The Best Documentaries About Electronic Dance Music

A look at the best documentaries about electronic dance music that provide insight into the culture, DJs, and fans.

What is Electronic Dance Music?

Electronic Dance Music, also known as EDM, is a type of music that is typically produced by DJs and used in nightclubs, festivals, and raves. The music is often characterized by its fast tempo, repetitive beats, and synthesized sounds. Some of the most popular EDM genres include trance, techno, house, drum and bass, and dubstep.

The History of Electronic Dance Music

Documentaries about electronic dance music have been around almost as long as the genre itself. From early films like ‘Raving Iran’ to modern classics like ‘Underground UK’ and ‘Pump Up the Volume’, these films offer a fascinating look at the people and cultures that make up this vibrant global scene.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting started, these documentaries offer an insightful and entertaining introduction to the world of electronic dance music.

The Culture of Electronic Dance Music

Electronic dance music has its roots in the underground club culture of the late 20th century. In the 1990s, as rave culture began to enter the mainstream, EDM began to gain popularity as a form of musical expression. Today, EDM is a global phenomenon, with festivals and clubs devoted to the genre popping up all over the world.

Those who love EDM often speak of the sense of community and togetherness that the music fosters. It is not uncommon for strangers to become friends at an EDM event, as the shared love of the music creates a sense of bonding among attendees. This feeling of community is one of the things that makes EDM so special.

The documentaries on this list explore different aspects of EDM culture, from its history to its present-day incarnation. If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating genre of music, these are the films you need to watch.

The Music of Electronic Dance Music

Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, is a genre of music that is created using electronic instruments and equipment. It is often characterized by a fast tempo, repetitive beats, and synth-heavy melodies. EDM has its roots in the club culture of the 1970s and 80s, when DJs began using electronic instruments to create new sounds. In the 1990s, techno and house music emerged as the most popular genres of EDM. Today, EDM has evolved into a wide variety of subgenres, including dubstep, electro house, and trance.

Over the past decade, EDM has become increasingly popular in the mainstream music world. Some of the most popular EDM artists include Calvin Harris, Avicii, Skrillex, anddeadmau5. In addition to these artists, there are also many successful EDM producers and DJs who have made a name for themselves in the world of electronic dance music.

If you’re interested in learning more about electronic dance music, there are a number of excellent documentaries that explore this exciting genre of music. Here are some of the best documentaries about electronic dance music:

1. “Rave New World” (2001)
This documentary explores the history and culture of electronic dance music. It features interviews with some of the biggest names in EDM, including Paul Oakenfold and Carl Cox.

2. “Movement” (2003)
“Movement” is a documentary that takes an inside look at Detroit’s techno scene. It features interviews with some of Detroit’s most famous techno artists, including Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson.

3.” Techno!” (2004)
This documentary explores the history and evolution of techno music. It features interviews with some of techno’s pioneers, including Richie Hawtin and Derrick May.

4.” What We Started” (2017)
This documentary looks at the rise of electronic dance music and its impact on pop culture. It features interviews with some of the biggest names in EDM, including Calvin Harris and Martin Garrix.

The Best Documentaries About Electronic Dance Music

If you’re looking for the best documentaries about electronic dance music, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll find a list of the best documentaries about EDM, as well as a little bit about each one.

“Pump Up the Volume”

Pump Up the Volume is a 2017 American documentary film about the history of electronic dance music (EDM). The film features interviews with some of the biggest names in the EDM scene, including Tiësto, Skrillex, Steve Aoki, and deadmau5. It chronicles the rise of EDM from its underground beginnings to its current status as a global phenomenon.

“Rave”

Rave is a 1990 British documentary film directed by Kevin McAlea and Paul Oakenfold. The film deals with the then emerging rave culture in the United Kingdom and the major contributing factors that helped make it so popular. The film was successful in conveying the sense of belonging that many ravers felt towards the culture, as well as highlighting some of the more negative aspects, such as problems with drug use.

“Groove”

Although “Groove” is often cited as one of the best documentaries about electronic dance music, it’s actually more of a history lesson than a behind-the-scenes look at the genre. The film chronicles the emergence of house and techno music in Chicago and Detroit in the 1980s, and features interviews with some of the key figures in the scene, including Frankie Knuckles, Jeff Mills and Derrick May. If you’re looking for a more personal look at the life of a DJ, check out “Pump Up the Volume,” which follows Scottish DJ Calvin Harris as he tries to make it in the competitive world of EDM.

“The Party’s Just Beginning”

“The Party’s Just Beginning” is a 2018 documentary about the electronic dance music scene. The film features interviews with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Skrillex, Tiësto, and Steve Aoki. It chronicles the rise of EDM and the challenges it has faced in recent years.

“I Am Hardwell”

I Am Hardwell is a 2013 documentary film about the life and career of Dutch DJ and producer Robbert van de Corput, better known by his stage name Hardwell. The film chronicles Hardwell’s rise to prominence, from his early days as a bedroom DJ to his headlining sets at some of the world’s biggest music festivals. I Am Hardwell is an intimate look at the man behind the music, as well as a fascinating insight into the electronic dance music industry.