Electronic Music in Texas: What You Need to Know
Contents
Texas has always been a hotbed for live music, and that definitely extends to the world of electronic music. Here’s what you need to know about the scene in Texas.
Introduction
If you’re thinking about getting into the electronic music scene in Texas, there are a few things you should know. The first is that the scene is surprisingly large and active, with a wide variety of sub-genres represented. The second is that there are a few key cities that tend to dominate the scene, namely Austin, Dallas, and Houston. And finally, you should be aware that the scene is very much driven by DIY culture and independent promoters, so if you want to get involved, be prepared to get your hands dirty.
With all that said, let’s take a more detailed look at each of these points.
The History of Electronic Music in Texas
Electronic music has a long and storied history in Texas. It has been a part of the fabric of the state for over a century, and its influence can be heard in almost every type of music produced in Texas today. From the earliest days of the recording industry to the modern era of EDM, Texas has always been at the forefront of the electronic music scene.
Early electronic music in Texas
Electronic music in Texas has a long and storied history. The first electronic music instruments appeared in Texas in the early 19th century, when they were used in military bands. The first known use of the theremin in Texas was in 1913, when it was played at a vaudeville theater in Houston.
In the 1930s, electronic music began to appear on radio and records. The most famous early example is “Strange as It Seems” by Raymond Scott, which was used as the theme for the radio show “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” Other popular songs of the era that featured electronic instruments include “Merrily We Roll Along” by Cab Calloway and “Mysterious Mose” by Joe Haymes.
The first electronic music studio in Texas was built in 1941 at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. It was designed by engineer Harl McDonald and technician Bill sleet. The studio was used for research and to create sound effects for films. In the 1950s, it became home to one of the first Moog synthesizers in the state.
In the 1970s, electronic music began to gain popularity as a form of entertainment, thanks to bands like Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream. This new style of music was played at clubs like Clubfooted Raccoon and 14 Below Zero, which were both located in Houston.
The 1980s saw a resurgence of interest in electronic music, thanks to artists like Devo, Gary Numan, and New Order. Clubs like Axis and Labrynth were popular places to see live shows, and DJs like Felix da Housecat and Richard Vission helped bring house music to a wider audience.
Today, electronic music is more popular than ever, thanks to artists like Skrillex, Deadmau5, and Disclosure. And with festivals like Austin City Limits and SXSW showcasing the best talent from around the world, there’s no doubt that Texas will continue to be a hotbed for this ever-evolving genre.
The rise of electronic dance music in Texas
In the 1970s and 1980s, electronic dance music began to rise in popularity in Texas. This was largely due to the influence of European and American electronic DJs who came to play in the state’s clubs. The style of music that these DJs played was very different from the country and western music that was typically heard in Texas at the time. This new style of music quickly caught on with the state’s young people, and it soon became one of the most popular genres in Texas.
Today, electronic dance music is still one of the most popular genres in Texas. The state is home to a number of famous EDM festivals, including Ultra Music Festival and South by Southwest. These festivals attract some of the biggest names in the EDM world, and they are a great place for Texans to see some of the best DJs in action.
The Different Types of Electronic Music in Texas
Texas is home to a variety of electronic music, from techno to house to trance. The different types of electronic music are often divided by their tempo, with house and techno being the two fastest genres. While there are many electronic music festivals in Texas, the two most popular are SXSW and Ultra Music Festival.
Techno
Techno is a form of electronic dance music (EDM) that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat and often features synthesizers, drum machines, and basslines. Techno is typically produced for use in nightclubs, but it has also been used in film soundtracks and video game soundtracks. The term “techno” can refer to either the music or the subculture that surrounds it.
The earliest known use of the word “techno” in reference to music was in 1988, when British DJ Adam Beyer used it to describe the music he was playing at a club in Glasgow, Scotland. The term quickly gained popularity and was used to describe a wide variety of electronic dance music genres, including house, trance, and breakbeat. In the early 1990s, techno became associated with illegal rave parties in the UK, resulting in its banned by the government. Despite this setback, techno continued to evolve and grow in popularity, with new subgenres such as hard trance and tech trance emerging in the late 1990s.
Today, techno is one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music, with festivals and clubs dedicated to it all over the world. Texas is no exception, with a number of popular techno events taking place each year. If you’re looking to experience this high-energy genre for yourself, be sure to check out some of these events!
House
House is a popular genre of electronic music that originated in the 1980s in Chicago. The style is characterized by a 4/4 time signature, a steady beat, and often features synthesizers and vocoders. House music is often played in clubs and is popular at festivals. Some well-known house musicians include Skrillix, Diplo, and Calvin Harris.
Trance
Trance is a genre of electronic music that developed in the early 1990s in Germany. It is characterized by a tempo of between 125 and 150 beats per minute, repeating melodic phrases, and a musical form that builds up and breaks down throughout the song. The genre was created by DJs who blended elements of house and techno to create a sound that was both hypnotic and energetic. Trance music is often played at nightclubs and festivals, and it has become one of the most popular genres in the world.
The Electronic Music Scene in Texas
The electronic music scene in Texas is huge and there are a lot of different events that you can go to. You can find an event that is right for you and your friends and have a great time. There are also a lot of different genres of electronic music, so you can find the type of music that you like.
The clubs
The electronic music scene in Texas is one of the most vibrant and exciting in the country. From world-renowned festivals like SXSW and Ultra Music Festival to intimate club nights, there is something for everyone.
Texas is home to some of the best clubs in the country, where you can dance the night away to your favorite DJs and producers. Some of the most popular clubs in Texas include:
-Stereo Live: This Houston-based club has two locations, one in Dallas and one in Houston. They offer a variety of genres including EDM, hip-hop, and Top 40.
-Marquee Las Colinas: Located in Irving, this club features a state-of-the-art sound system and a retractable roof for an incredible experience no matter what the weather is like.
-The Bomb Factory: Another Dallas club, The Bomb Factory often hosts world-renowned DJs and producers. They also have an outdoor stage for events like their annual Halloween party.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate club setting or a huge festival experience, Texas has it all.
The festivals
In Texas, there are many different festivals for electronic music lovers of all kinds. Many of these festivals are put on by world-renowned promoters and attract some of the biggest names in the industry. Some of the most popular festivals include Electric Daisy Carnival, Lights All Night, and Freaks Like Me.
Electric Daisy Carnival, or EDC, is an annual three-day music festival that takes place in Dallas. EDC is one of the largest electronic music festivals in the United States, and features a wide variety of electronic music genres. lights All Night is another annual electronic music festival that takes place in Dallas/Fort Worth. This two-day festival features over 50 musical acts and attracts over 35,000 people each year. Freaks Like Me is a smaller electronic music festival that takes place in Austin each year. This one-day festival focuses on underground and experimental electronic music genres.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a lot to know about electronic music in Texas. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the amazing music scene in the Lone Star State. With a little research and planning, you can be sure to have a great time at any of the many electronic music events held throughout Texas.
