Dance: Style
The Musical Characteristics of Dance
Dance music often utilises clear major tonalities, with primary chords (1,4,5) being most common. Chord sequences are usually decided by the tone of the song, with more upbeat songs having simple, major sequences, whilst some more experimental styles may feature non-diatonic elements to add tension to the song. Some genres of dance feature 7ths and other chord extensions, but they are not as common overall in the genre. Natural minor scales are also common in the genre. Riffs in dance music are often featured on synth instruments, and some riffs are influenced by funk guitar lines. Consistent, straight rhythms are common, with the bass drum often being played on each beat, with a snare drum on the off beat, and the 4/4 time signature is the most common. Melodies often feature short, catchy motifs, with pentatonic scales being common for these melodies. Dance music is heavily electronically produced, with synths, keyboards and drum machines being most common. Textures in dance music often build from thin to thick throughout a song, usually building up with distinct layers. The lyrics of dance music commonly surrounds themes of parties and nightlife, as well as unity and romance. Arpeggios are a common instrumental technique, often being played on a synth sound, which helps add depth to the sound of the song. Improvisation is common in dance, especially with live DJs, who often mix different tracks live to an audience, with the focus being on dancing and fun.
Notation of Important Riffs, Melodies and Rhythms
Here is notation of the four-on-the-floor beat, and extremely common feature of dance rhythms. The four-on-the-floor beat features the bass drum being played on every beat, with a snare or cymbal (ride cymbal pictured below) being played on the off beat.
Video on the four-on-the-floor beat's origins in the disco genre:
Four-on-the-floor is a rhythm pattern used in disco and electronic dance music.
Three Subgenres of Dance and their Similarities/Differences
Three subgenres of dance are disco, dnb and house. Disco makes use of the common four-on-the-floor beat, with a bass drum being played on every beat, and also makes use of strong string and brass sections alongside synths and electric guitars. Dnb often has a very fast tempo, and is characterised by its heavy use of sampled drums, with most drum beats being complex and syncopated, with breakbeats being an important aspect of the genre. House music also makes use of the four-on-the-floor drum beat, but often focuses on catchy, repetitive grooves with sampled vocal lines. All three subgenres feature heavy use of electronic instrumentation, as well as aspects of sampling within songs, but some instrumentation differs between genres whilst some have different tempos or uses of rhythm.
My Opinions on the Dance Subgenres
I love dance music, but my favourite out of the subgenres I covered above is dnb, which I love by itself, but I can also credit this subgenre as the origin of other genres, such as breakcore or jungle, which I am also a big fan of.
Examples of Famous Musicians from Dance Subgenres
Donna Summer is the proclaimed 'Queen of Disco', being said to have pioneered the genre with her combination of soulful vocals with the upcoming use of electronic instrumentation. She is credited with having moved disco from its more orchestral origins, into a more electronic heavy genre, ultimately paving the way for dance music in general. Andy C is said to be one of the most influencial figures to the dnb genre. He pioneered his own unique methods of mixing, which paved the way for other artists to experiment within the dnb genre. Daft Punk is said to have redefined house music, with their music bringing unique samples from disco and funk hits. They also brought house to the mainstream, as their music brought worldwide success.
One More Time by Daft Punk, famous musicians who influence house music:
Daft Punk - One More Time (Official Video)
I Feel Love by Donna Summer, the proclaimed 'Queen of Disco':
How did Dance Evolve?
Dance music ultimately started from disco in the 70s, which developed from a mix of ballroom and soul. Disco started as orchestral, closer to soul with its sound, yet evolved to become more electronic, ultimately leading the way for other electronic genres to join the dance music umbrella.
What does Dance have in Common with Other Styles
Dance music shares some elements with funk and soul, having developed from these styles, but also shares similarities with rock and pop, as in the modern day electronic music is more and more common throughout every genre. Especially in the pop world, new subgenres, like hyperpop, have developed, bring more dance elements into the wider pop genre.
Comments
Post a Comment