Pop music is just anything that is popular. That being said, the things that have currently been popular have included lyrics/vocals, a main repeating chorus, riffs, etc.
Popular music is often songs, meaning they have a vocalist singing lyrics. Pop music often uses a chorus that has a main melody, riffs that are designed to get stuck in your head, etc. However, the tempo can be variable. There are some slow pop songs and some faster ones.
Someone can start by making a catchy and singable melody with a simple chord progression. The chord progressions should be 3 to 4 chords, and only major or minor (some advanced techniques can be added for flavoring).
Pop music has found its balance between happy and sad. Too happy makes the song sound cheesy, but too sad will make people lose interest in the song.
People listen to pop music because of the catchy melodies and rhythms, and the simple structure. People listen to pop music because you can easily sing along to the lyrics.
Broadway music can have many different themes in the same song. The song typically brings the story forward and therefore can change mood unexpectedly.
Broadway music is written to carry tension in the more dramatic parts and to be silly when it’s just there for fun. Sometimes the music can be for comedic effect or just to bring the story forward in an entertaining way.
There are four different things to keep in mind when making songs for a musical. Acting, dance, spoken dialogue, and song. Keep in mind how you want the actors to act during the song, the choreography, if/when the actors will switch to talking for a line or two, and how the song is written.
Broadway music can create many different emotions, even in the same song. For example, there can be silly songs, dramatic songs, love songs, etc.
People like Broadway music because characters on stage can just break into song at any given moment and sing about things most people would talk about, or not mention at all.
Video game music is not just one genre. Video game music needs to fit the scene of the video game to not destruct the vibe of the video game. Video game music needs to be recognizable as being from that video game, and every game has its own music genre.
Video game music is commonly simple but emphasizes the mood of the current scene. For example, the underground theme in Mario is different than the normal theme. You need to make something that complements the mood of the current scene.
Getting started with video game music is just like getting started with any genre. Think about what sounds you’ll use before starting, think about chords, scales, and rhythms, and think about how you’ll want to arrange it.
Video game music is intended to further emphasize the mood of the current scene/actions. A shop theme would be completely different from a boss theme, which would be completely different from a sneaky theme.
Video game music is enjoyable because it can either just fill space within the sound design of the game, or it can be a narritive device that drives the story further.
Hip Hop is not only a genre, but also a cultural movement. It allows people who historically didn’t have as much of a voice speak up and share their experiences.
Hip Hop has 4 main categories: Rapping, breakdancing, DJing, and graffiti. The sound of hip hop has 3 main elements - the beat, vocals, and breaks.
Someone can get started with hip hop by selecting which subgenre/category they want to create. After that, many producers create a good foundation for the rest of the song by creating a good beat (this can just be a simple loop).
Hip Hop is typically upbeat with a solid groove, allowing it to be played at parties where people want to hear “exciting” music.
People like Hip Hop because it allows everyone’s voices to be heard, and allows everyone to share their stories and their experiences.
Lo-Fi is known for being relaxing and calm, with its simple and repeated patterns.
Lo-Fi music uses slow, gentle rhythms and repeated melodies to keep the flow consistent and constant. Lo-Fi also uses vintage sounds and things that make it sound old. Lo-Fi isn’t about being perfect.
To get started, someone can pick a slow BPM and start with a simple 2-bar drum loop using soft sounds. Chord progressions in Lo-Fi are inspired by Jazz but are still simple.
Lo-Fi music is meant to make you feel calm and relaxed and helps people focus on what they need to do. On top of that, Lo-Fi music is easy to fall asleep to.
People like Lo-Fi because it can help people focus, which is why so many people listen to it while they do homework or other tasks that people might want to procrastinate. Lo-Fi music can also help people with ADHD relax and focus on a specific task because of the background noise.
Jazz is so unique because it was created from many different cultures. African Americans created it while using European instruments and styles.
Jazz is not a genre with a lot of predefined melodies. Jazz is known for its improvisational aspects, and commonly the arranger leaves spots open for the musicians to solo on.
Someone can get started working with jazz by listening to great jazz musicians, learning the history of the different jazz styles, learning licks to use in improvisation, and joining a jazz group.
Jazz is unique, in that there’s not one emotion that it is supposed to bring. Jazz has many different variations, and they all have different moods/feelings, but in general, jazz is free for the artist/artists to do whatever they want.
People like jazz because of its unique style, that can be appreciated more than generic copy-and-pasted sounding genres such as Pop. Jazz helps keep people calm and can be put in the background or be the main focus of something.
Atmospheric, or Ambient music, is a genre of music that does not focus as much on musical structure or rhythm. Atmospheric music mostly focuses on the tone and the sound, and painting a picture in someone’s head.
Atmospheric music started when new instruments were being created, such as the synthesizer.
Someone can start working with Atmospheric music by using synthesizers to create peaceful-sounding instruments, and laying down a basic sound with it.
Atmospheric music is supposed to be more peaceful and allows people to focus on stuff. Atmospheric music is great at painting a picture or controlling how someone feels.
Atmospheric music is great for studying and is played commonly in classrooms during quiet work time.
Folk music is unique because it wasn’t shared online. People heard about it and learned folk songs by passing it down to other people and sharing it in real life.
Folk music is shared in small family groups and is supposed to have a little anonymity. As people learn folk songs through hearing it, it naturally gets changed over time.
Currently, because of the media takeover of most arts, there’s not an easy way to get started. However, you can try to replicate the sound and share it to other people.
Folk music has many forms, and they typically have either a sotry or a strong, unique sound to it.
People like Folk music because it allows you to hear creations and adjustments from many, many generations.
EDM is unique because the artists are given full control over every second of the piece. Because it’s made electronically, you can put a kick on the beat at exactly what tempo you want, for example.
EDM is primarily made on computers using tools called Digital Audio Workstations. EDM gives you a lot of control, and most of the time spent is working on computer-generated sounds and effects.
All you need to get started with making EDM is a laptop/computer and a good pair of headphones (well, and a DAW). DJs and producers both make EDM, sometimes using different technology.
EDM is typically upbeat, the type of thing that you could play at a club or a birthday party.
People like EDM because of its perfection and ability to focus a lot on the attention to detail.
Acapella music is unique because it contains no musical instruments - just sounds created by the human body. “A capella” is an Italian term meaning “in church style.”
Acapella music contains no instruments - meaning the people making it need to make those same sounds using their bodies. This can include humming, hand clapping, etc.
Someone can start with acapella by making covers of already existing songs. Many acapella groups focus on covering other songs rather than creating their own original music.
Acapella music is supposed to showcase the ability of many people, because it requires a much different skill set than when making other music.
People like acapella music because of how impressive it is when it sounds good and how many different aspects are gone because of the no instruments rule.