Artist prompt list of different styles

Here is a prompt list of famous artists and their associated music styles. Use this as a guide to help inspire your own music-related prompt based on artists you enjoy.

You can search to see if an artist you know is in this prompt list.

Bruno Mars

Funk, Dance Pop, Groovy, male vocals

Fleetwood Mac

Classic Rock, Mellifluous

Ed Sheeran

Folk, Acoustic Guitar, male vocals

Tim McGraw

Country, Americana, male vocals

Elton John

Piano Pop Rock, Theatrical, male vocals

Dolly Parton

Country, Storytelling, female vocals

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Funk Rock, Stadium, heavy drums

Coldplay

Alternative Rock, Atmospheric

Taylor Swift

Pop, Alternative Folk, Emotional, female vocals

Elvis Presley

50s Rock, Hero Theme, male vocals

Adele

Soul, Emotional, Torch-Lounge, female vocals

Ariana Grande

Pop, Dance Pop, Ethereal, female vocals

Billie Eilish

Pop, Dark, Minimal, female vocals

The Weeknd

RnB, Dark, Cinematic, male vocals

Beyoncé

RnB, Anthemic, Danceable, female vocals

Kendrick Lamar

HipHop, Lyrical, Storytelling, male vocals

Lady Gaga

Pop, Theatrical, Dance, female vocals

Jay-Z

HipHop, Aggressive, Storytelling, male vocals

Rihanna

RnB, Dance Pop, Festive, female vocals

Kanye West

HipHop, Progressive, Eclectic, male vocals

Justin Bieber

Pop, Danceable, Chillwave, male vocals

Katy Perry

Pop, Glitter, Festive, female vocals

Snoop Dogg

Rap, Funk, Chill, male vocals

Metallica

Heavy Metal, Power

AC/DC

Hard Rock, Stomp

Madonna

Dance Pop, High-NRG, female vocals

David Bowie

70s British Rock, Art, Eclectic, male vocals

Bob Dylan

Folk, Storytelling, Acoustic Guitar, male vocals

Post Malone

Rap, Ethereal, Ambient, male vocals

Maroon 5

Pop Rock, Danceable, male vocals

Shakira

Latin, Dance Pop, Festive, female vocals

Dua Lipa

Disco, Dance Pop, Groovy, female vocals

Michael Jackson

80s Pop, Dance, Iconic, male vocals

Prince

Funk, Eclectic, Glam, male vocals

Miley Cyrus

Pop, Rock, Party, female vocals

Cardi B

Rap, Aggressive, Party, female vocals

Imagine Dragons

Rock, Anthemic, Emotion

Camila Cabello

Pop, Latin Jazz, Festive, female vocals

Harry Styles

Pop, Rock, Groovy, male vocals

Sam Smith

Soul, Emotional, Lounge, male vocals

Lizzo

Pop, Funk, Empowering, female vocals

Daft Punk

Electronic, Dance, Futuristic

Gorillaz

Alternative Rock, Electronic, Unusual

The Beatles

60s British Pop, Classic, Rock

Queen

Rock, Operatic, Theatrical, Male Vocals

Led Zeppelin

Hard Rock, Blues Rock, Epic

Pink Floyd

Rock, Progressive, Atmospheric

The Rolling Stones

Rock, Blues Rock, Classic

Bob Marley

Reggae, Peaceful, Soulful, male vocals

Frank Sinatra

1940s big band, Lounge Singer, male vocals

Aretha Franklin

Soul, Gospel, Powerful, female vocals

Whitney Houston

Pop, RnB, Emotional, female vocals

Stevie Wonder

Soul, Funk, Joyful, male vocals

The Chainsmokers

EDM, Dance, Party

Nicki Minaj

Rap, Danceable, Bold, female vocals

Green Day

Punk Rock, Aggressive, Youthful

Nirvana

Grunge, Dark, Raw, Male Vocals

Amy Winehouse

Soul, Jazz, Torch-Lounge, female vocals

Linkin Park

Rock, Nu Metal, Emotional

Aerosmith

Rock, Hard Rock, Classic

Bon Jovi

Rock, Anthem, Stadium

Billy Joel

Pop, Rock, Storytelling, male vocals

Phil Collins

Pop, Rock, Emotional, soundtrack, male vocals

Genesis

Rock, Progressive, Art

The Eagles

Rock, Country Rock, Harmonious

The Doors

Rock, Psychedelic, Mysterious

Janis Joplin

Rock, Blues Rock, Raw Emotion, female vocals

Jimi Hendrix

Rock, Psychedelic, Guitar Virtuoso, male vocals

The Who

Rock, Hard Rock, Theatrical

Black Sabbath

Heavy Metal, Doom

Iron Maiden

Heavy Metal, Epic, Theatrical

Judas Priest

Heavy Metal, Power, Leather

Motorhead

Heavy Metal, Rock’n’Roll, Aggressive

Slayer

Thrash Metal, Aggressive, Dark

Ozzy Osbourne

Heavy Metal, Dark, Theatrical, male vocals

Skrillex

Dubstep, Electronic, Intense, male vocals

Calvin Harris

EDM, Dance, Festive, male vocals

Avicii

EDM, Melodic, Euphoric, male vocals

Arctic Monkeys

Indie Rock, Garage, Cool

Tame Impala

Psychedelic Rock, Dreamy, Mellifluous

The Strokes

Indie Rock, Cool, Raw

Vampire Weekend

Indie Rock, Eclectic, Upbeat

Kings of Leon

Rock, Emotional, Raw

The Killers

Rock, Synthpop, Anthemic, male vocals

System of a Down

Metal, Political, Eccentric

Radiohead

Alternative Rock, Experimental, Atmospheric

Foo Fighters

Rock, Alternative, Energetic

Muse

Rock, Progressive, Theatrical

Tool

Progressive Metal, Dark, Complex

Rage Against the Machine

Rap Metal, Political, Aggressive

Pearl Jam

Grunge, Rock, Emotional

Soundgarden

90s Grunge, Heavy, Dark

Alice in Chains

Grunge, Dark, Melodic

Sigur Rós

Post-Rock, Ethereal, Atmospheric, Icelandic

Björk

Alternative, Experimental, Unusual, female vocals

Enya

New Age, Ethereal, Calm, female vocals

Deadmau5

Electronic, House, Progressive

Marshmello

EDM, Dance, Happy

Zedd

EDM, Dance Pop, Energetic, male vocals

The XX

Indie Pop, Minimal, Atmospheric

Lana Del Rey

Pop, Sadcore, Cinematic, female vocals

Kacey Musgraves

Country, Pop, Mellifluous, female vocals

St. Vincent

Art Rock, Eclectic, Unusual, female vocals

Childish Gambino

HipHop, Funk, Thoughtful, male vocals

SZA

RnB, Neo Soul, Emotional, female vocals

Frank Ocean

RnB, Soulful, Introspective, male vocals

Tyler, The Creator

HipHop, Eclectic, Unusual, male vocals

Solange

RnB, Soul, Artistic, female vocals

Brockhampton

HipHop, Alternative, Collective

Janelle Monáe

Funk, RnB, Sci-Fi, female vocals

Mac DeMarco

Indie Pop, Slacker Rock, Chill, male vocals

Rufus Du Sol

Electronic, Dance, Atmospheric

Bon Iver

Indie Folk, Ethereal, Intimate, male vocals

Florence + The Machine

Indie Rock, Dramatic, Ethereal

Jack White

Rock, Blues, Raw, male vocals

Gary Clark Jr.

Blues Rock, Soulful, Gritty, male vocals

Leon Bridges

Soul, RnB, Retro, male vocals

Brittany Howard

Rock, Soul, Powerful, female vocals

Alabama Shakes

Rock, Blues Rock, Soulful

Glass Animals

Psychedelic Pop, Groovy, Eclectic

Portugal, The Man

Alternative Rock, Psychedelic, Catchy

FKA Twigs

RnB, Electronic, Avant-Garde, female vocals

The National:

Indie Rock, Melancholy, Introspective

MGMT:

Psychedelic Pop, Electronic, Playful

Empire of the Sun

Electronic, Pop, Theatrical

Grimes

Art Pop, Electronic, Experimental, female vocals

James Blake

Electronic, Soul, Minimalist, male vocals

The War on Drugs

Indie Rock, Heartland Rock, Melodic

Sufjan Stevens

Indie Folk, Baroque Pop, Intimate, male vocals

Bonobo:

Downtempo, Electronic, Ambient

Caribou

Electronic, Psychedelic, Dance

Four Tet

Electronic, Ambient, Textural

Jamie xx

Electronic, House, Minimal

Nicolas Jaar

Electronic, Experimental, Atmospheric, male vocals

Flying Lotus

Electronic, Experimental HipHop, Fusion, male vocals

Thundercat

Funk, Jazz, Experimental, male vocals

Kamasi Washington

Jazz, Fusion, Epic, male vocals

Massive Attack

Trip Hop, Dark, Atmospheric

Portishead

Trip Hop, Dark, Cinematic

Aphex Twin

IDM, Electronic, Experimental, male vocals

Boards of Canada

IDM, Downtempo, Nostalgic

Burial

Dubstep, Ambient, Mysterious

J Dilla

HipHop, Soulful, Experimental, male vocals

MF DOOM

HipHop, Abstract, Lyrical, male vocals

Kendrick Lamar

HipHop, Conscious, Lyrical, male vocals

Blink-182

emo pop rock, male vocals

Green Day

Punk Rock, Aggressive, Youthful

Phoebe Bridgers

Bedroom, grungegaze, catchy, psychedelic, acoustic tape recording, female vocals

Drake

HipHop, Trap, male vocals

Example song styles

Dance and Electronic

• Energetic tropical house, vibrant melodies, calypso percussions, relaxed vocal styles, and a chill tempo
• Dynamic Balkan electro swing, spirited brass sounds, syncopated beats, ethnic tunes, and dance-inviting tempo
• Underground minimal techno, looped beats, slow evolutions, trance-inducing rhythms, and a deep bass presence
• Drum and bass with rapid breakbeats, heavy bass, and complex, choppy drum tracks
• Synthwave, evoking 1980s nostalgia with lush synthesizer melodies and retro-futuristic vibes

Pop and Synth

• Dreamy synth pop, floating soundscapes, slowed rhythms, deep echoic vocals, and a mystical aura
• Angelic dream pop, glowing guitar tones, rich synthesizers, and a touch of melancholy
• Retro 80s vibes, slow beats, punk energy, nostalgic synth melodies, and an eerie undertone
• Synth-heavy 80s pop, spooky undertones, and a captivating melodic hook
• Bubblegum pop, characterized by catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and an accessible appeal

Rock and Metal

• Revived glam rock, bold stage presence, glittering outfits, infectious melodies, and dynamic solos
• Energetic metal concerts, shredding guitars, orchestral overtones, and robust vocal performances
• Intense trap metal, heavy bass, shouting lyrics, frenzied soundscapes, and intense musical breaks
• Metal-themed anime opening tracks, dominated by intense male vocals and robust musical arrangements
• Progressive rock, known for its complex structures, extended musical compositions, and eclectic influences

Punk and Indie

• Fusion of punk rock, ska vibes, rock energy, rap beats, and indie pop nuances
• Gritty hardcore punk, high-speed beats, rebellious lyrics, raw vocals, and a grassroots ethos
• Breezy indie surf rock, metallic guitar twangs, beachfront themes, breezy singing, and radiant melodies
• DIY grungegaze, ear-catching, psychedelic flair, raw acoustic recordings, and a vintage vibe
• Post-rock, emphasizing texture over traditional rock rhythms and melodies

Hip Hop and Urban

• Fast-paced hip hop, heavy bass, rapid lyrical attack, minor tonality, and an aura of suspense
• Trap music, characterized by hi-hat rolls, heavy bass, and layered synths
• Old school hip hop, focusing on rhythmic beats and an emphasis on lyrical wordplay

Rhythm and Blues (R&B)

• Smooth RnB, creamy rhythms, captivating vocals, nighttime moods, and sophisticated production
• Soul music with deep emotional delivery, vibrant brass accompaniments, and powerful vocal performances
• Neo-soul, blending classic soul influences with modern sounds, intricate rhythms, and poetic lyrics

World and Ethnic

• Vibrant gypsy jazz, swift fingerstyle guitars, swinging beats, joyful fiddles, and a party-like feel
• Funk with a psychedelic twist, rhythmic bass, distorted guitars, vibrant effects, and punchy horn sections
• Afrobeat, combining African musical styles with jazz, funk, and complex rhythms
• Latin pop, fusing upbeat rhythms, catchy hooks, and a blend of English and Spanish lyrics

Ambient and Experimental

• Deep dark ambient, ominous tones, slow-changing layers, and a chillingly obscure aura
• Cosmic ambient music, galactic themes, slowly unfolding sounds, exploring the vastness of space
• Complex math rock mixed with J-pop’s catchy melodies, funky rhythms, electronic dubstep, and fast EDM
• Noise music, utilizing unconventional sounds and distortion to create an immersive auditory experience
• Electroacoustic music, blending live traditional instruments with electronic processing

Classical and Orchestral

• Expressive piano compositions, classical yet modern, with dynamic expressions and intricate performances
• Grand film scores, majestic orchestral arrangements, bold narratives, and emotional crescendos
• Elaborate baroque pop, complex tunes, grand orchestral support, refined harpsichord details, and lyrical depth
• Majestic Gregorian chants, ecclesiastical vocals, serene ambience, and spiritual resonance
• Chamber music with intricate string quartets, precise articulation, and classical harmony
• Opera performances featuring dramatic vocal expressions, elaborate stage designs, and rich orchestration

Folk and Spiritual

• Traditional folk music, narrative-driven, soothing harmonies, acoustic strumming, and subtle drumming
• Empowering gospel music, robust choirs, hopeful lyrics, deep organ backgrounds, and enthusiastic claps
• Heavenly worship hymns, divine vocals, majestic orchestras, and spiritually lifting arrangements
• Appalachian folk, featuring banjo-driven melodies, authentic storytelling, and rustic harmonies
• Spiritual chants with meditative qualities, repetitive phrases, and a deep focus on inner peace

Jazz and Lounge

• Time-honored jazz lounge, classic melodies, silky trumpet solos, acoustic bass, and enchanting vocals
• Smooth jazz with mellow saxophone tones, laid-back rhythms, and a relaxing atmosphere
• Bebop jazz featuring complex improvisations, rapid changes, and a focus on instrumental virtuosity