New genres can arise by the development of new forms and styles of music and also simply by creating a new categorization. Although it is conceivable to create a musical style with no relation to existing genres, new styles usually appear under the influence of preexisting genres. The genealogy of musical genres expresses, often in the form of a written chart, the way in which new genres have developed under the influence of older ones. If two or more existing genres influence the emergence of a new one, a fusion between them can be said to have taken place. The proliferation of popular music in the 20th century has led to over 1,200 definable sub-genres of music.
A music genre is a conventional category that identifies some pieces of music as belonging to a shared tradition or set of conventions. It is to be distinguished from musical form and musical style, although in practice these terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Recently, academics have argued that categorizing music by genre is inaccurate and outdated. Alternatively, music can be divided on three variables: arousal, valence, and depth. Arousal reflects the energy level of the music; valence reflects the scale from sad to happy emotions, and depth reflects the level of emotional depth in the music. These three variables help explain why many people who like similar songs from different traditionally segregated genres.
Björk Guðmundsdóttir, (born 21 November 1965), known mononymously as Björk is an Icelandic singer-songwriter.
Christopher Isaak (born June 26, 1956) is an American rock musician and occasional actor. He is best known for his hit "Wicked Game".
The Jam were an English punk rock/mod revival band active during the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were formed in Woking, Surrey.
Jeff Beck is one of rock’s most respected and dynamic instrumentalists. He is widely regarded as a “guitarist’s guitarist”.
Johnny Cash was known for his deep, calm bass-baritone voice and a trademark look, which earned him the nickname "The Man in Black"
Lenny" Kravitz's 'retro' style of music incorporates elements of rock, blues, soul, R&B, funk, jazz, reggae, hard rock, pop, folk & ballads.
Lou Reed was one of music's most influential icons. His music defied all definitions of genre & left a legacy that has inspired generations
Angus Young, from AC/DC, captured in a small street outside a press meeting in Copenhagen in 1977
Sex Pistols on the set for the 'Pretty Vacant' video shoot at the ITN Studios, London in June 1977
This photo session was for No.1 Magazine (long since extinct) on a Eurythmics press day, they’d been doing interviews all day.
Early shot of The Fall at Central Station Car Park, Manchester in the summer of 1978
Madness are an English band from Camden Town, London & one of the most prominent bands of the late 70s & early 80s 2 Tone ska revival.
The Ramones' loud, fast, straightforward musical style was influenced by music that the band members grew up listening to in the 50s & 60s.
Lou Reed was one of music's most influential icons. His music defied all definitions of genre & left a legacy that has inspired generations
The Who are an English rock band that formed in 1964 & are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century.
Jill Furmanovsky is one of the greatest ever rock & roll photographers with a huge archive of iconic shots of the world's best music artists
Our contact sheet collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
We are all still reeling from the tragic loss of David Bowie. Here is a wonderful tribute from one of our photographers, Mark Mawston.
The USA has given us many of the world's greatest music artists - we celebrate the best of the best
