Week+3


 * Why are new genres created? Why is the definition of genre controversial and not so applicable to the formation of digital genres? **

The word ‘Genre’ finds it roots in French, wherein the word means a ‘kind’ or a ‘type’. In the conventional sense, if an entity can be classified into a certain structure, theme or style, then it can be said to belong to a particular genre. The reason that new genres are created is because trends are ever –changing, and the audience desires new themes, styles or structures that lead to the creation of newer genres. The definition of genre is controversial as it has a classical implication and a colloquial implication. In the classical sense, a genre cannot be transient: it does not have the flexibility to belong to two or more themes, structures or styles. However, digital genres are different. Examples of digital genres are newer kinds of music such as hip hop, alternative or modern day electronic music. Digital genres are more flexible and a good example to illustrate this point is the evolution of rap music from the 1980s to modern day times.