Contemporary Tango Subgenres

A Sonic Journey

Tango, born in the marginalized neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, has traveled a long road from its traditional roots to becoming a dynamic and ever-evolving genre. In the 21st century, contemporary tango diversifies into subgenres that reinterpret its essence for modern audiences. Today, we delve into four key subgenres: neotango, electrotango, art-tango, and post-tango.

1. Neotango: The Revival of Tango canción

Neotango revives the traditional structure of tango canción, but with a contemporary twist. It focuses on lyrics and vocal expression, addressing current social issues like inequality, migration, and feminism. Singers and poets take center stage, restoring tango’s narrative power.

• Representative example: "Pompeya no olvida" by Patricia Barone, with its poignant lyrics and emotive arrangements, is a testament to tango’s enduring relevance as a tool for social reflection.

Global connection: Similar to how contemporary folk merges tradition and modernity, neotango bridges local and universal narratives.

2. Electrotango: Beats and Bandoneons

• Electrotango fuses the classic sound of tango with electronic music, creating a hypnotic and sophisticated atmosphere. This subgenre is often instrumental, ideal for dance floors and lounge settings, characterized by electronic rhythms and loops.

• Representative example: "Santa María (del Buen Ayre)" by Gotan Project, which pioneered this movement internationally.

• Global connection: Much like flamenco chill or electronic jazz, this subgenre has allowed tango to be rediscovered on international stages.
  

3. Art-Tango: Experimentation and Avant-Garde

• Art-tango pushes tango into experimental territory, blending it with jazz, contemporary academic music, and complex structures. This subgenre defies traditional norms, exploring new ways of musical expression.

  • Representative example: "Liquido 3" by Diego Schissi quintet can be seen as a good example, while artists like Agustín Guerrero continue to expand the genre’s boundaries.

Global connection: Similar to art-rock or art-pop, this subgenre transforms tango into a conceptual art form.

4. Post-Tango: Rupture and Rebellion

• Post-tango adopts a stance of rupture, mixing tango with influences from rock nacional, punk, and other progressive genres. Its lyrics are often provocative, and its compositions are charged with energy.

• Representative example: "Astiya" by Fernandez Fierro, blending tango with punk rock.

• Global connection: This subgenre parallels post-punk and post-rock, which also emerged as innovative responses to established norms.
  

  
  Contemporary Tango as a Global Bridge

  Across these subgenres, contemporary tango engages with global musical genres, enriching its identity and adapting to modern times. From electronic beats to jazz structures, tango transcends borders, proving its spirit is alive and resonant in a constantly changing world.