Showbiz News | Page: 6
Acid Techno — history, sound, and culture of the genre
Acid Techno is a subgenre of techno that emerged in the early 1990s in the United Kingdom as a logical evolution of acid house. Its distinctive feature is the use of the legendary Roland TB-303 synthesizer, which creates a “acidic,” distorted bassline sound that became the hallmark of the genre.
History of Acid Techno
The roots of Acid Techno trace back to the late 1980s, when house and techno were rapidly evolving in Chicago and London. Acid house had already become famous for its hypnotic basslines, and British producers sought to give it a harder, more industrial edge.
In the early 1990s, Acid Techno gained popularity in London’s underground clubs and at illegal raves.
Some of the genre’s pioneers include Hardfloor (Germany), Chris Liberator, D.A.V.E. the D...
Chillwave — music of retro waves and digital dreams
In the world of electronic music, new genres regularly emerge — ones that not only create a fresh sound but also shape an entire atmosphere, mood, and image. One such phenomenon is Chillwave — a style that, since the late 2000s, has become a cult movement for an entire generation of listeners.
What is Chillwave?
Chillwave is a subgenre of electronic music that combines dreamy melodies, vintage synthesizers, expressive use of reverb, and samples reminiscent of the aesthetics of the 1980s and early 1990s. Its core mood is nostalgia and relaxation. That’s why many describe Chillwave as “a soundtrack for summer evenings, childhood memories, or daydreams.”
The music often sounds as if it’s being played through an old cassette tape or VHS — slightly blur...
Neo-Soul — history, facts, and top artists of the genre
Neo-Soul is a genre that emerged in the late 1990s as a response to musicians’ desire to blend the traditions of soul, jazz, funk, and R&B with a modern sound. It is characterized by deep lyrics, live instrumentation, and a warm atmosphere, standing in contrast to the commercial mainstream R&B.
History and Origins
The term “neo-soul” began to be actively used in the mid-1990s thanks to producer and musician Kedar Massenburg (who worked with D’Angelo and Erykah Badu). The genre became a platform for artists who wanted to preserve “live” music and emotional depth while adapting it for a new generation of listeners.
The pioneer of the genre is considered to be D’Angelo with his album Brown Sugar (1995), as well as Erykah Badu, whose sound comb...
Alternative Rock — history, artists, and facts
Alternative Rock is one of the most significant and influential movements in modern music. It emerged in the late 1970s – early 1980s as a reaction against the established traditions of mainstream rock. It is characterized by experimentation, genre blending, and a drive for individuality.
History of the Style
The roots of alternative rock lie in post-punk and the independent (indie) scene. The first bands created music outside commercial frameworks, releasing their work on small independent labels. Pioneering bands such as R.E.M., The Cure, Sonic Youth, and Pixies played a key role in shaping the direction of the genre.
A true breakthrough came in the early 1990s with the rise of grunge — a subgenre of alternative rock popularized by Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Alice i...
Dancehall: history, artists, and the influence of the Jamaican genre on global music
Dancehall is more than just a musical genre — it’s a whole culture that was born in Jamaica in the late 1970s. Its rhythms, dances, and performance style have influenced dozens of modern music genres and became the foundation for many global hits.
History of the Genre
The roots of Dancehall go back to Reggae. While reggae was often associated with relaxed, philosophical songs, this new style was created for dancing and parties. Early dancehall recordings featured a faster tempo, a strong emphasis on bass, and the use of riddims — rhythmic backings on which artists layered their own vocal performances.
The term “dancehall” comes from the dance halls — venues where parties were held. In the 1980s, with the development of digital technology and drum machine...
Acoustic — pure and natural sound
Acoustic is a musical style where the sound is created primarily through live instruments without electric processing or synthesizers. Its foundation lies in acoustic guitar, piano, violin, and percussion, with arrangements that favor naturalness and minimalism.
History
Ancient times: acoustic music existed long before the invention of electricity — in folk songs, instrumental pieces, and traditional music.
20th century: acoustic performance became a core part of folk, blues, and jazz.
1970s: the “unplugged” era, when artists returned to acoustic sound to capture authenticity and emotional depth.
1990s: the MTV Unplugged format turned acoustic sessions into a mainstream trend — iconic recordings by Nirvana, Eric Clapton, and Alicia Keys became legendary.
K...
Moombahcore — extreme dancefloor energy
Moombahcore is an aggressive offshoot of moombahton that emerged in the early 2010s. While moombahton is a blend of reggaeton and dubstep with a moderate tempo, moombahcore raises the stakes — adding heavy basslines, sharp synths, and a structure similar to dubstep and electro house.
History
2010–2011: The genre originated as an experiment by DJs who started to intensify the sound of moombahton.
The first tracks were produced by Dillon Francis, Munchi, and artists associated with Mad Decent.
2012–2015: The style gained traction in the EDM scene, appearing at major festivals like EDC and Ultra.
Today: Moombahcore remains niche but highly valued within the rave scene and among fans of heavy electronic music.
Key Characteristics
Tempo: 100–115 BPM (similar ...
Knowledge Day – September 1 | Music for Study and Focus on Minatrix.FM
Today, the entire country celebrates Knowledge Day — a special holiday that brings together schoolchildren, students, teachers, and, of course, parents. But did you know that music plays an important role in learning and helps improve memory and focus?
Music and Learning: Interesting Facts
Scientists have proven that rhythmic melodies boost concentration and help you complete repetitive tasks more efficiently.
Gentle ambient or classical music reduces stress levels, which is especially helpful before exams and tests.
Even 15 minutes of listening to your favorite tracks can lift your mood and energize you for the entire study day.
How Minatrix.FM Helps You Study
Our online radio is not only a source of new tracks but also the perfect companion for learning:
Genre stations fo...
Acid Jazz — a style where jazz meets funk and electronic music.
Acid Jazz is a musical genre that emerged in the late 1980s, blending jazz improvisations, funk grooves, elements of soul, and hip-hop. It’s a style that fits equally well on the club floor and in a cozy lounge atmosphere.
History
Late 1980s, London: the term acid jazz was first used by DJs and producers in the UK. It became a natural continuation of acid house and jazz-funk.
The genre’s founders are considered to be Gilles Peterson and the label Acid Jazz Records.
By the 1990s, Acid Jazz had gained worldwide popularity, with its sound heard in clubs from New York to Tokyo and Paris.
Characteristics
Funky rhythms and “live” basslines.
Jazz improvisations featuring saxophones, trumpets, and keyboards.
A mix of electronic elements and hip-hop beats.
A ...
Classical Crossover — where classical meets contemporary music
Classical Crossover is a genre that combines classical music with elements of pop, rock, jazz, and even electronic music. Its goal is to bring classical music closer to a wider audience while preserving its depth and emotional richness.
History
Early 20th century: composers like George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein were among the first to experiment with blending classical and popular music.
1970s–1980s: the style took shape as “pop-classical.” Artists like Vanessa-Mae introduced the violin with electronic arrangements.
2000s: the emergence of “pop opera” (Il Divo, Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman) brought the genre to the global stage.
Features
Use of classical instruments (violin, piano, orchestra) combined with modern arrangements.
Classical voc...
Aggrotech — the dark energy of the industrial future
Aggrotech is an aggressive subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the early 2000s as an evolution of electro-industrial and EBM (Electronic Body Music). This style combines dark electronic soundscapes with heavy synths, harsh rhythms, and often distorted “screaming” vocals.
History of Aggrotech
1990s – Origins: Early experiments with harsher EBM and dark electro laid the foundation for what would become Aggrotech.
Early 2000s: The term “aggrotech” gained traction as bands like Suicide Commando, Hocico, and Grendel began releasing music with a more aggressive and club-oriented sound.
2005–2015: The genre reached its peak popularity in gothic and industrial clubs across Europe and Latin America.
Today: Aggrotech remains active within niche sc...
Minatrix.FM — new design and new features!
Friends, we’re excited to announce: Minatrix.FM has been updated!
We have completely redesigned the website, making it modern, fast, and user-friendly. Navigation is now simpler, pages load faster, and using the platform is more enjoyable than ever.
We’ve combined style and functionality:
Modern design with a focus on convenience;
Quick access to your favorite music and site sections;
Improved mobile responsiveness;
New interface elements to make your experience even more comfortable.
But this is just the beginning!
In the near future, we’ll continue improving the platform: new features will appear, user profiles will be enhanced, and working with playlists and search will become even easier.
A bit of history
Minatrix.FM began as an online radio for true music l...
Acid House — the music of revolution and chaos
Acid House is one of the most iconic genres of electronic music, emerging in the mid-1980s. It is characterized by hypnotic basslines created on the legendary Roland TB-303 synthesizer, steady beats, and a psychedelic atmosphere. Acid House became a symbol of rave culture and a true musical revolution.
History
1985–1987: Acid House originated in Chicago, where DJs experimented with the TB-303, transforming this "bass machine" into an instrument capable of producing acid, resonant sounds.
1987–1989: The style spread to the UK, giving rise to the famous Second Summer of Love. Acid House became an anthem of freedom and underground raves.
1990s: Acid House influenced the evolution of techno, trance, and many other genres.
Sound Characteristics
Tempo: 120–130 BPM
T...
Abstract Hip-Hop: Music of Thought and Abstraction
Abstract Hip-Hop is one of the most mysterious and intellectual directions in hip-hop culture. Unlike mainstream rap, it focuses not so much on rhymes and catchy beats, but on poetic content, metaphors, and philosophical depth. This genre speaks to the listener indirectly — through symbols, hidden meanings, and multilayered imagery.
Origins and Development
Abstract Hip-Hop emerged at the intersection of hip-hop, spoken word, and experimental music. Its roots go back to the underground scene of the late 1990s and early 2000s, when artists sought new forms of self-expression. Instead of telling street stories or creating club hits, they wrote poetic lyrics, where each line was a riddle, requiring careful listening and interpretation.
The first artists who defined the standards of the g...
Breakcore — the music of chaos and energy
Breakcore is an extreme branch of electronic music that emerged in the mid-1990s. The genre combines aggressive chopped rhythms, fast tempos (often above 180 BPM), harsh samples, and chaotic arrangements. It is often described as the "musical equivalent of anarchy."
Origins and Development
Breakcore evolved from the hardcore techno, drum’n’bass, and industrial scenes. The main pioneers of the genre include:
Venetian Snares (Aaron Funk) — one of the most recognizable artists in the genre, known for his complex rhythmic patterns and use of classical music elements.
Alec Empire and his label Digital Hardcore Recordings, which helped shape the foundation of the extreme electronic scene.
Bong-Ra, Shitmat, and Otto von Schirach — artists who infused breakcore with e...
