Nowadays, impressing someone is a very complicated task to achieve. Millennials –as our generation is called– have crammed the entertainment world with thousands of possibilities, turning any debut or launch into something fleeting and with little impact.
Everything conveniently falls on our laps, and as we consume more, we analyze less. We are so desperate to belong and be up-to-date that we raze all content, no matter if it’s fashion, technology, design, cinema, or music. Nothing is new and everything feels and sounds the same.
Electronic music has taken a few twists and turns these last few years. We went crazy for David Guetta’s dance-pop hybrid music; we idolized Kygo’s tropical house, and we listened repeatedly to all the remixes people came up with. Finally, in 2013, we were swept away by Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories and we were all trying desperately to “get lucky.”
Everything is within our reach, and we crave for music that has a soul of its own. This avalanche of musicians means we have to give an opportunity to these groups, or DJs in this case, so they can have a permanent spot in our lives. We give you five options that will expand your horizons in electronic music.
Phantogram
This music duo from Saratoga Springs, New York consists of Josh Carter (vocals, guitars) and Sarah Barthel (vocals, keyboards). They describe their music as “beat street psycho-pop,” something we aren’t entirely sure what it means, but their music is definitely addictive. Phantogram transformed the characteristic rhythm of electronic music into a softer and smoother version. Their songs have an energetic undertone that makes them addictive and unmistakable.
The mixture of guitars, vocals, keyboards, and synthesizers create unique sounds that are completely different from what are used to from the popular synthpop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN_RpzxIqfw
Koop
Koop is an electronic jazz duo from Sweden, consisting of
Magnus Zingmark and Oscar Simonsson. This duo is responsible for some groundbreaking music inspired by jazz musicians, hip hop, and dance artists. This unique sound is accompanied by amazing vocal works from artists like Yukimi Nagano, making all their songs out of this world.
We thought we heard it all in the electronic arena, but then came Koop, and we were thrust into Sweden’s thriving jazz scene and incredible electro loops.
Chromeo
From the list, this duo is the one that resembles Daft Punk’s music the most. This Canadian electro-funk duo features a sound influenced by blue-eyed soul, dance music, and rock. There is a definite eighties Beverly Hills vibe to their music, and their tracks are vocalized by themselves with a tone that is similar to groove music.
While it may be similar to other electro-funk duos, this group is a perfect combination of classical and futuristic sounds that will ultimately seduce you. Their tracks, like P-Thugg and Dave 1 themselves, are ideal for hitting the dance floor and singing at the top of your lungs.
Ratatat
“Fearless” is the perfect word to describe Ratatat, because they jump from genre to genre without fear of mixing hip hop, indie, and even pop into their productions. It is predominantly an electronic rock duo that consists of Mike Stroud (guitar, percussion, melodica, synthesizers) and producer Evan Mast (bass, synthesizers, percussion). Their live performances are similar to those of psychedelic rock, with energetic light shows and swirling colors projected onto a screen that accompany the seductive beat of their music.
Their songs are wild and so pleasant you can simply lie in bed naked listening to them all day. In fact, this is how you can describe their music video as well, since with just one frame on the screen you know they are not interested in making music just like everyone else.
Justice
You will not find another more extravagant electronic duo than Justice. Their eclectic blend of sounds defies classification. The mixture of dance, rock, and pop can go from dark to sometimes sweet and upbeat. One thing is for certain, Justice is catchy. We see strong rock and indie influences, as well as stylistic flourishes like the use of filters and phasers. There is no such thing as subtlety and restraint when speaking of Justice.
Emerging from the second wave of the French Touch scene, it hasn’t followed the footsteps of others like Daft Punk, Étienne de Crécy, or Air. Instead, Justice seeks success their own way and they proved it with the acclaimed “D.A.N.C.E.”
It would seem that the musical world revolves around how many hits you can compile in the Top Charts from around the world. Quickly we notice that many of these mass manufactured songs are a hit and miss with the audience, leaving a hollow feeling behind. So, listening to groups that have something different to offer and are not afraid to pursue success through other means will lead you to a completely unique and satisfying musical journey.
