Introducing the New Electronic Music Scene
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The electronic music scene is constantly evolving and changing. Here’s a guide to the new electronic music scene, featuring the must-know artists and labels.
The birth of electronic music and the first electronic instruments
The first electronic instruments were invented in the early 1900s. The theremin, the ondes Martenot, and the trautonium were all introduced in the 1920s. These instruments were used by composers such as Edgar Varèse, Olivier Messiaen, and Karlheinz Stockhausen to create new sounds and textures. In the 1950s, composers such as Pierre Schaeffer and Pierre Henry started experimenting with tape machines to create new sounds. This led to the development of musique concrète, a form of music that uses recorded sounds as its source material.
In the 1960s, electronic music began to be used in popular music. The Beatles used a theremin on their song “Love Me Do”, and experimental pop groups like The KLF and The Orb started to use synthesizers and drum machines to create records that sounded like nothing else that was being released at the time. In the 1990s, electronic dance music (EDM) became popular, with DJs such as Fatboy Slim and Leftfield creating records that featured samples from a wide range of genres.
Today, electronic music is more popular than ever before. There are hundreds of different subgenres, from dubstep and drum & bass to techno and trance. And thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever for artists to share their music with a global audience.
The rise of the club culture and the first electronic music festivals
The 1990s saw the rise of the club culture and the first electronic music festivals. The scene was driven by a new generation of DJs and producers who were influenced by the Acid House and techno music of the late 1980s. The first major festival was held in 1991, and the genre has since grown in popularity, with events being held all over the world.
The 2000s saw a further growth in the popularity of electronic music, with the rise of EDM (electronic dance music) and dubstep. The 2010s have seen a continued growth in popularity, with festivals such as Ultra Music Festival and Tomorrowland attracting millions of visitors each year.
Electronic music is now one of the most popular genres in the world, and its popularity looks set to continue into the 2020s.
The influence of electronic music on popular culture
The influence of electronic music on popular culture is undeniable. In recent years, the genre has exploded in popularity, with artists like Calvin Harris, Avicii, and Porter Robinson becoming household names.
However, electronic music is not a new phenomenon. The genre has its roots in the experimental music of the early 20th century, when composers like Pierre Schaeffer and Karlheinz Stockhausen began experimenting with new ways to create sound.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s,another group of pioneers, including Brian Eno and Kraftwerk, began pushing the boundaries of what was possible with synthesizers and other electronic instruments. These artists laid the foundation for what would become known as disco, techno, house, and trance –– all subgenres of electronic music.
Today, electronic music is one of the most popular genres in the world. It has spawned countless subgenres and spawned a whole new generation of producers, DJs, and musicians.
The future of electronic music
With the advent of new technology, the landscape of electronic music is rapidly evolving. Producers and DJs are constantly innovating, creating new sounds and subgenres. The future of electronic music is therefore hard to predict, but one thing is certain – it will be exciting.
We are currently in a transitional phase, with established genres such as dubstep and techno co-existing with newer styles such as future bass and wonky. This is resulting in a rich and varied musical landscape, with something to suit every taste.
The next few years are likely to see further experimentation and innovation, as producers push the boundaries of what is possible. We can expect to see new sounds and subgenres emerging, as well as the continued rise of existing genres such as techno and house. Exciting times ahead for electronic music fans!