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Wonky (genre)
Wonky is a subgenre of electronic dance music known primarily for its off-kilter or "unstable" beats, as well as its eclectic, colorful blend of genres including hip-hop, electro-funk, 8-bit, jazz
History#
Wonky initially emerged in 2006 as a colorful, exuberant style drawing on hip hop, synth-funk, glitchy electronica, and more eclectic influences, in contrast with the austere sound of the UK’s ongoing dubstep and grime scenes. Other influences included American hip hop producers J Dilla and Madlib, with some artists drawing more explicitly on an instrumental hip-hop sound rather than dubstep. The term “wonky” has been rejected by various artists associated with the style.
Characteristics#
Wonky is known for its off-kilter rhythms and typically features garish synthesizer tones, melodies, and effects. The “unstable” sound of wonky is often achieved by producing unquantised beats, abandoning the metronomic precision of much electronic music.
See also#
- Dubstep
- Future bass
- Genre family
- 2000s in British music, 2000s in music, 2010s in British music, 2010s in music, Electronic dance music genres, English styles of music