Who is Glitch Trap?
Glitch trap is a subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its use of distorted, glitchy, and often chaotic sounds, which are created by manipulating audio samples and processing them through various digital effects.
Origins and Evolution
Glitch trap emerged as a response to the increasing popularity of trap music, which was characterized by its heavy, bass-driven sound and often used samples from hip-hop and R&B records. Glitch trap artists sought to create a new sound that was more experimental and avant-garde, using unconventional techniques to create a unique sonic experience.
The genre gained popularity in the mid-2010s, particularly among the electronic music community. Glitch trap artists such as Flume, San Holo, and ODESZA became known for their innovative use of distortion, reverb, and other audio effects to create a distinctive sound.
Characteristics and Sound
Glitch trap music is characterized by its use of distorted, glitchy sounds, often created by manipulating audio samples through digital effects such as:
- Distortion: applying excessive amounts of distortion to audio signals to create a "glitched" or "distorted" sound.
- Reverb: using reverb effects to create a sense of space and distance in the sound.
- Filtering: using filters to create a sense of movement and texture in the sound.
- Pitch-shifting: applying pitch-shifting effects to create a sense of tension and release.
The resulting sound is often chaotic and unpredictable, with a sense of tension and release that is characteristic of the genre.
Subgenres and Influences
Glitch trap has influenced a range of other genres, including:
- Trap: as mentioned earlier, glitch trap emerged as a response to the popularity of trap music.
- Downtempo: glitch trap’s use of distorted sounds and reverb effects has influenced the downtempo genre.
- Chillout: glitch trap’s relaxing and calming sound has influenced the chillout genre.
- Electronic: glitch trap’s use of digital effects and distortion has influenced the electronic genre.
Notable Artists and Albums
Some notable glitch trap artists and albums include:
- Flume: "Flume" (2012)
- San Holo: "San Holo" (2014)
- ODESZA: "A Moment Apart" (2014)
- Mura Masa: "Mura Masa" (2015)
- Four Tet: "New Energy" (2015)
Impact and Legacy
Glitch trap has had a significant impact on the electronic music community, influencing a range of other genres and artists. The genre has also been credited with helping to popularize the use of digital effects and distortion in electronic music.
Glitch trap has also been used in a range of applications, including:
- Film and television: glitch trap has been used in a range of films and television shows, including "The Hunger Games" and "Black Mirror".
- Video games: glitch trap has been used in a range of video games, including "Fortnite" and "PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds".
- Advertising: glitch trap has been used in a range of advertising campaigns, including "Apple" and "Nike".
Conclusion
Glitch trap is a unique and innovative subgenre of electronic dance music that has gained a significant following in recent years. Characterized by its use of distorted, glitchy sounds and digital effects, glitch trap has influenced a range of other genres and artists. With its impact on the electronic music community and its use in a range of applications, glitch trap is sure to remain a popular and influential genre for years to come.
Table: Glitch Trap Artists and Albums
| Artist | Album |
|---|---|
| Flume | "Flume" (2012) |
| San Holo | "San Holo" (2014) |
| ODESZA | "A Moment Apart" (2014) |
| Mura Masa | "Mura Masa" (2015) |
| Four Tet | "New Energy" (2015) |
List of Glitch Trap Subgenres
- Trap: a subgenre of hip-hop that emerged in the 2010s, characterized by its heavy, bass-driven sound and often used samples from hip-hop and R&B records.
- Downtempo: a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the 2010s, characterized by its use of distorted sounds and reverb effects.
- Chillout: a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the 2010s, characterized by its relaxing and calming sound.
- Electronic: a broad term that encompasses a range of electronic music styles, including glitch trap.
List of Glitch Trap Influences
- Trap: a subgenre of hip-hop that emerged in the 2010s, characterized by its heavy, bass-driven sound and often used samples from hip-hop and R&B records.
- Downtempo: a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the 2010s, characterized by its use of distorted sounds and reverb effects.
- Chillout: a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the 2010s, characterized by its relaxing and calming sound.
- Electronic: a broad term that encompasses a range of electronic music styles, including glitch trap.