Electro music is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the early 1980s, characterized by its use of drum machines, particularly the Roland TR-808, synthesizers, and funk-inspired rhythms. It blends elements of hip-hop, funk, and electronic music, and is often recognized for its robotic, futuristic sound.

Key Features of Electro Music:

Drum Machines: Especially the Roland TR-808, which gives the genre its distinctive kick and snare sounds.

Funky Basslines: Borrowed from funk music, often synthesized rather than played on bass guitar.

Vocoder/Robotic Vocals: Many electro tracks feature vocoded vocals or spoken-word segments with sci-fi themes.

Synth-Heavy Melodies: Rich in arpeggios, pads, and electronic textures.

Breakbeats: Some electro has breakbeat rhythms rather than a 4-on-the-floor beat, differentiating it from techno or house.

Notable Artists:

Afrika Bambaataa & the Soulsonic Force – “Planet Rock” (1982): One of the earliest and most influential electro tracks.

Kraftwerk – Although they predate the genre, their sound heavily influenced electro.

Cybotron (Juan Atkins & Richard Davis) – Pioneers of Detroit electro.

Drexciya – A more experimental, underwater-themed electro duo from Detroit.

Anthony Rother – Known for his futuristic and dystopian electro in the 1990s and 2000s.

Subgenres and Related Styles:

Electro-Funk: Emphasizes funk grooves and was more prominent in early electro.

Detroit Electro: Has a darker, more mechanical sound, closely tied to the birth of techno.

Electroclash: A revival style in the early 2000s that mixed electro with punk and new wave.

Breaks/Breakbeat Electro: Focuses on breakbeat rhythms and is more dancefloor-oriented.

Influence:

Electro has had a lasting impact on various music scenes, influencing hip-hop, techno, house, and even pop. Many early hip-hop DJs and MCs in New York used electro beats before rap production developed its own identity.