In the vast sonic landscape of the last 70 years, musical genres and subgenres have multiplied, reflecting culture, technology, and innovation. Each style carries a... impact unique and traces a path of identity and expression.
This dictionary is your guide to exploring this diversity, with precise descriptions and reference artists. Awaken your creativity, connect with new sounds, and transform your musical experience.
Pop and Derivatives
Pop
An eclectic musical genre that originated in the 1950s in the USA and the UK, characterized by songs of medium to short length, verse-chorus structure, catchy melodic hooks, and lyrics about universal themes. Representative artists: Madonna, Michael Jackson, Anitta, Luan Santana
Dance Pop
A fusion of pop music with elements of dance music, creating fast-paced songs and danceable beats intended for the dance floor. Representative artists: Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Pabllo Vittar, Gloria Groove
Synth-pop
A subgenre that uses synthesizers as the main instrument, creating electronic and atmospheric melodies. Representative artists: Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, Jota Quest (early phases)
K-Pop
South Korean pop music characterized by genre fusion, impeccable production, elaborate choreography, and a striking visual aesthetic. Representative artists: BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, EXO
J-Pop
Japanese pop music that incorporates elements of local culture, anime, and video games, featuring vibrant melodies and sophisticated arrangements. Representative artists: AKB48, Utada Hikaru, BABYMETAL, Perfume
Indie Pop
A more alternative version of pop, usually produced by independent labels, with an experimental and less commercial approach. Representative artists: Vampire Weekend, Tame Impala, Jovem Dionisio, Tuyo
Discover even more subgenres of pop music.
Rock and its derivatives
Classic Rock
It evolved from 1950s rock and roll, characterized by prominent electric guitars, bass and drums, with straightforward song structures. Representative artists: The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Raul Seixas, Os Mutantes
Alternative Rock
It emerged as an alternative to mainstream rock in the 80s, with an experimental and often distorted sound. Representative artists: REM, Nirvana, Legião Urbana, Pato Fu
Hard Rock
Characterized by heavier sounds, distorted guitars, and intense vocals. Representative artists: Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Sepultura, Dr. Sin
Metal
A more technical evolution of hard rock, with various subgenres (Heavy, Thrash, Death, Black Metal). Representative artists: Metallica, Iron Maiden, Angra, Krisiun
Punk Rock
It emerged in the mid-70s as a reaction to progressive rock, characterized by fast, simple songs and a rebellious attitude. Representative artists: Ramones, Sex Pistols, Ratos de Porão, Cólera
Indie Rock
Rock music produced by independent bands, usually with an experimental approach. Representative artists: Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Los Hermanos, Fresno
Post-Rock
An instrumental subgenre that uses rock instruments to create textures and soundscapes. Representative artists: Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Sigur Rós, Hurtmold, Ventre
Electronic Music
EDM (Electronic Dance Music)
An umbrella term for electronic music geared towards dance floors, encompassing various subgenres. Representative artists: Calvin Harris, Avicii, Alok, Vintage Culture
House
Originating in Chicago in the 1980s, with a steady 4/4 beat and distinctive bass lines. Representative artists: Frankie Knuckles, Daft Punk, DJ Marky, Chemical Surf
Techno
It emerged in Detroit in the 80s, focusing on repetitive beats and synthetic sounds. Representative artists: Juan Atkins, Jeff Mills, ANNA, Victor Ruiz
Trance
Characterized by hypnotic melodies, harmonic progressions, and constructions that create a trance-like sensation. Representative artists: Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, Vini Vici, Astrix
Drum and Bass
Fast tempo (160-180 BPM) with emphasis on deep bass lines and broken beats. Representative artists: Goldie, Pendulum, DJ Marky, Patife
Dubstep
Characterized by distorted bass ("wobble bass") and syncopated rhythms around 140 BPM. Representative artists: Skrillex, Burial, Tropkillaz, FTampa
Hip-Hop and Rap
Rap
A rhythmic vocal style that emerged in the Bronx in the 1970s, combining spoken rhymes over beats. Representative artists: Tupac Shakur, Notorious BIG, Racionais MC's, Emicida
Trap
A subgenre of rap featuring fast hi-hats, deep bass lines, and lyrics about urban life. Representative artists: Future, Travis Scott, Matuê, Recayd Mob
Brazilian Rap
Adapting rap to the national context, addressing social issues and inequality. Representative artists: Racionais MC's, Sabotage, Criolo, Djonga
Conscious Rap
It focuses on lyrics with social and political messages. Representative artists: Common, Kendrick Lamar, GOG, BK
Mumble Rap
Less articulate and more melodic vocals, often with heavy use of Auto-Tune. Representative artists: Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, Young Dex, Dfideliz
Jazz and Blues
Traditional Jazz
Originating in New Orleans in the late 19th century, featuring blue notes, improvisation, and swing. Representative artists: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Johnny Alf, Zimbo Trio
Bebop
Emerging in the 1940s, it is characterized by fast tempos, virtuoso improvisations, and complex harmonies. Representative artists: Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, K-Ximbinho, Heraldo do Monte
Cool Jazz
A smooth and melodic style that reacted against bebop, with restrained arrangements. Representative artists: Miles Davis, Chet Baker, João Donato, Quarteto Novo
Jazz Fusion
It combines jazz with rock, funk, and R&B, using electronic instruments. Representative artists: Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Azymuth, Hermeto Pascoal
Traditional Blues
African-American, originating in the southern US, with a 12-bar structure and blue notes. Representative artists: Robert Johnson, BB King, André Christovam, Blues Etílicos
Latin Music
Parsley
Derived from Afro-Cuban music, with intense percussion and brass sections. Representative artists: Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, Willie Colón
Reggaeton
A fusion of Jamaican reggae with Latin hip hop, a "Dem Bow" beat, and festive lyrics. Representative artists: Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, Anitta (collaborations)
Bachata
A Dominican romantic genre, featuring requinto guitars and melancholic lyrics. Representative artists: Juan Luis Guerra, Romeo Santos, Prince Royce
Cumbia
A Colombian rhythm featuring percussion and accordion, with regional variations. Representative artists: Totó la Momposina, Los Ángeles Azules, Gaby Amarantos
Brazilian Music
Samba
Of African origin, with a syncopated rhythm, percussion and cavaquinho (a small, four-stringed instrument similar to a ukulele), associated with Carnival. Representative artists: Cartola, Beth Carvalho, Zeca Pagodinho, Martinho da Vila
Bossa Nova
The samba revolution of the 1950s, with sophisticated harmonies and syncopated guitar. Representative artists: João Gilberto, Tom Jobim, Roberto Menescal, Carlos Lyra
MPB (Brazilian Popular Music)
A movement from the 1960s that blends Brazilian rhythms with folk music and political engagement. Representative artists: Chico Buarque, Caetano Veloso, Maria Bethânia, Gal Costa
Lining
A trio of accordion, bass drum, and triangle, associated with the June festivals. Representative artists: Luiz Gonzaga, Dominguinhos, Falamansa, Elba Ramalho
Countryside
With rural roots, it evolved into a university-style music with pop and country influences. Representative artists: Chitãozinho & Xororó, Marília Mendonça, Maiara & Maraisa, Gusttavo Lima
Funk Carioca
Derived from Miami Bass, with electronic beats and explicit lyrics. Representative artists: MC Marcinho, Ludmilla, Anitta, MC Kevin or Chris
Axe
Developed in Bahia, it mixes Afro-Brazilian, frevo, reggae and pop. Representative artists: Ivete Sangalo, Daniela Mercury, Chewing Gum with Banana
Brazilian Electronic Music
Brazilian Bass
Subgenre of bass house with local influences. Representative artists: Alok, Vintage Culture, KVSH, Liu
Brazilian Psytrance
Psytrance branch incorporating Brazilian culture. Representative artists: Hatter, Mandragora, Vini Vici (collaborations)
Techno Brega
Electronic fusion from Pará, mixing regional rhythms with dance. Representative artists: Uó Band, Gaby Amarantos, Gang do Electro
Brazilian Regional and Niche Music
Pagoda
A subgenre of samba that gained strength in the 80s with backyard circles and instruments such as the banjo and tantã. Representative artists: Backyard, Zeca Pagodinho, Black Race
Crying
Instrumental genre from 19th century Rio de Janeiro, marked by virtuosity, modulations and choro circles. Representative artists: Pixinguinha, Jacob do Bandolim, Waldir Azevedo
frevo
Carnival rhythm of Recife and Olinda, with brass orchestra, fast rhythm and acrobatic dance. Representative artists: Maestro Nunes, Capiba, Spok Frevo Orchestra
Stamp
Genre from Pará with percussion and guitar, associated with loose dances and local festivities. Representative artists: Gaby Amarantos, Pinduca
Lambada
Sensual style from Pará in the 80s, with a rhythm marked by tambourine and guitar. Representative artists: Kaoma, Beto Barbosa
Manguebeat
Recife movement from the 90s that mixes maracatu with rock, hip-hop and funk. Representative artists: Chico Science & Zombie Nation, Free World Inc.
Brega Funk
Variant of funk carioca with kitsch aesthetics and fast beats, strong in Pernambuco. Representative artists: Estralo Band, MC Marilyn
Jongo
Afro-Brazilian expression from the Southeast, with caxambu percussion and community dance circle. Representative artists: Jongo Group of Serrinha
Coconut
Pernambuco rhythm with percussion of ganzá, tambourine and calango, associated with circle dances. Representative artists: Master Black Rooster
tangled
Rhymed beats and fast rhythm with minimal percussion, typical of the Northeast. Representative artists: Jackson of the Tambourine, Luiz Gonzaga
Little stomp
Subgenre of forró with electronic beats and strong bass, easy to dance to. Representative artists: Barons of Pisadinha, Zé Cowboy
High Party
A branch of samba de roda with improvised verses and percussion using tambourines and tambourines. Representative artists: Candle, Zeca Pagodinho
Serenade
Romantic urban night music, with guitar and voice in a nostalgic mood. Representative artists: Angela Maria, Nelson Goncalves
Xote
Variation of forró in binary time, played on accordion and zabumba. Representative artists: Luiz Gonzaga, Falamansa
Xaxado
Northeastern rhythm from Pernambuco, with marked steps and accordion and zabumba instruments. Representative artists: Virgulino Trio
Afoxé
Derived from ijexá, present in the Salvador Carnival parades, with Candomblé rhythms. Representative artists: Children of Gandhi
Arrocha
Romantic genre from Bahia from the 2000s, with themes of suffering love and swing dancing. Representative artists: João Gomes, Raí Round Skirt
Paulista Vanguard
Experimental movement of the 80s in São Paulo, fusion of MPB, concrete music and improvisation. Representative artists: Itamar Assumption, Arrigo Barnabas
World Music and Folklore
Fado
Traditional Portuguese music, melancholic and fatalistic. Representative artists: Amalia Rodrigues, Mariza, Ana Moura
Flamenco
Andalusian style with passionate singing, guitar and clapping. Representative artists: Paco de Lucía, Camarón de la Isla, Vicente Amigo
Brazilian Indigenous Music
Expressions of indigenous peoples, with tribal variations. Representative artists: Marlui Miranda, Grupo Bayaká, Djuena Tikuna
Celtic Music
Traditions of the Celtic peoples of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Representative artists: The Chieftains, Enya, Carlos Nunez
Classical and Erudite Music
Baroque
1600–1750, elaborate ornamentation and counterpoint. Representative composers: J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, Handel
Classic
1730–1820, clarity, balance and formal elegance. Representative composers: Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven
Romantic
19th century, intense emotional expression and formal freedom. Representative composers: Chopin, Liszt, Villa Lobos
Contemporary
20th–21st centuries, sound experimentation and new approaches. Representative composers: Philip Glass, John Adams, Marisa Rezende, Edino Krieger
Experimental and Avant-garde Music
Noise Music
Use of noise and dissonance as a compositional element. Representative artists: Merzbow, Sonic Youth, Metá Metá
Concrete Music
Manipulation of natural sound recordings to compose. Representative artists: Pierre Schaeffer, Stockhausen
Vaporwave
Use of samples from the 80s/90s, slowed down and with echo. Representative artists: Macintosh Plus, Blank Banshee, Post-Internet Landscape
Contemporary Fusions
Nu-Jazz
Fusion of jazz with electronics and hip-hop. Representative artists: St. Germain, Jazzanova, Bixiga 70
Trip-Hop
It combines hip hop with soul, jazz and downtempo electronica. Representative artists: Massive Attack, Portishead, Céu
Contemporary MPB
New generation of MPB integrated with electronics and indie. Representative artists: Criolo, Liniker, Johnny Hooker, Tulipa Ruiz
Country and Folk
Country
Genre originating in the southern United States in the early 20th century, using guitar, banjo and steel guitar, and narrative lyrics about rural life. Representative artists: Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson
folk
Acoustic songs with an emphasis on poetry and simple melodies, often original and communal. Representative artists: Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez
Bluegrass
A subgenre of Appalachian country, featuring virtuosic acoustic instrumentation (banjo, fiddle, mandolin). Representative artists: Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, Alison Krauss
American
Fusion of country, folk, rock and blues, valuing musical roots and introspective lyrics. Representative artists: Wilco, Lucinda Williams, Jason Isbell
Singer-Songwriter
Focus on the composer-performer, minimalist arrangements and personal lyrics. Representative artists: Carole King, James Taylor, Norah Jones
R&B, Soul and Funk
Contemporary R&B
Derived from rhythm & blues, with modern production, danceable grooves and melodic vocals. Representative artists: Beyoncé, Usher, Bruno Mars, Iza
Soul
Emotive vocals and brass and organ arrangements, expressing passion and spirituality. Representative artists: Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Tim Maia, Sandra de Sá
Funk
Marked groove, syncopated guitars and vocal calls to the audience. Representative artists: James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, Banda Black Rio
Disk
4/4 beat, orchestral arrangements and prominent bass, aimed at dance floors. Representative artists: Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor
Reggae and Jamaican Rhythms
Reggae
Originating in Jamaica, backbeat rhythm and social or spiritual lyrics. Representative artists: Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Natiruts, Black City
Ska
Predecessor of reggae, with marked brass and fast rhythm. Representative artists: The Skatalites, Desmond Dekker, Skank
Dub
Instrumental reggae remix with echo and reverb effects. Representative artists: King Tubby, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Augustus Pablo
Dancehall
Post-reggae style with digital beats (riddims) and toasting. Representative artists: Yellowman, Sean Paul, Marcio Victor
Ambient, Chillout and New Age
Ambient
Emerging in the 70s with ethereal soundscapes and minimal improvisation. Representative artists: Brian Eno, Aphex Twin (ambient), André Abujamra
Chillout
Relaxing downtempo, electronic mix, jazz and lounge. Representative artists: Thievery Corporation, Moby
New Age
Calm sound textures intended for meditation and relaxation. Representative artists: Yanni, Enya
Afrobeat and Afropop
Afrobeat
Combination of Yoruba rhythms, jazz and funk, with long and politicized compositions. Representative artists: Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Antibala, Bixiga 70
Afrobeats
Contemporary African pop music, mixing hip-hop, dancehall and local rhythms. Representative artists: Wizkid, Burna Boy, Diamond Platnumz
Gospel and Christian Music
Traditional Gospel
Choir and vocal quartets with a strong influence from US gospel. Representative artists: Mahalia Jackson, Rose of Sharon
Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Modern worship music for contemporary churches. Representative artists: Hillsong United, Aline Barros
Soundtrack Music
Film Score
Instrumental compositions for film, TV and video games. Representative composers: Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Nobuo Uematsu
Musical Theatre
Songs written for musical theater plays and Broadway shows. Representative composers: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim
Advanced Electronic Subgenres
Hardstyle
Fast-paced subgenre of EDM with a distorted kick. Representative artists: Headhunterz, The Prophet
Future Bass
Sinuous beats, modulated synths and melodic drops. Representative artists: Flume, Marshmello
Trap (EDM)
Fusion of trap hip-hop with heavy electronic production. Representative artists: Grime, R.L.
Lo-fi Hip Hop
Lay-back beats with jazz samples and ambient sounds. Representative artists: Nujabes, J Dilla
Synthwave and Retrowave
Synthwave
Inspired by the 80s, use of retro synthesizers and neon aesthetics. Representative artists: Kavinsky, FM-84, Carpenter Brut
Retrowave
Nostalgic strand of synthwave with an emphasis on epic melodies. Representative artists: Betamaxx, Mitch Murder
Contemporary Urban Genres
Hyperpop
Maximalist pop with over-the-top digital production and pitch-shifted vocals. Representative artists: 100 gecs, AG Cook
Drill
Aggressive hip hop originating from Chicago/UK, with dark beats and raw lyrics. Representative artists: Chief Keef, Headie One
Complete and dynamic, this catalog invites you to navigate the musical universe with clarity and purpose. Use it to discover, create playlists, inspire projects and to generate transformation on your sound journey.
