance styles.
Yes. Live electronic music performance involves using instruments like synthesisers, drum machines, sequencers, and laptops to generate and manipulate sound in real time, often with improvisational elements.
It can be, if it is primarily created with electronic means. Many film scores blend orchestral and electronic elements. A score consisting mainly of synthesisers and samplers would fall under electronic music.