With so many different musicians out there, who influence and inspire each other, it is often difficult to pinpoint the style of music each artist is creating. To get a rough idea about their work, it makes sense to categorize their art. And this is what genres are here for.
A genre is basically a classification or categorization, usually of literature, films, and music. What constitutes these categories are the usage of similar elements that give the piece a distinguishing quality. There can be ways of recognition that are more intuitive as well as technical differentiation. In music, for example, one categorization tool can be the measurement BPM (beats per minute), which is less noticeable for someone unacquainted with such specific knowledge.
On the other hand, it can be the instruments typically used such as guitar and drums in rock music. Additionally, the dynamic of the rhythm and the lyrical contents can be good hints, as well as the background of the major representatives of the genre. Each genre has its own historical development and main objective, with meanings and notions attached to it.
Some of the mentioned elements are not exclusively used in only one type, although some compositions are quite characteristic. Cross-genres and mixes are quite possible; the categories are not rigid. It’s better to simply see them as orientation guidelines rather than strict rules.
