Modern Genres
This genre, characterized by its heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines, originated in the late 1970s and became mainstream in the 1980s.
What is synth-pop?
Known for his poignant storytelling and often autobiographical lyrics, this musician won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016.
Who is Bob Dylan?
This technique involves layering multiple audio tracks to create a fuller sound, commonly used in modern pop and rock recordings.
What is multi-tracking?
In 1994, this rock festival featured an unforgettable set by Nirvana, solidifying the band's place in grunge history.
What is the MTV Unplugged in New York?
This unlikely collaboration between a smooth jazz artist and a hip-hop icon resulted in the laid-back track "Your Love."
Who are Kenny G and Snoop Dogg?
Originating in the late 2000s, this genre blends elements of hip-hop and electronic music, often featuring complex beats and sampling.
What is trap music?
This British singer-songwriter is famed for penning lyrics that explore love, loss, and social issues, with hits like "Someone Like You."
Who is Adele?
A form of audio processing used to adjust the dynamic range of a recording; it’s often used on vocals to ensure they sit well in the mix.
What is compression?
This influential pop star is known for her spectacular halftime show at Super Bowl 50 in 2016, featuring a politically charged message.
Who is Beyoncé?
This legendary rock band teamed up with an innovative hip-hop artist in 2004 for the genre-blending track "Numb/Encore."
Who are Linkin Park and Jay-Z?
Known for its fusion of punk, metal, rock and hip-hop, this genre emerged in the early 2000s, with bands often using aggressive lyrics and energetic performances.
What is nu-metal?
This American rapper is renowned for his intricate and fast-paced lyrical style, blending personal narrative with sharp social commentary. They also share a name with a popular candy product.
Who is Eminem?
This production technique manipulates an audio signal to create harmonic and rhythmic variations, often used in electronic music.
What is side-chaining?
This music festival in 1969 is often referred to as the pinnacle of the hippie movement, featuring legendary performances by Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.
What is Woodstock?
This iconic duo combined their talents on the 2013 track "Get Lucky," blending pop, funk, and electronic music to achieve massive commercial success.
Who are Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams?
This genre is characterized by its emphasis on orchestral elements and often features piano and strings, blending pop and classical music.
What is orchestral-pop or baroque-pop
This artist is considered a master of wordplay and metaphor. His album "To Pimp a Butterfly" tackled themes of race and identity.
Who is Kendrick Lamar?
The use of this software in music production allows for the manipulation of MIDI recordings and virtual instruments, transforming songwriting.
What is a digital audio workstation (DAW)?
Known for his dramatic stage presence, this singer's performance of "Purple Rain" at the 2007 Super Bowl is considered one of the best live shows ever.
Who is Prince?
This collaboration in 2020 featured a chart-topping country artist and a rap superstar, resulting in the viral hit "Old Town Road."
Who are Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus?
Often associated with artists like Billie Eilish, this genre stands out for its minimalist sound and personal, introspective lyrics, emerging in the 2010s.
What is bedroom-pop or lo-fi?
The lyrics of this artist's song "All Too Well" are often cited as a benchmark for storytelling in pop music, recounting a past relationship with vivid detail.
Who is Taylor Swift?
This advanced production technique involves pitch correction to seamlessly adjust vocal performances, popularized by artists in the pop and hip-hop genres.
What is autotuning?
This iconic band shocked fans with a surprise performance on the rooftop of their recording studio in 1969, creating a memorable moment in music history.
Who are The Beatles?
This innovative pop artist collaborated with a celebrated rock band in 2021 for the electronic-infused track "Ready for Love," merging genres in a unique way.
Who are Billie Eilish and Imagine Dragons?