Weird Music Genres

How Do Weird Music Genres Emerge?

Genres define the musical styles of songs and are a way to categorise and understand the differences in music based on shared characteristics such as rhythm, melody, instrumentation, and lyrical themes. While we are all familiar with mainstream popular genres , sometimes music can transcend the structures of traditional genres and weird music genres can start to emerge. 

There are many obscure genres of music that have their own unique space within music, all evolving from their own influences. This has been rapidly progressing in the new age of the internet, as genres evolve and adapt to the changing trends of the online landscape. This has created some niche music genres often fusing different influences and styles into new sounds. Currently you can go online on TikTok and Soundcloud and be met with a plethora of new music genres which have created new waves of music fans with a developing music taste.

Here Is an Overview on Some of the Weird Music Genres of Today!

Shoegaze

The new wave of shoegaze has been popularised with help from platforms like TikTok. Shoegaze artits like Wisp have had trending sounds used in many different meme formats and hitting high numbers on streaming platforms. It is a subgenre of rock characterised by its heavily reverb electric guitar and distant sounding vocals. Originally from the 1990s with notable artists including My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive and Duster, shoegaze was often seen as band centric with heavy use of pedal boards to achieve the dreamy sound associated with shoegaze. 

Shoegaze is slowly becoming a defining sound of rock for Gen Z, with TikTok being a catalyst for the rise of many new wave shoegaze breakout stars within the past few years. These breakout stars are teenage solo artists creating music in their bedrooms, some using only their DAWs and midi instruments to create music, redefining what shoegaze is. Notable artists include Wiisp, flyingfish, and sign crushes motorist who have collectively achieved large streaming numbers in the past year. 

Math Rock 

Math rock was originally born from the influence of prog rock and avant garde music also incorporating elements of jazz. A key feature is its complex time signatures that often change many times over the course of a song. The genre requires meticulous attention to counting the beats in unusual meters, hence the name "math rock." Its sound includes frequent stops and starts, harsh dissonant chords, speed changes from a slow tempo to fast, distinct guitar riffing techniques like finger tapping. Notable math rock artists include American Football and Covet.

There is some crossover with the sound of math rock and midwestern emo with some similar techniques used in both genres, though math rock tends to be more jazz-influenced. Take Flawed Mangos, a TikTok breakthrough artist who meets the genres in the middle and has achieved significant streaming success from his guitar videos. Producing midwestern emo, math rock ambient music that the internet define as hope core.

Breakcore 

Breakcore is one genre of drum-and-bass that developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It is said to be a hybrid of the sub genres breakbeat and hardcore techno mixed with metal, industrial and punk. It resurged in popularity over the 2020s with a huge influx of new streams and new artists are often heavily inspired by anime and video-game sounds with drum breaks and will use anime visuals on cover art.

The basic characteristics of breakcore involve hyper-fast processed drums, which are often based on the brief six second drum solo known as the “Amen Break” sampled from the track “Amen Brother” by The Winstons. (This drum sample is the core of many subgenres and became the basis for most DnB and jungle music, as well as influencing early hip hop samples). Breakcore also can use samples from any existing media such as video games, pop culture clips and strange audio recordings. TOKYOPILL and Machine Girl are notable artists from this genre, both adopting the fast paced industrial sound of breakcore.

Hyperpop

Hyperpop is a sub genre of pop music and electronic music that emerged in the late 2010s. It is characterised by its exaggerated production style creating high-energy sounds. It will often include distorted and glitchy bass, high-pitched vocals, electronic beats, lyric repetition and synth leads - with hyperpop, too much is never enough.

An important aspect of hyperpop is its remix culture. Bedroom hyperpop producers will remix mainstream music into hyperpop hits. You can pretty much find any popular song remixed into hyperpop. For example, one search of the phrase “Taylor Swift Hyperpop” on youtube will leave you with a discography of all her top hits reworked into sped up bassy electro pop songs with pitched up vocals. Essentially turning well known songs into pieces of obscure music.

Hyperpop’s influence isn’t limited to pop music alone; the genre has also begun to merge with other styles, creating interesting hybrids for example folk music and hyperpop. A notable fusion example is artist CowGirl Clue creating a hyperpop country song. Other notable artists of this weird music genre include 100 gecs, Charli XCX and Jane Remover.

Witch House

Witch House is an obscure electronic music genre encompassing a dark and eerie style. It emerged in the late 2000’s and early 2010’s, heavily rooted in inspiration by popular horror media of its time such as The Blair Witch Project, Twin Peaks and dark web videos.

Despite its name, Witch house is far from house music. Its sound is more a combination of industrial, noise, dream pop, and ethereal wave music with influences from 1980s experimental bands. It combines occult-themed aesthetics with electronic music characteristics such as synthesisers, drum machines, atmospheric noise, heavily distorted samples with droning vocals - creating the iconic paranormal vibe. Notable witch house artists include CRIM3S, SALEM and White Ring. 

Kawaii Metal

Kawaii metal, known as idol metal, is a fusion of J-pop and heavy metal. It emerged in the 2010s combining the cute elements of idol pop music and the harsh intensity of metal creating unheard sounds. This genre features sweet idol-style singing mixed with screamed metal vocals, creating a dynamic juxtaposition of the two genres.

The roots of Kawaii heavily influenced by heavy metal, as it features the powerful guitar riffs, intricate solos and fast-paced drumming that metal is known for. The Kawaii parts of kawaii metal come through in the melodies and choruses as they are often pop oriented and catchy. As well as aesthetically, Kawaii metal bands will incorporate visual elements from idol culture and often include choreographed dance. Babymetal are the pioneers of this genre and brought this music sub genre to international attention. 

8-bit music

8-bit music, also known as chiptune, is a genre that originated from retro video game music. It is characterized by its use of simple, synthesized sounds produced by the sound chips of vintage gaming consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Commodore 64. These sound chips, which were capable of generating only a limited range of tones, defined the music of 1980s video games with their distinctive, lo fi sound. 8-bit music typically features catchy, repetitive melodies, arpeggios, and a percussive rhythm created by the rapid-fire blips and beeps of the sound chip. This style sits hand in hand with the nostalgic appeal of retro gaming, evoking memories of classic video games.

In recent years, 8-bit music has experienced a resurgence in popularity, transcending its origins in video games to become a genre in its own right. Modern artists and producers use software to emulate retro video game music, creating new compositions that blend the nostalgic charm of 8-bit music with contemporary influences. This genre has found a home in various subcultures, from indie game developers seeking to capture the retro aesthetic to electronic music artists who incorporate elements of the minimalist, pixelated sound.

Create obscure music genres with Soundverse.ai 

Soundverse text-to-music is capable of generating music in every genre, including weird music genres. It's a powerful tool designed to create genre-specific music with a deep understanding of the nuances within each subgenre and music style. It can even create music from multiple genres, combining them and producing new styles of obscure music genres. All you need to generate music is an idea and a prompt, here's how!

Step one: Go to soundverse.ai and select text-to-music

Step two: Write in your text prompt

Step three: Generate your music and use Sounderverse tools to edit it to your desire!

Tips for creating great prompts

Creating the right prompt for your music is what will really make the AI flourish. The more specific, the better. Prompts for AI are essential when creating music and sometimes it's easy to feel lost when trying to think of how to describe what sound to generate. However it is easy! Here is an example of how to create a prompt and create music.

• Specify the genre eg. Shoegaze rock

• Mention the instruments to be included eg. Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Bass, Synth, Reverb Effects

• Narrate the vibe of the audio to Soundverse eg. Dreamy, Ethereal, Serene

From there you can create a prompt to put into Soundverse.

E.g: Prompt: Create a shoegaze track with heavily reverbed guitar layers and distant, dreamy vocals. Emphasize a wall of sound effect that evokes a serene, otherworldly atmosphere. Genres: Shoegaze; Vibes: Dreamy, Ethereal, Serene; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Bass, Synth, Reverb Effects

Here are 35 Prompts to help you create weird music:

Shoegaze

Ethereal Haze

Prompt: Create a shoegaze track with heavily reverbed guitar layers and distant, dreamy vocals. Emphasize a wall of sound effect that evokes a serene, otherworldly atmosphere.

Genres: Shoegaze; Vibes: Dreamy, Ethereal, Serene; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Bass, Synth, Reverb Effects

Sonic Drift

Prompt: Generate a shoegaze-inspired track with droning guitar melodies and a slow, hypnotic rhythm. Blend ambient soundscapes with hazy, indistinct vocals to create a drifting, introspective vibe.

Genres: Shoegaze, Ambient; Vibes: Hypnotic, Introspective, Hazy; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Synth Pads, Drum Machine

Dream Machine

Prompt: Produce a shoegaze track that fuses classic 90s influences with modern production techniques. Use shimmering guitar chords, ethereal synths, and layered vocals to create a nostalgic yet contemporary sound.

Genres: Shoegaze, Indie; Vibes: Nostalgic, Shimmering, Modern; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Synth, Drum Machine

Submerged Echoes

Prompt: Craft a shoegaze track with deep, reverberating bass lines and swirling guitar effects. Focus on creating a submerged, underwater feel with haunting vocal textures.

Genres: Shoegaze, Post-Rock; Vibes: Haunting, Submerged, Atmospheric; Instruments used: Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, Reverb Effects, Synth

Velvet Noise

Prompt: Compose a shoegaze track with a heavy emphasis on distorted guitar feedback and melancholic melodies. Combine it with soft, echoing vocals for a raw yet emotional sound.

Genres: Shoegaze, Noise Rock; Vibes: Distorted, Melancholic, Raw; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Feedback Effects, Vocals

Math Rock

Calculated Chaos

Prompt: Create a math rock track featuring complex, shifting time signatures and intricate guitar tapping techniques. Focus on creating an energetic and unpredictable rhythm that challenges the listener.

Genres: Math Rock, Progressive Rock; Vibes: Energetic, Complex, Unpredictable; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Drums, Bass

Fractal Groove

Prompt: Generate a math rock track with tight, angular guitar riffs and rapid tempo changes. Incorporate elements of jazz to add a layer of sophistication and groove to the composition.

Genres: Math Rock, Jazz Fusion; Vibes: Angular, Groovy, Sophisticated; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums

Polyrhythm Pulse

Prompt: Produce a math rock track that plays with polyrhythms and syncopated beats. Use clean, precise guitar lines and intricate drumming to create a dynamic and engaging sound.

Genres: Math Rock, Post-Rock; Vibes: Dynamic, Engaging, Precise; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Drums, Bass

Atypical Cadence

Prompt: Craft a math rock track with a focus on irregular rhythms and dissonant harmonies. Blend sharp guitar riffs with complex drum patterns for a sound that is both challenging and captivating.

Genres: Math Rock, Experimental Rock; Vibes: Irregular, Dissonant, Captivating; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Drums, Synth

Geometric Patterns

Prompt: Compose a math rock track that emphasizes melodic complexity and rhythmic precision. Incorporate interlocking guitar melodies and intricate bass lines to create a layered and sophisticated sound.

Genres: Math Rock, Progressive Rock; Vibes: Melodic, Precise, Sophisticated; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums

Breakcore

Digital Frenzy

Prompt: Generate a breakcore track with hyper-fast, chopped-up drum breaks and glitchy, distorted samples. Focus on creating a chaotic and intense sound that pushes the boundaries of rhythm.

Genres: Breakcore, Digital Hardcore; Vibes: Chaotic, Intense, Glitchy; Instruments used: Drum Machine, Synth, Sampled Sounds

Frenetic Breaks

Prompt: Create a breakcore track featuring rapid-fire drum loops and aggressive basslines. Use a variety of samples, including video game sounds, to build a frenetic, high-energy track.

Genres: Breakcore, Hardcore Techno; Vibes: High-Energy, Aggressive, Frenetic; Instruments used: Drum Machine, Bass Synth, Samples

Sonic Assault

Prompt: Produce a breakcore track with relentless, fast-paced rhythms and harsh, industrial sounds. Incorporate dissonant synth lines and fragmented vocal samples to enhance the intensity.

Genres: Breakcore, Industrial; Vibes: Relentless, Harsh, Industrial; Instruments used: Drum Machine, Synth, Vocal Samples

Amen Inferno

Prompt: Craft a breakcore track that heavily utilizes the “Amen Break” sample, layering it with rapid, chaotic beats and distorted bass. Aim for a relentless, head-spinning experience.

Genres: Breakcore, Drum and Bass; Vibes: Relentless, Chaotic, Distorted; Instruments used: Drum Machine, Bass Synth, Amen Break Sample

Glitchstorm

Prompt: Compose a breakcore track with a focus on glitchy, fragmented rhythms and digital noise. Use stuttering beats and unpredictable tempo shifts to create a disorienting and explosive sound.

Genres: Breakcore, Glitch; Vibes: Glitchy, Explosive, Disorienting; Instruments used: Drum Machine, Synth, Samples

Hyperpop

Neon Overload

Prompt: Generate a hyperpop track with high-pitched vocals, glitchy synths, and a driving, bass-heavy beat. Focus on creating an explosive, high-energy sound that feels both chaotic and fun.

Genres: Hyperpop, Electropop; Vibes: Chaotic, Fun, Explosive; Instruments used: Synth, Drum Machine, Vocals

Sugar Rush

Prompt: Create a hyperpop track that combines sugary, catchy melodies with distorted bass and rapid-fire vocal delivery. Incorporate playful, video game-like sound effects to enhance the energetic vibe.

Genres: Hyperpop, Bubblegum Pop; Vibes: Playful, Energetic, Catchy; Instruments used: Synth, Bass, Vocals

Glitch Glam

Prompt: Produce a hyperpop track with glitzy, shimmering synths and pitch-shifted vocals. Focus on blending pop hooks with experimental, glitchy production techniques for a futuristic sound.

Genres: Hyperpop, Experimental Pop; Vibes: Futuristic, Glitzy, Shimmering; Instruments used: Synth, Vocals, Glitch Effects

Bass Blitz

Prompt: Craft a hyperpop track with an emphasis on heavy, distorted bass and frenetic, high-energy rhythms. Use chopped-up vocal samples and rapid tempo changes to create a track that is both intense and unpredictable.

Genres: Hyperpop, Digital Hardcore; Vibes: Intense, High-Energy, Unpredictable; Instruments used: Bass Synth, Drum Machine, Vocal Samples

Glitter Bomb

Prompt: Compose a hyperpop track that features sparkling synth arpeggios, hyperactive beats, and playful, pitch-shifted vocals. Aim for a bright, infectious sound that feels like a burst of pure energy.

Genres: Hyperpop, Electropop; Vibes: Bright, Infectious, Playful; Instruments used: Synth, Drum Machine, Vocals

Witch House

Haunted Echoes

Prompt: Create a witch house track with eerie synths, heavy reverb, and ghostly vocal samples. Focus on building a dark, atmospheric sound that feels both haunting and mysterious.

Genres: Witch House, Darkwave; Vibes: Haunting, Mysterious, Atmospheric; Instruments used: Synth, Vocal Samples, Reverb Effects

Occult Ritual

Prompt: Generate a witch house track that blends occult-themed melodies with slow, heavy beats. Use distorted samples and dark ambient textures to evoke a sense of the supernatural.

Genres: Witch House, Industrial; Vibes: Occult, Dark, Supernatural; Instruments used: Synth, Drum Machine, Distorted Samples

Phantom Pulse

Prompt: Produce a witch house track with a pulsing, hypnotic rhythm and ethereal vocal layers. Incorporate droning bass and atmospheric noise to create a sound that is both immersive and unsettling.

Genres: Witch House, Ambient; Vibes: Hypnotic, Ethereal, Unsettling; Instruments used: Synth, Bass, Vocals

Cryptic Symbols

Prompt: Craft a witch house track that features cryptic, reversed vocal samples and murky, droning synths. Focus on creating an enigmatic, darkly captivating soundscape.

Genres: Witch House, Experimental; Vibes: Enigmatic, Dark, Captivating; Instruments used: Synth, Vocal Samples, Bass

Shadow Realm

Prompt: Compose a witch house track with deep, reverberating beats and spectral synth melodies. Use heavy distortion and eerie sound effects to enhance the dark, otherworldly atmosphere.

Genres: Witch House, Dark Ambient; Vibes: Dark, Eerie, Otherworldly; Instruments used: Synth, Drum Machine, Sound Effects

Kawaii Metal

Candy-Coated Fury

Prompt: Compose a kawaii metal track with fast, aggressive guitar riffs and upbeat, catchy melodies. Focus on creating a playful yet intense sound by blending heavy metal instrumentation with pop-inspired rhythms. Genres: Kawaii Metal, J-pop, Metal; Vibes: Playful, Intense, Energetic; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, Synth

Sugar Rush Breakdown

Prompt: Create a kawaii metal track that combines sugary sweet melodies with powerful, distorted guitar breakdowns. Emphasize the contrast between light, pop-style harmonies and heavy, driving rhythms. Genres: Kawaii Metal, Pop, Metal; Vibes: Sweet, Heavy, Energetic; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, Synth

Neon Thunder

Prompt: Generate a kawaii metal track with bright, cheerful melodies layered over fast, energetic drumming and heavy guitar riffs. Create a dynamic sound that mixes upbeat pop elements with the raw power of metal. Genres: Kawaii Metal, J-pop, Metal; Vibes: Energetic, Dynamic, Bright; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Drums, Bass, Synth

Glitterstorm

Prompt: Produce a kawaii metal track with high-energy guitar solos and playful synth melodies. Focus on creating a lively and explosive sound that blends the intensity of metal with the fun and sparkle of pop music. Genres: Kawaii Metal, Pop, Metal; Vibes: Explosive, Fun, Lively; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Drums, Synth

Rainbow Riffs

Prompt: Craft a kawaii metal track that combines intricate guitar riffs with colorful, bouncy melodies. Highlight the fusion of technical metal instrumentation with playful, pop-inspired rhythms to create an exciting and vibrant sound.

Genres: Kawaii Metal, Metal, J-pop; Vibes: Vibrant, Technical, Playful; Instruments used: Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, Synth

8-Bit Music

Pixel Party

Prompt: Generate an 8-bit track with catchy, looping melodies and chiptune-style synths. Focus on creating a fun, nostalgic sound that evokes the feel of classic video game music.

Genres: 8-Bit, Chiptune; Vibes: Nostalgic, Fun, Catchy; Instruments used: Synth, Drum Machine

Retro Racer

Prompt: Create an 8-bit track that mimics the high-speed energy of classic racing games. Use fast-paced arpeggios, driving bass lines, and simple yet effective percussion to evoke a sense of excitement and nostalgia.

Genres: 8-Bit, Synthwave; Vibes: Energetic, Nostalgic, Exciting; Instruments used: Synth, Drum Machine, Bass

Chiptune Hero

Prompt: Produce an 8-bit track that pays homage to the heroic themes of retro adventure games. Focus on creating uplifting, triumphant melodies with a distinctly chiptune sound.

Genres: 8-Bit, Video Game Music; Vibes: Triumphant, Uplifting, Nostalgic; Instruments used: Synth, Arpeggiator, Drum Machine

Bit-Crushed Dreams

Prompt: Craft an 8-bit track with a dreamy, lo-fi atmosphere. Use soft, melodic chiptune synths and minimal percussion to create a sound that feels both nostalgic and wistful.

Genres: 8-Bit, Lo-Fi; Vibes: Dreamy, Wistful, Nostalgic; Instruments used: Synth, Drum Machine

Digital Odyssey

Prompt: Compose an 8-bit track that evokes the epic journey of a digital hero. Use a mix of chiptune synths, driving rhythms, and sweeping arpeggios to create a sound that is both adventurous and nostalgic.

Genres: 8-Bit, Synthwave; Vibes: Adventurous, Nostalgic, Epic; Instruments used: Synth, Arpeggiator, Drum Machine

Sign up to Soundverse today

Soundverse is more than an AI music generator Soundverse it’s a collaborative partner that enhances human creativity. You can experiment with different genre styles and listen to what new sounds you can create. Use some of these weird music genres for inspiration or feel free to use other genres and maybe you will create the next big hit!