BPM
BPM (Beats Per Minute) measures the tempo of a track—how many beats occur each minute. In EDM, BPM largely defines genre: House runs at 120–130, Techno at 130–150, Drum & Bass at 160–180, and Hardstyle at 150–160. BPM directly affects the energy, feel, and genre compatibility of a production.
BPM is the first decision many producers make when starting a track because it fundamentally shapes the energy and groove. The same chord progression feels completely different at 100 BPM versus 140 BPM.
Common EDM BPM ranges by genre: - Deep House: 120–124 BPM - House / Tech House: 124–128 BPM - Progressive House / Trance: 128–138 BPM - Techno: 130–150 BPM - Big Room EDM: 128–132 BPM - Drum & Bass: 160–180 BPM - Dubstep / Brostep: 138–145 BPM - Hardstyle: 150–160 BPM
Avicii's work frequently used 128 BPM—the sweet spot for progressive house and festival EDM that feels energetic but not rushed. For reference, 'Levels' is 126 BPM and 'Wake Me Up' is 124 BPM.