Is Electronic Music Dying?
Contents
Is electronic music dying? It’s a valid question with a lot of different opinions. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the potential reasons why electronic music might be in decline and what, if anything, can be done to turn the tide.
The current state of electronic music
Over the past few years, electronic music has become more and more popular. With the rise of streaming services like Spotify and Soundcloud, more people are listening to electronic music than ever before. However, there are some who believe that electronic music is dying.
The rise of streaming services
The rise of streaming services has had a profound impact on the music industry, and electronic music has been no exception. According to a report by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), global revenue from streaming grew by 30% in 2018, while revenue from physical formats declined by 6%. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, as more and more people subscribe to streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.
This shift away from physical formats has had a major impact on electronic music, which has long been associated with CDs and vinyl. In recent years, sales of CDs and vinyl have declined sharply, while digital downloads have also become less popular. As a result, many electronic musicians have been forced to find new ways to monetize their music.
One popular solution has been to release their music on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. This allows them to reach a wide audience without having to sell physical copies of their music. However, it should be noted that streaming platforms typically pay very low royalties to artists, so this is not a particularly lucrative option for most musicians.
Another solution that has gained popularity in recent years is crowdfunding. Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow electronic musicians to pre-sell their albums or raise money for specific projects. This can be an effective way to generate revenue, but it requires a high level of engagement with fans and supporters.
Overall, the current state of electronic music is highly uncertain. The decline of physical formats and the rise of streaming platforms have created new challenges for musicians. However, there are still many opportunities for those who are willing to experiment and think outside the box.
The decline of physical sales
Since the early 2000s, electronic music has been one of the fastest growing genres in the world. But in recent years, there has been a decline in physical sales, with CD sales falling by 50% between 2007 and 2014. Vinyl sales have also been declining, although not as sharply.
This decline is likely due to a combination of factors, including the rise of streaming services, the popularity of downloading and pirating music, and the general decline in interest in physical media.Whatever the reason, it’s clear that electronic music is no longer the dominant force it once was.
The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on the music industry, and electronic music is no exception. The virus has forced festivals and clubs to cancel or postpone their events, and many artists have been forced to cancel or postpone their tours. As a result, the electronic music scene is facing an uncertain future.
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been felt throughout the music industry, but it has hit electronic music particularly hard. Festivals and clubs are the lifeblood of the electronic music scene, and many of them have been forced to cancel or postpone their events. This has had a ripple effect on the entire industry, as many artists have been forced to cancel or postpone their tours. As a result, the electronic music scene is facing an uncertain future.
While the exact consequences of the coronavirus pandemic remain to be seen, it is clear that it will have a significant impact on the electronic music scene. Many festivals and clubs have already been forced to close their doors, and it is likely that more will follow suit in the coming months. This will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the careers of many artists, as well as the revenue of labels and other businesses within the industry. It is still too early to say how long-lasting this effect will be, but it is clear that the coronavirus pandemic is having a profound impact on electronic music.
The future of electronic music
In recent years, electronic music has been on the decline. Sales of electronic music have been falling, and fewer people are going to clubs and festivals to hear it. There are many reasons for this decline, including the rise of streaming services and the popularity of other genres of music. However, electronic music is still popular in some circles, and there are signs that it may make a comeback.
The rise of new genres
In recent years, a number of new genres have been gaining popularity, most notably future bass and trap. Future bass is a genre that combines elements of electropop, synth-pop, and EDM, and is characterized by heavy use of synthesizers and electronic drums. Trap, on the other hand, is a genre that originated in the Southern United States and is characterized by its use of 808 drums, rap vocals, and heavily distorted bass. Both genres have been growing in popularity in recent years, with trap particularly gaining traction among European audiences.
The decline of EDM
It’s no secret that electronic dance music (EDM) has been on the decline in recent years. Attendance at festivals and nightclubs is down, and the once-dominant genre has been eclipsed by hip hop and pop in the charts. Even diehard fans of the genre are starting to lose interest. So, what’s behind the decline of EDM?
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the fall of EDM. First and foremost, the sound of the genre has become stale and repetitive. With only a few exceptions, most EDM sounds alike, and it’s getting boring. Additionally, the culture surrounding EDM has become increasingly commercialized and corporate, which has turned off many fans who were drawn to the music for its underground roots. Finally, there’s been a backlash against “bro culture,” which is closely associated with EDM.
It’s impossible to say for sure whether EDM will ever make a comeback, but for now, it seems like the genre is in decline.
The impact of technology
Technology has undoubtedly had a huge impact on the electronic music scene. In the past, electronic music was mostly created using analogue equipment, which was often expensive and difficult to use. However, thanks to the advent of digital technology, it is now possible for anyone with a computer to create professional sounding electronic music.
This has had a democratising effect on the scene, making it accessible to anyone with an interest in making music. However, some purists argue that this has led to a decline in the quality of music being produced, as anyone can now make a track without any prior knowledge or experience.
There is no doubt that technology has had a major impact on electronic music. Whether this has been positive or negative is up for debate.
