Genre Specific: Oi!

Origin:

Oi! developed in the U.K. during the late-’70s through the early-’80s.

What It Is:

Simple punk based on working-class values, Oi! aims to unify the scene through energetic music punctuated by crowd-rousing screams of “Oi!,” a common interjection amongst lower-class Brits.

Why You Should Care:

Although the artists of Oi! punk may not be household names, their impact on the genre is deep-rooted. Strongly influencing heavyweights as diverse as Rancid, Dead Kennedys and Dropkick Murphys, the accessible sounds act as a universal calling card for both punk and ska. Also of note is the genre’s controversy as a scene. With intricate codes of fashion and lifestyle, Oi! punkers grew notoriety for their tough exteriors. But they were also unfortunately drawn into scandal when several artists and compilations were accused of emulating and glorifying Nazi principles, the memories of which still reverberate to this day.

Key Artists:

-Blitz - “Someone’s Gonna Die” video:

-Sham 69 - “Borstal Breakout” live:

-Cock Sparrer - “We Love You” video:

Genre Specific: Grime

Origin:

Grime developed primarily amongst inner-city British youth in the late ’90s, as a response to and reinvention of both garage and rave music.

What It Is:

A jarring and often dissonant genre, grime’s premier artists rap in stunted, off-kilter cadences to grab the listener’s ear. This flow is presented over inventive and pulsing club beats, which blend with the vocals in order to deliver a hard-hitting experience.

Why You Should Care:

Although it produces some of the most jarring and immediate music around today, grime is underappreciated in the United States. One of the few success stories is rhyme titan Dizzee Rascal (pictured), who achieved critical acclaim as a teenager when his 2003 debut Boy In Da Corner set music magazines abuzz. But rave reviews did not translate into steady sales. In fact, the genre was relatively dormant to the mainstream until the strange success of Lady Sovereign, who gained brief notoriety with her precociously dirty 2006 single “Love Me Or Hate Me.” Even without superstars, the genre is a fertile breeding ground for countless young lyricists who are eager to advance their edgy craft.

Key Artists:

-Dizzee Rascal - “Fix Up, Look Sharp” video:

-Lady Sovereign - “Love Me Or Hate Me” video:

-Wiley - “50/50″ video:

Genre Specific: Dark Cabaret

Origin:

Debatable. Many fans consider the first cornerstone of the genre to be Nico’s 1974 release The End.

What It Is:

A dark, deep style of rock which blends the sound and feeling of classic vaudeville, French cabarets, and the burlesque.

Why You Should Care:

A fringe genre with an extremely dedicated fanbase, dark cabaret has endured more than three decades of relative obscurity, yet newer acts soldier on to critical acclaim. Some current artists are staples of the indie music scene, especially the cult-inspiring Dresden Dolls and Pitchfork flames Man Man. The style is even beginning a slow creep into the mainstream, with much of Panic At The Disco’s image (and even a few of their songs) reflecting the genre’s rich style.

Key Artists:

-Nico - “The End”

-The Dresden Dolls - “Coin-Operated Boy” video

-Man Man - “Feathers” / “Engrish Bwudd” (live)

Genre Specific: Uplifting Trance

Origin:

The U.K. circa 1997

What It Is:

Originating as the happy sibling of Progressive Trance, Uplifting Trance packs in more breakdowns over a backdrop of major chords, filling the listener with a steady?sense of euphoria.

Why You Should Care:

Although naysayers write trance off as the music of drugged-up ravers, it has long been a staple of young people across the world. While this and other styles of techno may be limited?to the fringe club scene in the United States, trance is a lifestyle for many across the world, especially in Europe. Due to its massive popularity, this dance music has been subcategorized into dozens of subtle genres. But if you yearn to connect with world citizens about a type of music, start with Uplifting Trance, whose friendly tones and messages are an excellent primer to the style.

Key Artists:

-Paul Van Dyk - “Nothing But You”

-Daniel Kandi - “Make Me Believe”

?

-Art Of Trance - “Love Washes Over” (Airwave Vocal Remix)