Complextro

Complextro is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 2000s. It is characterized by complex and intricate melodies, heavy basslines, and distorted synths. This genre is said to be an amalgamation of various electronic music styles such as dubstep, glitch, and electro house. The term “Complextro” was coined by artist Porter Robinson to describe his own style of music. Robinson was one of the pioneers of the genre, and he is credited with popularizing it. In interviews, Robinson has stated that Complextro is a combination of complex melodies and electro house, which has always been his favorite genre. Complextro gained popularity in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It was embraced by a new generation of producers who were looking for a distinct sound that could set them apart from their peers. Producers such as Wolfgang Gartner, Zedd, and Feed Me became known for their Complextro tracks, which were characterized by intricate melodies, intense basslines, and a lot of energy. One of the defining characteristics of Complextro is its use of complex or “dirty” basslines. These basslines are created by distorting and modulating low-frequency tones to create a gritty, aggressive sound. The basslines are usually layered with other synths to create a rich, full sound that is heavily influenced by the sound of 80s electro and synthpop. In addition to its basslines, Complextro is also known for its heavy use of arpeggiated synths. Arpeggios are complex patterns of notes that are repeated rapidly, creating a fast, frenetic sound. Complextro tracks often feature multiple layers of arpeggiated synths, which combine to create a complex, intricate melody. The result is a style of music that is both catchy and complex, with a lot of energy and movement. Complextro also borrows heavily from dubstep, another electronic music genre that emerged in the late 2000s. Dubstep is characterized by its heavy, distorted basslines and minimalistic beats. Complextro often uses similar bassline and drum sound design, but instead of a typically wobbly or mid-tempo dubstep template, the Complextro sound is typically faster and more frenzied. Complextro's heyday was during the early 2010s, but its influence can still be felt in electronic music today. Many producers continue to experiment with the genre's signature sound, incorporating it into their tracks in unique and innovative ways. Whether or not it is considered a standalone genre and the extent of its influence is debated, but the music exemplifies a key principle of electronic music that influences still run deep, providing a source of inspiration for current music products today.

Porter Robinson: One of the most notable artists in Complextro, Porter Robinson burst onto the scene in 2010 with his debut EP, "Spitfire." His intricate sound design and complex rhythms have earned him a loyal fanbase, and his collaborations with artists like Madeon and Mat Zo have cemented his place in the electronic music world. Feed Me: British producer Feed Me has been a prominent force in Complextro for over a decade, blending heavy basslines with glitchy melodies and razor-sharp percussion. His signature character, a toothy green monster, graces many of his album covers and merchandise. Wolfgang Gartner: Known for his psychedelic sound and distinctive mustache, Wolfgang Gartner has been a mainstay of the electronic dance scene since the late 2000s. His tracks often feature eclectic samples and unconventional beats, making them stand out in a crowded genre. Knife Party: Consisting of former members of the drum and bass act Pendulum, Knife Party exploded onto the dubstep and Complextro scenes in 2011 with their debut EP, "100% No Modern Talking." Their high-energy live shows and infectious hits like "Internet Friends" have made them a fan favorite. Skrillex: While Skrillex is often associated with dubstep, his early releases and collaborations with the likes of Zedd and Feed Me demonstrate his aptitude for creating complex, multilayered tracks with a distinctly Complextro flavor. Madeon: French producer Madeon made waves in 2011 with his track "Pop Culture," which mashed up dozens of pop songs into a single performance. He has since released two full-length albums and collaborated with Porter Robinson and Lady Gaga, among others. Zedd: German producer Zedd has enjoyed massive crossover success, thanks in part to his knack for crafting catchy hooks and danceable beats. His early work in Complextro showcased his technical prowess, while later releases leaned more heavily towards pop and dance music. Kill the Noise: Though he has dabbled in a variety of genres, Kill the Noise's early work in Complextro helped establish him as an innovator in the electronic music world. His tracks often feature frenzied rhythms and heavily processed vocals. Noisia: With a sound that leans heavily towards the darker end of the complextro spectrum, Noisia have been making music together since the early 2000s. Their remixes of tracks by the likes of Skrillex and Pendulum showcase their ability to re-imagine even the most densely layered tracks. Mat Zo: Though perhaps best known for his trance work, Mat Zo has also contributed significantly to the Complextro genre. His collaborations with Porter Robinson and Kill the Noise demonstrate his ability to meld different genres and create something truly unique.

1. "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" - Skrillex 2. "Bangarang" - Skrillex 3. "Rock N' Roll (Will Take You to the Mountain)" - Skrillex 4. "Summit" - Skrillex ft. Ellie Goulding 5. "Kill Everybody" - Skrillex 6. "First of the Year (Equinox)" - Skrillex 7. "Kyoto" - Skrillex ft. Sirah 8. "The Devil's Den" - Skrillex ft. Wolfgang Gartner 9. "Raise Your Weapon" - Deadmau5 10. "Ghosts 'n' Stuff" - Deadmau5 ft. Rob Swire 11. "Strobe" - Deadmau5 12. "Some Chords" - Deadmau5 13. "Silent Shout" - The Knife 14. "Heartsrevolution" - Bravado 15. "Finale" - Madeon 16. "Icarus" - Madeon 17. "The City" - Madeon 18. "Satisfaction" - Benny Benassi 19. "Levels" - Avicii 20. "Feel The Love" - Rudimental ft. John Newman 21. "Scatta" - Skrillex ft. Foreign Beggars and Bare Noize 22. "My Name is Skrillex" - Skrillex 23. "Weekends" - Skrillex ft. Sirah 24. "Father Said" - Skrillex 25. "Kill Everybody (Bare Noize Remix)" - Skrillex.

In his book "Electronic Dance Music Grooves: House, Techno, Hip-Hop, Dubstep, and More!", author Josh Bess describes complextro as "a style of music that incorporates heavy basslines, intense melodies, and complex rhythms," which he notes are typically produced using modular synthesizers, digital audio workstations and software. He adds, "Comlextro often employs cutting-edge technology and innovative sound design to create a unique sonic palette." In a feature on EDM.com, writer David Rishty speaks with Wolfgang Gartner about the creation of complextro. Gartner describes the style as "a little bit of funk, a little bit of disco, a lot of electro, and some of that dubstep wobble thrown in there." Gartner explains that complextro is about "taking something and twisting it up a little bit," which he believes is what makes it unique. One notable complextro artist, Porter Robinson, has described the genre as "a little bit schizophrenic" in an interview with EDM.com. He explains that the complexity of the arrangements makes the genre difficult for mainstream audiences to grasp. He says, "It's not meant to be catchy, it's not meant to stay in your head after one listen, it's meant to be appreciated as a work just like you would appreciate a painting or sculpture." In a review of Skrillex's 2011 EP "More Monsters and Sprites," writer Philip Sherbourn of BBC Music describes complextro as "an offshoot of electro house that places function over form and defies simple categorization." Sherbourne notes that the genre has roots in French house, electroclash, and dubstep, and that it thrives on the use of manipulation and distorting of sounds. In an interview with Dancing Astronaut, Dutch producer Bart Claessen provides an alternative perspective on complextro, describing it as "very organic." He explains that the music is complex but that it also has a lot of soul to it. He notes that complextro has become a way for younger producers to showcase their technical abilities.

One of the key social factors that contributed to the rise of Complextro was the increasing popularity of EDM (Electronic Dance Music) in the late 2000s and early 2010s. EDM was becoming more mainstream, with festivals like Ultra in Miami, Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, and Tomorrowland in Belgium attracting tens of thousands of fans. Within the broader EDM scene, there was a growing appetite for high-energy, bass-heavy music that could keep crowds dancing for hours on end. Culturally, Complextro was influenced by the emergent phenomenon of online music production communities. Platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube had become hubs for emerging producers to share their tracks with a global audience, creating an environment where new sounds and styles could gain traction quickly. This led to new levels of experimentation and innovation in music production, as producers sought to stand out from the crowd with increasingly complex and boundary-pushing music. Technologically, the rise of digital audio workstations (DAWs) played a crucial role in the development of Complextro. Cheap and accessible software like Ableton Live and FL Studio allowed bedroom producers to create music with almost unlimited flexibility and precision, regardless of their physical resources. This facilitated a democratization of music production that lowered the barriers to entry for new talent, enabling all kinds of creative experimentation. Notable record labels played a significant role in the development of Complextro, as they helped to popularize the genre and provide a platform for emerging producers. One of the most influential was Mau5trap, founded by Canadian producer Joel Zimmerman, better known as Deadmau5. The label's roster included artists like Feed Me, who released a series of successful Complextro tracks in the late 2000s, and Skrillex, who would go on to become one of the biggest names in EDM. Another influential figure in the rise of Complextro was music journalist and critic Philip Sherburne. Sherburne covered electronic music for publications like The Wire and Resident Advisor, and was an early champion of the genre. His writing helped to popularize the new sound, providing critical context and framing that helped to shape its emerging identity.