How to Explore
Welcome to PulseRoots! This guide helps you navigate the vast world of electronic music using our interactive tools.
On desktop, you'll find an immersive treemap that visually maps out the connections between genres. On mobile, the genres are organized into a clear and accessible accordion list.
Styles and Substyles
Both views start with broad "Families" (like Techno or House) and branch down into specific styles and substyles. Click or tap on any genre to open a panel with a detailed description and a sample track to help you understand its unique sound.
Music History Timeline
Click the Timeline button to explore 107 key milestones in electronic music history, from 1897 to the present day. Hover over any dot to read the story.
Key Artists
For each genre, we've included a "Key Artists" section featuring pioneers and standout musicians who have significantly shaped its sound.
Accessibility
PulseRoots is keyboard-accessible. Press Tab to reach the genre tree, then use the arrow keys to move between genres and press Enter or Space to open the details panel for the selected genre.
Note on Classification
This visualization represents one interpretation of how electronic music genres are categorized. Music is fluid, and other classifications might group styles differently based on cultural, historical, or sonic perspectives.
Inspirations
PulseRoots is inspired by the incredible work of other music exploration projects. Special thanks to Ishkur's Guide to Electronic Music, Musicmap, and Every Noise at Once for paving the way.
Listening to Tracks
To listen to the example tracks, a Spotify account may be required. The embedded player provides a 30-second preview for all users. Logging into Spotify may unlock the full track, depending on your subscription.
Contact
Thank you for visiting, and I hope you enjoy exploring the world of electronic music.
If you have any suggestions, improvement proposals, if you've found any errors, or just want to say 'Hi!', feel free to write to me through our contact page.
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Big beat
Part of Breakbeat
Big beat is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the mid-1990s, characterized by its blend of heavy, breakbeat rhythms, distorted basslines, and rock-influenced elements. Big beat tracks often feature upbeat, looped drum samples, funky basslines, and the incorporation of elements from genres like hip-hop, industrial, and acid house. The genre is known for its energetic, aggressive sound and its ability to cross over into mainstream music, often featuring catchy, sampled vocal snippets and driving, rhythmic intensity. Artists like The Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim, and The Prodigy helped popularize big beat in the 90s, making it a defining sound in the era of rave and alternative dance music.
Big beat at a glance
- Family
- Breakbeat
- Parent style
- Breakbeat
- Subgenres
- 2 direct
- Path
- Breakbeat › Big beat