Decoding the Genre of Abstract Music: An In-Depth Analysis

The term ldquo;abstract musicrdquo; can be intriguing and sometimes confusing due to its broad range of styles and its characteristic ambiguity. In this article, we will delve into what abstract music is, how it relates to broader genres, and provide some insights based on data from Discogs.

Defining Abstract Music

Abstract music, often categorized as experimental electronic music, is a subgenre that embraces innovation and departure from traditional musical structures. Specifically, abstract music can be defined as a style that explores avant-garde, electronic, and unstructured soundscapes. It is particularly relevant in the electronic music landscape, often blending experimental and ambient elements.

Genres and Styles in Discogs

Discogs, a digital database of music used by music lovers worldwide, has made a concerted effort to categorize music into distinct genres and styles. This categorization helps users to find music that fits their preferences more easily.

How Genres and Styles are Categorized

Within Discogs, genres and styles are meticulously documented. For example, the basic genres include Blues, Brass Military, Childrens, Classical, Electronic, Folk World, Country, Funk/Soul, Hip Hop, and Rock. Each of these genres encompasses various styles such as Beatbox, Gangsta, and Contemporary RB.

Specifically on Abstract Style

When we search for ldquo;Abstractrdquo; in Discogs, we find it falls mainly under the Electronic and Rock genres. Abstract music can also be paired with experimental, ambient, IDM (Intelligent Dance Music), and Drone styles, indicating its versatile nature.

Popular Artists in the Abstract Genre

Several renowned artists delve into abstract music, including Bj?rk, TalkTalk, and Aphex Twin. These artists have released records that reflect a blend of abstract and other styles:

Bj?rk - Vespertine (2001): This album showcases a mixture of abstract, experimental, and ambient elements, particularly appreciated for its mastering on vinyl. TalkTalk - Spirit of Eden (1988): This release is known for its unique blend of abstract, post-rock, and ambient sounds, featuring a heavy use of drums and strings with moments of silence. Aphex Twin - Come to Daddy (1997): This album features unique electronic tracks that are described as incredibly unique pieces of electronic music.

Abstract Music on Discogs: Trends and Releases

Discogs has a vast database of over 149,050 records labeled as abstract music. This indicates that abstract music has been gaining significant popularity over the years. Some of the most prolific genres featuring abstract music include:

Electronic Rock Hip Hop Non-Music (likely sound FX collections) Jazz

These genres combined have over 100,000 records in the abstract style. Popular style pairings with abstract include experimental, ambient, noise, IDM, intelligent dance music, and drone.

Popularity Trends

Abstract music saw a significant increase in releases in the early to mid-2000s, with over 700 additional releases between 2006 and 2007 and nearly 6,000 releases per year by 2009. Major contributors include the United States and the United Kingdom, with Germany producing roughly one-fifth of the releases from these two countries combined. France and Japan produce about half of the amount produced by Germany.

Conclusion

Abstract music is a genre that continually evolves, characterized by its experimental nature and creative freedom. It exists within a broader musical framework, contributing to the rich tapestry of contemporary music. Whether you are a fan of electronic, experimental, or ambient music, abstract music offers a unique and ever-changing sonic landscape.