The term "fetish music" refers to any type of musical genre that has been created specifically for the enjoyment and exploration of fetishes. This includes genres like BDSM, bondage, domination, submission, sadism and masochism (BDSM), and discipline. These genres can be found in various forms such as books, movies, videos, and even music.
Fetish music has become increasingly popular among those who are interested in exploring their sexuality beyond traditional boundaries. It is often associated with alternative lifestyles such as kink culture, which focuses on power exchange between individuals during consensual activities involving dominance/submission or pain/pleasure play. Fetish music provides an outlet for those seeking to express themselves through sounds that reflect these desires.
Many artists have taken up this style of music as well. For example, Coil released albums such as The Unreleased Themes for Hellraiser II in the late '80s, featuring dark electronic compositions inspired by Clive Barker's horror films. Lords of Acid also produced electro-industrial songs about sex and violence while Nine Inch Nails became famous for its heavy metal anthems praising S&M themes from their album The Downward Spiral in 1994. Additionally, bands like Skinny Puppy and Front Line Assembly experimented with industrial synthpop melodies laced with erotic lyrics throughout the early '90s.
In addition to traditional musicians, some DJs specialize exclusively in providing soundtracks for fetish events such as clubs and parties where participants can explore their fantasies through sensory stimulation. They may include elements such as bondage gear and rope suspension alongside the music to enhance the experience further. Furthermore, there are many radio shows dedicated solely to playing only fetish tunes - these shows cater specifically towards listeners looking to indulge in this type of activity.
Despite being relatively new compared to mainstream genres, fetish music has quickly become popular among those who enjoy exploring boundaries beyond what is considered socially acceptable. As more people continue embracing alternative lifestyles, it will likely gain even greater acceptance in society at large.