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Not sure which genre(s) suits your music style?
Not sure which genre(s) suits your music style?

Our genres cheatsheet can help you identify the right genre(s) for your track

Emma Ballay avatar
Written by Emma Ballay
Updated over a month ago

Genres are a main way artists can classify their tracks to help identify curators on Groover who will be more likely to offer them opportunities. With so many different and new types of genres emerging, it can be hard for artists and curators to know which genre maps to which music style. We've created this guide to help you by sharing a brief description and examples of artists for each genre we have on Groover.

We have over 100 sub-genres on Groover to represent the diversity of music sent on the platform and help you find the best curators & pros for you.

💡 Scroll through this list or Command/Control + F to search for a genre.

Classical/Instrumental

Classical music

Traditional music genre featuring orchestral, chamber and solo works by composers.

Artists: Beethoven, Mozart, Bach.

Film music

Music composed for movies and TV shows, often featuring large orchestras and memorable themes.

Artists: John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Ennio Morricone.

Instrumental

Music without vocals, often featuring solo or ensemble performances.

Artists: Yanni, Lindsey Stirling, Kenny G.

Neoclassical

Contemporary classical music featuring modern elements and influences from other genres.

Artists: Max Richter, Ólafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm.

Solo Piano

Piano music played without accompaniment, often featuring classical or jazz styles.

Artists: Ludovico Einaudi, Yiruma, George Winston.

Electronic

Acid house

Electronic dance music characterized by a repetitive 303 bassline and drum machine rhythms.

Artists: Aphex Twin, DJ Pierre, Phuture.

Ambient

Atmospheric music often featuring natural sounds, electronic textures, and a sense of tranquility.

Artists: Brian Eno, Harold Budd, Steve Roach.

Bass music

Genre of electronic dance music characterized by heavy bass and sub-bass frequencies.

Artists: Bassnectar, Skrillex, Zeds Dead.

Beats

Instrumental hip-hop featuring loops, samples, and beats with minimal or no vocals.

Artists: Flying Lotus, Jinsang.

Chill out

Laid-back electronic music featuring downtempo beats and soothing melodies.
80—120 BPM

Artists: Tycho, Zero 7, Thievery Corporation.

Dance music

High-energy music designed for dancing and featuring various sub-genres such as house, techno, and disco.
120—130 BPM

Artists: Avicii, Calvin Harris, David Guetta.

Deep house

Sub-genre of house music featuring soulful vocals, smooth basslines, and jazzy elements.
110—125 BPM

Artists: Kerri Chandler, Larry Heard, Moodymann.

Disco

Upbeat and danceable genre, featuring funk-inspired grooves, orchestral arrangements, and soulful vocals.
Around 120 BPM

Artists: Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Chic.

Drum and Bass

Fast-paced and energetic, characterized by intricate breakbeats and heavy basslines.
160—180 BPM

Artists: Roni Size, Goldie, Andy C.

Dubstep

A sub-genre of electronic music featuring heavy bass-drops and aggressive rhythms.
Around 140 BPM

Artists: Skrillex, Benga, Rusko.

Electro Swing

A fusion of vintage swing music and modern electronic beats.

Artists: Caravan Palace, Parov Stelar, Swingrowers.

Electronica

A genre of electronic music with an emphasis on experimentation and sound design.
110—120 BPM

Artists: Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, The Chemical Brothers.

Experimental Electronic

A genre that pushes the boundaries of electronic music, often featuring unconventional sounds and structures.

Artists: Autechre, FKA Twigs, Oneohtrix Point Never.

French House

A sub-genre of house music with disco and funk influences.

110—130 BPM

Artists: Daft Punk, Justice, Cassius.

Funky / Jackin House:

Upbeat and groove-centric, characterized by catchy basslines, vocal snippets, and disco influences.

120-130 BPM

Artists: Mark Farina, Joey Negro, Dimitri from Paris

Future House

A genre of house music characterized by heavy basslines and futuristic sounds.
120—130 BPM

Artists: Tchami, Oliver Heldens, Don Diablo.

Hard Dance / Hardcore / Hardstyle

High-energy electronic music with a focus on intense beats and aggressive sound design.
130—160 BPM

Artists: Showtek, Headhunterz, Angerfist

Hard Techno

Relentless and pounding subgenre of techno / electronic dance music characterized by aggressive beats and industrial soundscapes.

130-150 BPM

Artists: Chris Liebing, Paula Temple, Adam Beyer

House Music

A genre of dance music characterized by a four-on-the-floor beat and often soulful vocals.
115—130 BPM

Artists: Frankie Knuckles, Larry Levan, Marshall Jefferson.

Industrial Music

A genre that blends heavy metal, punk rock, and electronic music with a focus on harsh, abrasive sounds.

Artists: Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, Skinny Puppy.

Minimal

A stripped-down, repetitive genre of electronic music with a focus on minimalistic sound design.
120—135 BPM

Artists: Richie Hawtin, Ricardo Villalobos, Monolake.

Nu-Disco

A modern take on disco, featuring electronic beats and funky basslines.

Artists: Breakbot, The Juan Maclean, Todd Terje.

Organic House / Downtempo

A fusion of earthly sounds and slow tempos, often integrating world instruments and ambient textures.

90-120 BPM

Artists: Be Svendsen, Nicola Cruz, Lee Burridge

Phonk

A subgenre of hip-hop with a lo-fi, vintage sound.
Autour de 170BPM

Artists: DJ Smokey, DJ Yung Vamp, DJ Akoza.

Progressive / Melodic House & Techno

A genre of house music characterized by lush and melodic soundscapes, and a focus on emotional content.
120—125 BPM

Artists: Eric Prydz, Lane 8, Yotto.

Psy-Trance

High-energy trance with layered melodies, pulsating basslines, and spiritual or psychedelic themes.

138-145 BPM

Artists: Infected Mushroom, Vini Vici, Astrix

Synthwave

A genre of electronic music inspired by 80s pop culture, featuring vintage synthesizers and retro-futuristic sounds.
80—140 BPM

Artists: Kavinsky, The Midnight, Mitch Murder.

Techno

A genre of electronic music characterized by a repetitive four-on-the-floor beat and minimalistic sound design.
120—150 BPM

Artists: Jeff Mills, Richie Hawtin, Carl Craig.

Trance

A genre of electronic dance music characterized by melodic leads and uplifting themes.
125—150 BPM

Artists: Armin van Buuren, Above & Beyond, Paul van Dyk.

Trip Hop

A downtempo genre of electronic music characterized by atmospheric soundscapes and hip-hop-inspired beats.
70—100 BPM

Artists: Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky.

Folk/Acoustic

Country

Characterized by its roots in folk and western music, it often features heartfelt storytelling with instruments like the guitar, banjo, and fiddle.

Artists: Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson.

Americana

Americana blends elements of various American roots music styles, such as folk, bluegrass, and blues, with an emphasis on authenticity and diverse cultural influences.

Artists: Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, and Jason Isbell

Indie Folk

A genre of folk music characterized by lo-fi production and a DIY aesthetic.

Artists: Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Iron & Wine.

Singer-Songwriter

Music characterized by personal, introspective lyrics and acoustic instrumentation.

Artists: Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen.

Hip-Hop/Rap

Chill Lofi Hip Hop

Smooth and relaxing hip-hop sub-genre with nostalgic samples and lo-fi production.

Artists: J Dilla, Nujabes.

Cloud Rap / Hip Hop

Aerial and atmospheric hip-hop sub-genre with melodic beats and mumbled lyrics.

Artists: Lil B, Clams Casino, A$AP Rocky.

Drill

Aggressive and raw hip-hop sub-genre characterized by dark instrumentals and violent lyrics.

Artists: Chief Keef, Pop Smoke, Fivio Foreign.

French Rap

French-language hip-hop featuring diverse sounds and often socially-conscious lyrics.

Artists: IAM, MC Solaar, Booba.

Grime

UK-originated hip-hop sub-genre with fast-paced flow, hard beats, and gritty lyrics.

Artists: Skepta, Wiley, Dizzee Rascal.

Hip-hop

Popular music genre featuring rap vocals over a beat, often with social commentary and storytelling.

Artists: Tupac, Nas, Kendrick Lamar.

Instrumental Hip Hop

Hip hop without vocals, focusing on beats, samples, and soundscapes.

Artists: Madlib, DJ Shadow, RJD2.

International Rap

Hip hop from around the world, featuring diverse sounds and cultural perspectives.

Artists: MC Jin (China), Emicida (Brazil), M.I.A. (Sri Lanka/UK).

Rap

Genre of popular music featuring a spoken or chanted rhythmically rhyming lyrics over a beat.

Artists: Jay-Z, Eminem, Lil Wayne.

Trap

Southern hip-hop subgenre with heavy bass, 808 drums, and sparse melodies.

Artists: T.I., Young Jeezy, Gucci Mane.

Jazz

Experimental Jazz

Jazz music with unconventional structures, sounds, and instrumentation.

Artists: Sun Ra, Ornette Coleman, John Zorn.

Jazz Fusion

Jazz subgenre that combines jazz with rock, funk, and other genres.

Artists: Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Weather Report.

Modern Jazz

Jazz music that incorporates modern styles, techniques, and sounds.

Artists: Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper, Snarky Puppy.

Electronic Jazz / Nü Jazz

Fusion of jazz with electronic, ambient and soul music, incorporating elements like synths, drum machines, and effects, with a taste for experimentation.

Artists: St Germain, Nils Petter Molvær, Jazzanova.

Metal

Death/Thrash

Extreme metal sub-genre characterized by fast tempos, harsh vocals, and brutal lyrics.

Artists: Slayer, Kreator, Possessed.

Hardcore

Punk sub-genre with aggressive rhythms, shouted vocals, and political lyrics.

Artists: Black Flag, Minor Threat, Bad Brains.

Metal/Heavy metal

Heavy and aggressive music genre characterized by distorted guitars, complex rhythms, and loud vocals.

Artists: Metallica, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath.

Melodic Metal

Metal subgenre with melodic vocals and harmonized guitar leads.

Artists: In Flames, Children of Bodom, Arch Enemy.

Noise

Experimental music genre with harsh, dissonant, and non-musical sounds.

Artists: Merzbow, Whitehouse, Lou Reed.

Pop

Afrobeat/Afropop

High-energy, danceable genre fusing West African rhythms and Western pop influences.

Artists: Fela Kuti, Burna Boy, Wizkid.

Commercial

Pop music intended for a large public and commercial success.

Artists: Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande.

Dance pop

Upbeat, energetic pop music with a focus on danceable beats and hooks.

Artists: Madonna, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa.

Dream pop

Atmospheric and aerial pop music with hazy, dreamlike soundscapes.

Artists: Beach House, Cocteau Twins, Mazzy Star.

Electropop

Pop music with electronic instrumentation and production techniques.

Artists: Pet Shop Boys, Robyn, CHVRCHES.

Hyperpop

Fast-paced, experimental pop music with heavy electronic production and high-pitched vocals.

Artists: 100 Gecs, Charli XCX, SOPHIE.

Indie pop

Pop music produced independently of major record labels, often with lo-fi production values.

Artists: The Smiths, Passion Pit, HAIM.

International Pop

Pop music from non-English speaking countries.

Artists: Aya Nakamura (France/Mali), Maluma (Colombia), Rosalía (Spain).

K-pop/J-pop

Pop music from Korea and Japan, often with elaborate choreography and production.

Artists: BTS, BLACKPINK, AKB48.

Latin Pop

Pop music with Latin American influences, often featuring Spanish or Portuguese lyrics.

Artists: Shakira, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez.

Lo-fi/Bedroom Pop

DIY, low-fidelity pop music often produced in a bedroom or home studio.

Artists: Clairo, Gus Dapperton, Beabadoobee.

Pop Rock

Pop music with rock influences, often featuring guitar-driven hooks and anthemic choruses.

Artists: Maroon 5, Avril Lavigne.

Pop Soul

Pop music with elements of soul, often featuring emotive vocals and gospel-influenced harmonies.

Artists: Adele, Amy Winehouse.

Progressive Pop

Pop music with complex arrangements, unconventional song structures, and progressive influences.

Artists: Kate Bush, Björk, Peter Gabriel.

Psychedelic Pop

Pop music with psychedelic influences, often featuring trippy lyrics and production.

Artists: MGMT, The Flaming Lips, Animal Collective.

Synthpop

Pop music with prominent use of synthesizers and electronic instrumentation.

Artists: Depeche Mode, New Order, The Human League.

Popular Music

Canzone italiana

Italian pop music featuring melodic vocals and romantic themes.

Artists: Mina, Eros Ramazzotti, Laura Pausini.

Variété française

French pop music featuring chanson and cabaret influences.

Artists: Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Serge Gainsbourg.

German song

German pop music with diverse styles and themes.

Artists: Nena, Falco.

Holiday music

Music typically associated with the Christmas holiday season.

Artists: Mariah Carey, Bing Crosby, Wham!

Nouvelle scène

French alternative pop music with introspective lyrics and innovative arrangements.

Artists: Dominique A, Miossec, Mathieu Boogaerts.

R&B/Soul

Funk

Groove-based genre characterized by syncopated rhythms, horn sections, and soulful vocals.

Artists: James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, Prince.

R&B

Rhythm and blues music with soul, funk, and hip-hop influences.

Artists: Whitney Houston, Usher, Alicia Keys.

Soul

Emotive genre with gospel roots and powerful vocal performances.

Artists: Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye.

Urban pop

Contemporary pop music infused with urban influences such as hip-hop, R&B, and electronic.

Artists: Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna.

Reggae

Dub

Jamaican music genre characterized by heavy basslines, reverb, and delay effects.

Artists: Lee "Scratch" Perry, King Tubby, Augustus Pablo.

Reggae

Jamaican music genre combining elements of mento, ska, and rocksteady.

Artists: Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Toots and The Maytals.

Rock/Punk

Alternative rock

Non-mainstream rock music that deviates from traditional genres.

Artists: Nirvana, Radiohead, The Smashing Pumpkins.

Blues

Music genre rooted in African American history and culture, characterized by soulful vocals and expressive instrumentation.

Artists: B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson.

Coldwave

Post-punk music genre featuring dark, atmospheric soundscapes and icy electronic instrumentation.

Artists: The Cure, Bauhaus.

Electronic rock

A fusion of rock and electronic music, often featuring synths and drum machines.

Artists: Depeche Mode, The Prodigy, LCD Soundsystem.

Experimental rock

A genre that pushes the boundaries of traditional rock music, often incorporating unconventional sounds and structures.

Artists: Radiohead, Sonic Youth, The Velvet Underground.

Garage rock:

A raw and energetic style of rock music, typically featuring distorted guitars and simple chord progressions.

Artists: The Stooges, The White Stripes, The Sonics.

Hard rock

A heavier and more aggressive style of rock music, often featuring loud guitars, powerful vocals, and driving rhythms.

Artists: AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Guns N' Roses.

Indie rock

A broad term for independent rock music that often emphasizes creativity and originality.

Artists: Arcade Fire, The Strokes, Vampire Weekend.

New wave

A genre that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, characterized by a blend of punk, electronic, and pop influences.

Artists: Blondie, Talking Heads, Devo.

Pop punk

A fast and catchy style of punk rock that often features melodic vocals and upbeat guitar riffs.

Artists: Green Day, The Offspring, Blink-182.

Post punk

A genre that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, characterized by a more experimental and artful approach to punk rock.

Artists: Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Gang of Four.

Post rock

A genre that emphasizes atmosphere and texture over traditional song structures and vocals.

Artists: Sigur Rós, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Explosions in the Sky.

Progressive rock

A genre that combines rock music with elements of classical music, jazz, and other styles, often featuring complex instrumentation and lengthy compositions.

Artists: Pink Floyd, Rush, Yes.

Psychedelic rock

A genre that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by a trippy, experimental sound often influenced by drugs and Eastern mysticism.

Artists: The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Tame Impala.

Punk rock

A genre characterized by fast, aggressive music and lyrics that often critique society and politics.

Artists: The Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Clash.

Rock & roll

A genre that emerged in the 1950s, characterized by a fusion of blues, country, and R&B influences.

Artists: Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard.

Shoegaze

A genre characterized by dreamy, atmospheric music and heavily distorted guitars.

Artists: My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Ride.

Surf rock

A genre characterized by upbeat, instrumental music with a beachy vibe.

Artists: The Beach Boys, Dick Dale, The Ventures.

World

African music

A diverse genre encompassing the music of the many cultures and regions of the African continent.

Artists: Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, Youssou N'Dour.

Arabic music

A genre that encompasses the music of the Arab world, characterized by intricate melodies and rhythms.

Artists: Fairuz, Umm Kulthum, Amr Diab.

Asian music

A broad term encompassing the music of many cultures and regions of Asia, from traditional folk music to modern pop.

Artists: Ravi Shankar, BTS, A.R. Rahman.

Bossa Nova

A Brazilian genre characterized by its smooth, flowing melodies and understated rhythms. Artists: João Gilberto, Tom Jobim, and Stan Getz.

Brazilian Funk

A high-energy style of funk music that originated in Brazil in the 1970s.

Artists: Tim Maia, Jorge Ben Jor, and Banda Black Rio.

Brazilian Music

An umbrella term for the diverse musical styles of Brazil, including samba, MPB, forró, and choro.

Artists: Elis Regina, Caetano Veloso, and Gilberto Gil.

Brazilian Sertanejo

A popular style of Brazilian country music that originated in the countryside of the state of São Paulo.

Artists: Chitãozinho & Xororó, Michel Teló, and Marília Mendonça.

Caribbean Music

A genre that encompasses a wide variety of styles from the Caribbean islands, including reggae, soca, calypso, and zouk.

Artists: Buju Banton, and Sizzla.

Christian Music

Music that has religious themes or is explicitly Christian in nature.

Artists: Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Hillsong Worship.

Dancehall/Reggaeton

A genre that originated in Jamaica and Puerto Rico, respectively, characterized by heavy beats and infectious rhythms.

Artists: Shabba Ranks, Daddy Yankee, and Bad Bunny.

Indie India

A sub-genre of indie rock that incorporates elements of Indian classical music and folk music.

Artists: Indian Ocean, Raghu Dixit Project, and Prateek Kuhad.

Latin Music

An umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of musical styles from Latin America, including salsa, merengue, bachata, and reggaeton.

Artists: Celia Cruz, Carlos Santana, and Shakira.

Oriental Music

A term used to describe traditional music from East Asia, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean music.

Artists: Yo-Yo Ma, Kitaro, and Seiji Ozawa.

Traditional Music

Folk music that is deeply rooted in a particular culture or region.

Artists: Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and The Chieftains.

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