N.C. Raves: Electronic music
Guide to Electronica : Electronic music (1 of 9)

"Electronica" is a term used to describe the many forms of electronically-created music associated with raves. The music relies heavily on the use of computers, synthesizers, drum machines, and sampling.

Electronica originated as a genre in the late 1970s, and in the twenty years since has grown into a sprawling set of subgenres and styles, each influencing one another. Making distinctions between the many styles is often difficult and subjective, and the most innovative music at any one time is usually a mix of styles that's difficult to peg.

The term "techno" refers to a specific kind of electronica, though it's often used (incorrectly) to describe all rave dance music. House music, for instance, is a form of electronica commonly heard at raves -- but it's very different from techno, and they come from slightly different roots.

The audio clips in this section are in RealAudio format. To listen, please download the free RealPlayer (version 5.0 or above). Not sure if you've already got the software? Click here to find out. If you hear music, you're good to go.

Uzoma Nwosu, a deejay and the director of music at Chapel Hill's "Lost City Records," has provided commentary to some clips. If you're interested in the musicians featured in the audio clips, see the credits page, which is also the final page of this story.

Image from the photo story

To listen to the audio in this section, you'll need:

Link: Progressive Networks' free RealPlayer
(link opens new window)

Not sure if you've got the software installed already? Click to hear a sample -- if you hear music, you've got it.

Next Image


Printable version of this page (opens new window)
Copyright ©1998 Jim Webb. All rights reserved.