Category:Noise

Noise is an experimental music genre characterized by extreme distortion, unconventional sound sources, and an emphasis on texture over melody. Emerging from avant-garde, industrial, and electronic music traditions, noise explores the boundaries of structured sound.

Characteristics

• Harsh, atonal soundscapes, often created using feedback, distortion, and manipulated electronics.
• Emphasis on texture and atmosphere, rather than rhythm or melody.
• Use of non-traditional instruments, including field recordings, static, and metal objects.
• Strong connections to experimental, industrial, and free improvisation scenes, influencing underground music.
• Can range from structured compositions to chaotic, freeform sound experiments, depending on the artist.

Artists and Labels

Noise music has been championed by various artists and labels, including:

• Hospital Productions
• Cold Spring Records
• Mute Records

Notable artists in the genre include:

• Merzbow
• Whitehouse
• Wolf Eyes
• Throbbing Gristle
• Prurient
• Kevin Drumm