As our Sounds library expands and evolves, we invite you to explore new additions to our genre ecosystem.

We continue to work towards representing the full scope of musical movements from around the world, and we’re excited to be highlighting all styles, however niche. Whether the following five genres are completely new to you or deeply ingrained in your musical DNA, we encourage you to dive in.

1. Baile funk

Emerging from the favelas of Rio De Janeiro in the mid 80s, Baile funk producers drew inspiration from hip hop and Miami bass to cultivate some of the steamiest dancefloors in the world.

Influenced by: Brazilian, gangster rap, hip hop, Miami bass, etc.

Origin: Rio De Janeiro

Date: 1985

BPM range: 90 – 120 BPM

2. Dub

Rising out of the Jamaican sound system tradition, dub music typically features recordings that have been remixed by (often) removing the vocals, elevating the drum and bass sections, and adding novel effects like reverb, delay, echo, and short samples. This rhythmic and bass-minded genre placed the producer at the forefront and influenced a wide range of dance music styles for decades to come.

Influenced by: Reggae, soul, etc.

Influenced: Ambient, jungle, trip hop, drum & bass, grime, dubstep, etc.

Origin: Jamaica

Date: 1965

BPM range: 60 – 90 BPM

3. Experimental

“Experimental” serves as an umbrella genre, spanning avant-garde styles across continents and generations, from modern classical to contemporary electronic music and beyond. Experimental music pushes boundaries and genre definitions by using disparate styles or incorporating unorthodox and unique elements.

Influenced by: Classical, Indian, Latin American, African, Asian, etc.

Influenced: Indie electronic, ambient, indie dance, industrial, future bass, minimal techno, techno, etc.

Origin: London, New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Paris

BPM range: 130 – 180 BPM

4. UK garage

UK garage formed in the early 1990s through the popularity of New York’s garage house movement and its fusion with other genres like R&B, pop, and jungle. The result is a funkier take on 4/4 music, commonly featuring syncopated drum patterns, catchy melodic hooks, and processed vocals.

Influenced by: Jungle, pop, breakbeat, R&B, etc.

Influenced: Future house, grime, etc.

Origin: London, Bristol, Manchester

Date: 1990

BPM range: 130 – 140 BPM

5. Game audio

Game audio is the umbrella genre for compositions, atmospheres, and sound design used in games. Related to cinematic foley and music for film and television, game audio is filled with imaginative sonics and spoken word that bring virtual environments to life.

Influenced by: Pop, synth-pop, IDM, hip hop, cinematic, etc.

Influenced: Chiptune, etc.

Origin: Tokyo

Date: 1980

BPM range: 125 – 160 BPM

If you’re curious to learn more on any genre, you’ll now find histories, times, places of origin, and associated production tools on every Splice genre page. We hope your next dig is as illuminating as it is rewarding.

June 28, 2019

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Erin Rioux Erin Rioux is a record producer and co-founder of the New York label Human Pitch. As a member of the Splice team, Erin creates sounds and content.