Are there really specific genres anymore ? I listen to quite a bit of new material, and genre wise, it's at times very difficult to put in a box.

If writing for a request, sure genre is important. But just listen to anyone's mp3 player these days, and there'll be a whole bunch of different stuff on it.

I prefer to write the song and produce it how it "feels". Probably better for artistic expression too.

cheers, niteshift