Rave music consists of forms of electronic music for dancing that are associated with the rave scene. Most often, it is used to describe music that depends heavily on samples and synthesizers, and is high energy.
Rave music closely followed the acid house phenomenon. Initially "rave music" was considered a particular style that was a combination of fast breakbeat and more hardcore forms of techno. Early 1990s efforts by Nebula 2, Acen, Altern-8, The Prodigy (Experience), Utah Saints and The Shamen (En-Tact) were quintessential "rave music" and were being played at massive all night raves like Fantazia, Raindance, Universe and others.
By the early 2000s, the term was used more generically to mean any one of a number of different styles (or combinations thereof) that might be played at a rave party. In this sense, rave music is more associated with an event than a particular genre, per se. At a rave there can be different "arenas" or areas which play different styles of rave music. Very large raves called massives may include ten or more separate arenas, each with their own music style.
Raver styles of music continue to grow and evolve. Some genres and an iconic artist include (not an exhaustive list):
- Breakbeat hardcore - Acen, Brainstorm Crew, The Prodigy
- Goa trance - Hallucinogen, Astral Projection
- Drum and Bass/jungle - Andy C, Goldie, Dieselboy
- Hardcore Techno styles: Happy Hardcore, Gabba - Luke Slater, Dave Clarke, Darren Styles
- Hardcore trance- Cosmic Gate, DJ Scot Project,
- Hardstyle - Technoboy, Blutonium Boy, Donkey Rollers, The Prophet
Non-dance styles which might be heard in a rave "chill-out" room include:
- Ambient music - Brian Eno, Harold Budd, The Orb
- IDM - Aphex Twin, Autechre
Some ravers are selective between genres, showing little or no interest in one area while finding great satisfaction and joy in another. House often has roots in funk and disco while trance has its roots in new age and symphonic music. Many DJs mix genres, remix existing sounds, or leave electronic music entirely.
Among the new forms of rave music is "Makina", a distorted spelling of the Balkanian word for "machine". It is mainly produced in Spain but also in Italy, Germany and France, and recently the North East of England.
DJs
Roger Sanchez
Roger Sanchez is not only the DJ's DJ but the producer's producer. Constructing his entire new CD Come With Me from scratch, with outside assistance, he proves his skills as engineer, producer, programmer, and songwriter. Inspired by the dance Mecca island of Ibiza, the CD has already spawned several club anthems, with many more to come. To experience him as a DJ, check out his recently released mixed CD Release Yourself 5, his podcasts and radio shows, or live, as he spins all over the globe.
Murk
Basslines too deep and dark for Talla 2XLC's bog. Hi-hats that ring out like some particularly funky species of frog, punching through the night. And those synth hooks riding atop the groove like a painted harlot. These are the three basic components of the Murk sound, and over ten years later it still is emblematic of the primal incarnations of house and body music. In their own words, ladies and gentlemen, Murk boys Ralph Falcon and Oscar Gaetan.
