For several decades, electro music has established itself as an essential genre on the global music scene. Its innovative sounds and infectious rhythms have taken over dance floors and influenced many artists. But who are the creators who bring this electronic music to life? Discover the different players in the electro world, from pioneers to emerging talents.
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The Forerunners of Electro Music
Although the history of electronic music goes back to the first half of the 20th century, with research into sound synthesis, the genre only truly became popular from the 1970s onward, thanks to visionary groups.
Kraftwerk, the German Pioneers
Kraftwerk is often considered one of the forerunners of electronic music. Founded in 1970 by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider, the group left a lasting impression with avant-garde compositions combining synthesizers, drum machines and vocoders. Albums such as Trans-Europe Express (1977) and The Man-Machine (1978) strongly influenced the electro scene that would follow.
Jean-Michel Jarre, the French Ambassador
World-famous French composer Jean-Michel Jarre also played a major role in the emergence of electronic music. In 1976, he achieved worldwide success with his album Oxygène, which sold more than 12 million copies. With tracks such as Equinoxe IV and Zoolook, he helped popularize the genre and its sonic innovations.
Iconic Artists of the 1990s and 2000s
After the pioneers, many artists made the codes of electro music their own to create tracks that were ever more innovative and catchy. Here are a few defining figures from that period.
Daft Punk, the Masters of the French Touch
Formed in 1993 by Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, Daft Punk is undoubtedly one of the most famous groups on the French electro scene. Their iconic albums, such as Homework (1997) and Discovery (2001), won over an international audience with dance-floor-ready hits such as Around the World, One More Time and Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.
The Chemical Brothers, the Giants of British Big Beat
Essential figures in the electro landscape of the 1990s and 2000s, The Chemical Brothers made their mark with energetic tracks influenced by rock and hip-hop. With flagship songs such as Setting Sun, Block Rockin’ Beats and Galvanize, they conquered the charts and popularized big beat.
The New Talents of Electro Music
Today, the electro scene continues to renew itself thanks to a wealth of talented artists who constantly push the boundaries of the genre.
Madeon, the French Prodigy
Acclaimed by critics from his first EPs in 2011, Madeon is a French producer and DJ who quickly established himself on the international scene. His debut album, Adventure (2015), led to prestigious collaborations, notably with Passion Pit, Mark Foster (Foster the People) and Dan Smith (Bastille). His style skillfully blends pop, electro and house, for a result that always feels fresh and catchy.
Disclosure, the English Brothers Behind Hit After Hit
Made up of brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence, Disclosure is a British duo that made a splash with its debut album, Settle (2013). Their music, influenced by house, UK garage and deep house, appeals to a wide audience thanks to hits such as Latch (with Sam Smith), White Noise (with AlunaGeorge) and Omen (with Sam Smith).
The Evolution and New Releases of Electro Music
Over the years, electro music has diversified and given rise to many subgenres, such as techno, drum and bass, dubstep, ambient and trap. This evolution is closely linked to the development of technology and music production software. Today’s electro artists therefore have access to an ever richer and more varied sound palette.
This overflowing creativity constantly produces new releases, with tracks that surprise listeners and define their era. The electro scene is therefore far from having had its final say, and there is no doubt that the people behind this music will keep us dancing for a long time to come.
This is only a small sample of the key players on the electronic scene. What these artists have in common is that they all use instruments, machines or software to compose, produce or perform tracks in this musical style. Discover these tools in our guide to electronic musical instruments. You will then understand the full richness of electro music’s sounds.