Glitch is an experimental electronic music genre characterized by the deliberate use of sonic artifacts that would typically be viewed as unwanted noise or errors.

Key features include:

Use of digital or analog distortions, such as CD skipping, vinyl surface noise, or software bugs

Arhythmic or unconventional rhythmic structures

Incorporation of found sounds and audio manipulation techniques

Emphasis on texture and timbre over traditional musical elements

The genre emerged in the late 1990s, pioneered by labels like Mille Plateaux and their "Clicks_+_Cuts" compilation series. Initially seen as a niche, avant-garde style, Glitch's influence spread widely throughout electronic music in the 2000s.

Glitch aesthetics have been incorporated into numerous other genres, including:

Electrohouse, Brostep, Drumstep, Tech House and other various IDM subgenres.

While pure Glitch remains a relatively small scene, its techniques have become ubiquitous in modern electronic music production. The genre's impact on sound design and production techniques has been significant, influencing the overall sonic landscape of 21st-century electronic music.

Despite its widespread influence, Glitch itself has not spawned many distinct subgenres, perhaps due to its challenging and experimental nature.