The EDM Umbrella Breakdown

What's your favorite genre and what makes you love it? For me, I've always loved music but electronic dance music swept into my life like a sandstorm. (No pun intended).

Here's the EDM Umbrella Breakdown, explained with our favorite meme on the internet!

Think of EDM as an umbrella term or "Genre" of music, then each water drop is called a sub genre. There's house music, dubstep, trance, techno, hardstyle (to name a few.)

Each of these genres contain something different about them and we're going to give you a brief history on some that you know and love!

House Music

Born in early 1980s Chicago clubs like The Warehouse; pioneered by DJs like Frankie Knuckles.

House subgenres:

• Deep House – smoother, jazzy
• Tech House – groove-focused
• Progressive House – melodic builds
• Future House – bouncy basslines

Techno

Originated in the Mid-1980s Detroit; shaped by the "Belleville Three," including Juan Atkins. Industrial and futuristic influence.

Techno subgenres: Minimal Techno • Industrial Techno • Melodic Techno

Trance

Born in the Early 1990s Germany, trance rose globally in late 90s via artists like Paul van Dyk. 

Trance subgenres: Uplifting Trance • Psytrance • Progressive Trance

Dubstep

Introduced in early 2000s South London underground; later popularized in the US by Skrillex (brostep variant).

Dubstep subgenres: Brostep • Riddim • Melodic Dubstep

Drum & Bass

In the early 1990s UK rave scene; evolved from jungle.

Drum & Bass subgenres: Jungle • Liquid D&B • Neurofunk

Hardstyle

In the early 2000s Netherlands; influenced by hardcore and trance.

Hardstyle subgenres: Rawstyle • Euphoric Hardstyle • Hardcore

Hardcore

In the early 1990s European rave movement.

Hardcore subgenres: Gabber • Happy Hardcore • Speedcore

Synth-Pop

In the late 1970s–early 1980s UK & Europe, emerging from post-punk and new wave scenes.

Synth-Pop subgenres: Electropop • Darkwave • Chillwave

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for diving into the EDM umbrella with us! Whether you're a house head, a basshead, or somewhere in between, there's a sound for every vibe.

Ready to rep your sound? Check out the Genre Lover Collection and find fits that match your vibe. XS to 5X. Made for ravers, by ravers.

PLUR ✌️