Electro (music)

Electro (also known as electro-funk, and sometimes referred to as electro-pop)^[3][4][5] is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 1980s. It is defined by the prominent use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine,^[6][7] and draws direct influence from early hip hop and funk music.^[8]

Electro music is typically characterized by synthetic beats, robotic textures, and minimal or electronically processed vocals—often delivered through vocoders or talkboxes. Unlike its boogie predecessor, which emphasized vocal elements, electro focused more on rhythm and machine-generated sound.

The genre arose as the popularity of disco waned in the U.S., blending funk and early hip hop elements with influences from New York's boogie scene and electronic pop from Germany and Japan. Foundational artists in the electro movement include Arthur Baker, Afrika Bambaataa, Warp 9, and Hashim. Pioneering tracks like "Planet Rock" (1982) and "Nunk" (1982) established the genre’s signature sound.

Electro reached peak popularity in the early 1980s. However, the genre began to shift by the mid-decade, incorporating harder beats and rock elements, as seen in the work of groups like Run DMC. After a period of decline, a revival emerged in the late 1990s led by artists such as Anthony Rother and DJs like Dave Clarke.^[9] A third wave of interest surfaced around 2007.

Today, electro continues to evolve through numerous subgenres and fusion styles, maintaining its legacy as a foundational pillar of modern electronic dance music.