The Music Industry

Genre comes from the french word for group or type. This can be applied to the music industry, a popular form of entertainment. A certain genre of music can be defined by its conventions and shared traditions, its musical style or form. It has been argued that certain types can not be defined into set categories, however the main ones go as follows;

Pop music genre: Popular music, or more commonly known as pop music is perhaps the most main stream genre of music. It can contains and borrows many styles, however certain core elements can define this genre. Such elements can include; repeated choruses, melodic tunes, catchy hooks and written in basic formats e.g verse, chorus, verse, chorus etc. Rather than having deep, artistic meaningful lyrics, pop music is more for pleasure and appeals to a mass audience.
     Bubblegum pop: is a sub genre of pop music with an upbeat sound, appealing a lot to teenagers and pre-teenagers.The songs usually include sing along choruses with simplistic lyrics based on romantic love or just being happy, loving one another, colours or other childish themes.
   Dance pop: another sub genre of pop music usually intended to be played in clubs but suitable for television and radio stations. It is usually characterised by its unstructed form, catchy tunes, strong beats with emphasis on the melody.
   Teen pop: created purely for teenagers. Usually involves auto tuned vocals, repeated lines, choreographed dancing and focus on teenage issues e.g romance, friendship, fitting in.

Rhythm and blues music genre: Rhythm and blues or more often known as 'R&B' 'RnB' originated from African-American music, from a time when urban, jazz based music containing a somewhat heavy, insistent beat. However today various sub genres make R&B one of the most mainstream and popular genres
  Contempary R&B:  combines elements of soul, hip hop, rhythm and blues and pop. Usually includes polished style, smooth style of vocal arrangements. Modern R&B focuses more on solo singers rather than groups.
  Hip-Hop: consisting of stylized rhythmic music can be accompanied by rapping or speech/chanting. Can include elements such as 'MCing, scratching, breaking, dancing, graffiti writing and beat boxing.

Rock music genre: Rock music originated from 'rock n roll' in 1950's America. Rock music is usually centered around the electric guitar or as part of a rock group with bass guitar and drums. Rock is seen as a more rebellious genre of music and lyrics are usually darkly romantic or address key social themes such as politics. There are various sub genres of rock music:
   Heavy metal: characterised by being very loud, highly amplified, extended guitar solos, and emphatic beats. Nearly always bands mainly male dominated. Typical line up usually includes, a drummer, a bassist, a rhythm guitarist, lead guitarist and a singer.
  Punk rock: type of rock music that creates fast, hard edged music, typically short songs, often anti establishment in a bid to create controversy. Lyrics are often shouted, guitar solos complicated and self indulgent.