| Genre | |
| Origin | |
| Subgenres | |
| Influences | |
| Vocal effects | Amplification and microphone adjustments |
| Characteristics | No synthpop • Blend of psychedelic rock and early electronic music • Natural sounds and field recordings • Acoustic and percussive dance music • Absence of Auto-Tune |
The history of music in an alternate timeline would be shaped by differences in technological advancements and cultural shifts that affect sound recording and popular music. These changes would have a profound impact on the musical landscape, leading to different characteristics compared to the way popular music evolved in the known timeline.
Synthesizers were not invented until later in an alternate timeline, and when they were, they took a different form compared to the ones we know. Consequently, the Synthpop genre never materialized. Instead, musicians experimented with other types of electronics and sound processing methods, leading to new and distinctive genres of music that did not rely on synthesizers as heavily.
In this alternate timeline, New wave music would have a different sound, taking inspiration from psychedelic rock and early electronic music. The genre's distinct fusion of diverse influences would create a unique and captivating soundscape that reflects the cultural atmosphere of the time, as well as the available technologies and musical instruments.
Technological advancements in sound recording and processing in this alternate timeline would enable musicians to more easily and creatively incorporate natural sounds, incidental noises, and field recordings into their music. This would result in a widespread integration of such elements, creating a rich palette of musical textures and stories.
Dance music in this alternate timeline would draw inspiration from North African and Southeast Asian music, resulting in a more acoustic and percussive sound compared to the electronic dance music that is popular in the known timeline. This type of dance music would prioritize rhythm and groove, emphasizing the collaborative and social nature of dance.
In this alternate timeline, Auto-Tune would not be the widely used vocal effect that it is today. Instead, vocal effects would be achieved through amplification and microphone manipulation. The lack of Auto-Tune would enable musicians to create innovative vocal techniques and effects that showcase a wider range of human vocal expressions in popular music.
