Downtempo (sometimes referred to as "chillout", "chill" or "downbeat") is a genre of
electronic music similar to
ambient music, but usually with a
beat or
groove. The
tempo, as well as the drum patterns of each track can vary. The beat can be restrained or simple. Sometimes the beats are more complicated and more foregrounded instead of being in the background, but even then they are usually less intense than other kinds of electronic music like
trance and
house. The tempo is often slower than that of traditional
electronic dance music. Often the names "
chill-out music" or "chill-out" are used to refer to songs demonstrative of the genre, but those names also refer to other styles of music, and downtempo encompasses a wider variety of styles than those terms alone would indicate. Due to the relaxing and often sensual or romantic feel of most downtempo music, it is a popular form of background music in 'chill out rooms' of dance parties, and many alternative cafes.
