Drone

Description

Drone music is characterized by sustained or repeated sounds, notes, or tone clusters, creating a hypnotic and immersive auditory experience. It often emphasizes texture and atmosphere over traditional musical structures like melody and rhythm.

History

Drone music has roots in various cultural and musical traditions, including Indian classical music, where the tanpura provides a continuous harmonic drone. In the Western context, it gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with the advent of minimalist composers like La Monte Young and the experimental works of bands like The Velvet Underground. The genre has since evolved, influencing and merging with ambient, electronic, and experimental music scenes.