Why Electronic Dance Music Should Not Be Considered Mainstream
Contents
EDM has long been considered a fringe genre, but it’s slowly but surely infiltrated the mainstream. Here’s why that’s not necessarily a good thing.
Introduction
EDM, or Electronic Dance Music, has been around for decades, but it has only recently begun to be considered mainstream. There are a number of reasons why this is the case, but the most important one is that EDM is simply not as accessible as other genres of music. It is harder to find EDM tracks on the radio or on popular streaming services like Spotify, and it is also less likely to be played at mainstream clubs and festivals.
This is not to say that EDM is not popular – far from it. In recent years, there have been a number of hugely successful EDM artists, including Calvin Harris and David Guetta. However, the genre still has a long way to go before it can truly be considered mainstream.
What is electronic dance music?
Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, is a genre of music that is characterized by a strong beat and a repetitive melody. It is often produced with the help of electronic instruments, such as synthesizers, drum machines, and turntables. EDM is typically played in nightclubs, festivals, and parties.
Some people believe that EDM should not be considered mainstream because it is not as accessible as other genres of music. For example, EDM is often produced with the help of expensive equipment that may not be affordable for everyone. In addition, EDM can be difficult to understand if you are not familiar with the genre.
The history of electronic dance music
Electronic dance music has its origins in the early 1970s, when electronic music artists began experimenting with synthesizers and other electronic devices. This new style of music quickly gained popularity in nightclubs and soon spread to other venues, such as festivals and concerts.
In the 1980s, electronic dance music became more mainstream, with artists such as Madonna and Michael Jackson incorporating it into their songs. However, it was not until the 1990s that electronic dance music really took off, with the help of DJs like David Guetta and Calvin Harris.
Today, electronic dance music is one of the most popular genres of music in the world, and its popularity does not seem to be waning anytime soon.
The rise of electronic dance music
In recent years, electronic dance music (EDM) has become increasingly popular, with festivals such as Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival attracting hundreds of thousands of music fans from all over the world.
However, some people argue that EDM should not be considered mainstream music. One reason for this is that EDM is often seen as being too commercialised. For example, many popular EDM songs are made by producers who have been signed to major record labels, and these songs are often played on mainstream radio stations.
Another reason why EDM should not be considered mainstream is that it is not widely accepted by older generations. For example, many older people view EDM as beingtoo noisy or repetitive. In contrast, genres such as rock and pop are seen as being more “respectable” forms of music.
Finally, some people argue that EDM is not truly “artistic”. This is because a lot of popular EDM songs use simple moving patterns and chord progressions, which can be easily reproduced by computer software. In contrast, genres such as jazz and classical music are seen as being more complex and “artistic”.
The popularity of electronic dance music
The popularity of electronic dance music has grown exponentially in recent years. More and more people are attending festivals and listening to DJs spin at clubs. While this genre of music was once considered underground, it is now saturating the mainstream market.
However, many purists argue that electronic dance music should not be considered mainstream. They argue that the music is not truly representative of the genre and that it has been watered down to appeal to a wider audience.
There are several reasons why electronic dance music should not be considered mainstream. First, the music is often repetitive and lack innovation. Second, it is often geared towards a club setting, which excludes a large portion of the population. Finally, mainstream electronic dance music is often criticized for being shallow and commercialized.
While electronic dance music may be popular, it does not mean that it should be considered mainstream. The genre has many detractors who argue that the music is unoriginal and geared towards a small audience. Until these issues are addressed, electronic dance music will remain on the fringe of the mainstream market.
The criticism of electronic dance music
Since the early 2000s, electronic dance music has been increasingly criticized by mainstream music media. This is primarily due to the popularity of the genre among young people, as well as its association with drug culture.
EDM has been accused of being “mindless,” “repetitive,” and “cookie-cutter.” Critics have also claimed that the music is too loud and bass-heavy, and that it lacks the emotional depth of other genres.
Some of these criticisms are valid. However, they should not be used to dismiss EDM as a whole. The genre is incredibly diverse, and there are many artists who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible within it.
Yes, some electronic dance music is repetitive and formulaic. But so is a lot of pop music, rock music, and even classical music. And yes, EDM can be loud and bass-heavy. But so can metal music.
The bottom line is this: electronic dance music should not be judged solely on its worst examples. There is a lot of great EDM out there, and it deserves to be heard.
The future of electronic dance music
It seems like everywhere you look, electronic dance music has infiltrated the mainstream. From Top 40 radio to commercials, EDM has become inescapable. Even though the genre has been around for decades, it has only recently exploded in popularity. And with this newfound mainstream success comes a lot of criticism from naysayers who claim that EDM is nothing more than noise.
But those who love EDM know that there is so much more to the genre than meets the eye. It is a complex and nuanced form of music that can be emotionally moving and intellectually stimulating. Ultimately, it is a genre that should be respected and not ridiculed.
Here are four reasons why electronic dance music should not be considered mainstream:
1) It is still niche
Yes, electronic dance music may be gaining in popularity, but it is still very much a niche genre. It appeals to a specific audience and is not yet universally accepted by the masses. This is evident in the fact that EDM festivals are still mostly attended by diehard fans, rather than casual listeners.
2) It is complex and diverse
Contrary to popular belief, electronic dance music is not all just 4/4 beats and synth noises. The genre is actually quite complex and diverse, with many subgenres and sub-subgenres. To truly appreciate EDM, one needs to have a deep understanding of the different styles and how they intermix. This level of knowledge and appreciation takes time and effort – something that most casual listeners are not willing to invest.
3) It requires an open mind
EDM can be challenging for those who are used to traditional forms of music such as rock or pop. The sounds and structures can often be unfamiliar and hard to wrap your head around. This is why many people dismiss EDM as being “weird” or “noisy” – they simply haven’t taken the time to understand it. To truly appreciate electronic dance music, one needs to have an open mind and be willing to let go of preconceived notions about what music should sound like.
4) It is not commercialized…yet
The commercialization of Electronic Dance Music is inevitable – but it hasn’t happened yet on a large scale. For now, the genre remains relatively underground, which gives it a sense of authenticity and integrity. But as soon as corporations start jumping on the EDM bandwagon (which they inevitably will), the pureness of the genre will be lost forever. So enjoy it while you can!
