Trance Music
Origins and Development
Trance music is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in the 1990s. It is characterized by a tempo of between 125 and 150 beats per minute (BPM), repeating melodic phrases, and a musical form that distinctly builds tension and elements throughout a track often culminating in 1 to 2 "peaks" or "drops".EDM
The roots of trance music can be traced back to the emergence of electronic music and the use of synthesizers in the 1970s and 1980s. The genre was heavily influenced by a variety of music styles, including techno, house, pop, chill-out, classical music, tech house, ambient, and film music.TechnoHousePopChill-outClassicalTech HouseAmbientFilm music
Characteristics
Trance music is known for its emphasis on melody, rhythm, and progression. Tracks typically contain an intro, a main part (with melody, bassline, and leads), a climax, a main part again, and an outro. Many trance songs don't have lyrics but when vocals are present, they are usually sung by a female with a soaring, operatic type quality to them.MelodyRhythmProgression
The genre is also known for its use of repetitive beats, but it is the changes in the underlying rhythm, the use of sub-bass, and the elements of melody and harmony that distinguish it from other forms of electronic music like techno and house.BeatSub-bassHarmony
Subgenres
There are several subgenres of trance music, including:
- Psychedelic Trance: Also known as psytrance, this subgenre is characterized by arrangements of synthetic rhythms and layered melodies created by high tempo riffs.
- Progressive Trance: This subgenre has a slower tempo and less aggressive style. The emphasis is more on the musical progression, often featuring breakdowns, harmonies, and motifs that evolve throughout a track.
- Uplifting Trance: Also known as epic trance, anthem trance, emotional trance, or euphoric trance. This subgenre features longer major-key chord progressions and breakdowns which are often very long and detailed.
- Hard Trance: This subgenre is a harder, faster, and more aggressive version of trance. It often features a heavy emphasis on melody and a high-energy, driving rhythm.
- Tech Trance: Also known as techno-trance or hard-trance, it is a fusion genre that draws upon the techno and trance genres as the name suggests.
Influence and Impact
Trance music has had a significant impact on the world of music. It has influenced many other genres of music and has been incorporated into pop and rock songs. The genre has also had a profound influence on the development of DJ culture, with many of the world's top DJs, such as Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, and Tiesto, being associated with trance music.DJ cultureArmin van BuurenPaul van DykTiesto
Trance music has also played a significant role in the rise of the rave and festival culture. Many of the largest and most popular music festivals in the world, such as Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Electric Daisy Carnival, prominently feature trance music.RaveTomorrowlandUltra Music FestivalElectric Daisy Carnival