What’s Your Favorite Electronic Genre?
When considering electronic dance music (EDM), one can’t help but marvel at the kaleidoscope of sounds it encompasses. Each genre within this vibrant ecosystem boasts its own unique style, tempo, and emotional resonance. From the warm, pulsing beats of house music to the fierce drops of dubstep, not to mention the nostalgic grooves of disco and the relentless energy of hardstyle, EDM is a melting pot of auditory experiences. Each of these genres falls within a recognizable spectrum, typically characterized by beats per minute (BPM) ranging from a slow 80 to a frenetic 160 BPM. Yet, there exists a newer, more experimental sound that challenges our conventional understanding of rhythm: extratone.
What Exactly Is Extratone?
Extratone is often described as an avant-garde form of extreme sound art. “Extratone is basically a form of extreme sound art,” explains Rick, a London-based artist and founder of the label Slime City. Known by various aliases, including Zara Skumshot and Skat Injector, he produces tracks that can reach astonishing BPM rates between 1,000 and 10,000. This genre seeks to push the boundaries of sound, transforming beats into a sonic experience that resembles an otherworldly tonal landscape rather than traditional rhythm. It’s a radical departure from the familiar structures of popular EDM styles, which makes the genre not only a curiosity but a crucial part of the evolution of electronic music.
At extratone’s dizzying speeds, the familiar percussion and melodic elements of typical fast-paced music tend to dissolve, morphing into a more tonal soundscape. The initial listening experience can be quite alien, even perplexing. Some listeners may question the genre’s accessibility, posed humorously by a Reddit user: could anyone truly enjoy such rapid sounds?
Extratone is not an outlier in its breakneck pace. Related genres like speedcore and gabber also embrace speed but root themselves in an industrial and robotic aesthetic. These subgenres have cultivated lively online communities where fans eagerly share and discuss their favorite tracks. Speedcore, in particular, aligns closely with the frenetic intensity of extratone, managing to retain some semblance of tune amidst the ultra-fast chaos.
Is This Type of Music Really a New Thing?
As polarizing as extratone may be, it’s essential to recognize that it is not entirely a new phenomenon. A pivotal moment in ultra-fast music occurred with Moby’s iconic track, Thousand, which reached a tempo of 1,015 BPM, breaking the Guinness world record for the fastest tempo ever recorded. This groundbreaking work laid early groundwork for the genre and ignited a fascination for exploring the limits of speed in music production.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2ViG4vNj-M
Extratone serves as a compelling, although niche, addition to the diverse spectrum of electronic music. While its rapid-fire beats may not be for everyone, its cultivation within the hardcore community speaks volumes about the limitless possibilities of sound. Pioneers in this genre continue to chart unexplored territory, demonstrating the ever-evolving nature of EDM and its subcultures.
What do you think? Would you rock out to the world’s fastest music genre? Let us know in the comments!
