Electro

Putting The Science Into Music

Electro developed during the early 1980s from funk, hip hop, disco and electronic music, with drum machines and synthesisers replacing many traditional instruments. The category is rooted in Electro-Funk but can also take in Electro Bass, Electro Breaks and Electro House when these related styles are tagged together.

Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force helped establish the sound through "Planet Rock" in 1982, combining hip hop rhythms with electronic influences drawn from Kraftwerk. Artists including Hashim, Cybotron, Newcleus and Man Parrish expanded the style through robotic vocals, sequenced basslines and machine-led percussion.

The Roland TR-808 became one of Electro's defining instruments, prized for its deep kick drum, sharp handclaps and distinctive electronic percussion. Vocoders, synthesised melodies, scratching and futuristic themes also became common features of the genre.

Electro Bass developed from these foundations through heavier low frequencies, faster rhythms and a strong connection to Miami Bass, breakdancing and car sound-system culture. Producers kept Electro's mechanical drum programming while giving more weight to sub-bass and physical impact.

Electro Breaks combines the syncopated rhythms of Electro with influences from Breakbeat, Miami Bass, Techno and later club production. The style commonly uses broken drum patterns, robotic basslines, sampled vocals and futuristic synthesiser sequences, rather than a straight four-to-the-floor beat.

Electro House appeared during the 2000s by combining House rhythms with distorted basslines, sharp synthesisers and louder club arrangements. Although its structure differs from traditional Electro, both styles share an interest in electronic bass, synthetic textures and forceful drum programming.

The Electro category can therefore include original Electro-Funk, Electro Bass, Electro Breaks and selected Electro House releases. This classification connects several related forms of electronic dance music while recognising the difference between broken-beat Electro styles and the straight House pulse of Electro House.

At Scientific Sound Asia, electro is a defining feature of Roots, with further appearances on Not So Anonymous and Basement Soul.