How Electronic Dance Music Took Over MTV in the ’80s
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How Electronic Dance Music Took Over MTV in the ’80s
MTV used to be all about music videos. But in the ’80s, a new genre of music began to take over: electronic dance music. Here’s how it happened.
MTV’s History with Electronic Dance Music
In the early ’80s, MTV was filled with music videos from popular artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince. However, there was a new genre of music that was starting to become popular: electronic dance music. This type of music was popular in clubs, and it wasn’t long before MTV started airing videos for songs like “Planet Rock” and “Dance, Dance, Dance.” By the mid-’80s, electronic dance music was one of the most popular genres on MTV.
The early days of MTV
MTV’s first electronic dance music show was “Club MTV,” which aired on weekends in the early 1980s. The show featured music videos from popular electronic artists of the time, including Missing Persons, Devo, New Order, and Front 242. “Club MTV” was popular among viewers, but it was not without its critics. Some viewers felt that the show was too heavily focused on European artists, and that it did not reflect the growing popularity of electronic dance music in the United States.
In response to these criticisms, MTV began airing “The Party Zone” in the late 1980s. “The Party Zone” was a half-hour long show that featured music videos from popular American electronic dance artists, including 808 State, Deee-Lite, and Naughty by Nature. The show was a hit with viewers, and it helped to increase the popularity of electronic dance music in the United States.
MTV continued to air various electronic dance music shows throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including “AMP,” “Direct Effect,” and ” Highly suspicious.” In recent years, however, MTV has largely stopped airing shows dedicated to electronic dance music. This is likely due to the fact that MTV’s target demographic has shifted away from young adults and towards teenagers in recent years.
The ’80s and the rise of electronic dance music
MTV’s history with electronic dance music is a long and complicated one. The network helped to popularize the genre in the United States in the early 1980s, but then largely abandoned it in favor of other genres in the late 1980s and 1990s. In recent years, MTV has made a renewed effort to embrace electronic dance music, and it has been rewarded with strong ratings and enthusiastic audiences.
MTV’s first foray into electronic dance music came in 1981, when the network began airing “Club MTV,” a weekly show that featured music videos by popular DJs such as John Travolta and Sandy Martiny. “Club MTV” was an instant hit, and it helped to introduce electronic dance music to a wider audience. However, the show only lasted for one year, and MTV would not return to electronic dance music until 1987.
In 1987, MTV debuted “Club Lonely Hearts,” another weekly show that featured music videos by popular DJs. “Club Lonely Hearts” was even more successful than “Club MTV,” and it helped to solidify MTV’s reputation as a destination for electronic dance music. The show ran for two years before being cancelled in 1989.
In the early 1990s, MTV began airing “The Grind,” a daily show that featured music videos by popular DJs. “The Grind” was a huge success, and it helped to keep electronic dance music on MTV’s radar. However, the show was cancelled in 1995 due to declining ratings.
In recent years, MTV has made a renewed effort to embrace electronic dance music. In 2011, the network launched “EDMtv,” a 24-hour channel that is devoted to electronic dance music. “EDMtv” has been a hit with viewers, and it has help to bring electronic dance music back to MTV’s mainstream audience.
How Electronic Dance Music Took Over MTV in the ’80s
In the early ’80s, MTV was on the cutting edge of music, showcasing new artists and styles from all over the world. However, by the mid-’80s, the channel had become stagnant, only playing music by white, male rock bands. That all changed in 1987 when DJ Paul Oakenfold curated a groundbreaking dance music show called The Power Hour. The show was an instant hit, and it helped to launch the careers of many EDM artists.
The popularity of electronic dance music
MTV’s coverage of electronic dance music in the 1980s was essential in its rise to popularity. The network began airing “Club MTV” in 1986, which featured music videos from popular dance clubs around the country. The show helped to introduce electronic dance music to a wider audience and gave artists like Madonna and Michael Jackson a platform to reach new fans.
As the popularity of electronic dance music grew, MTV began airing more shows dedicated to the genre. “The Grind” was a half-hour show that aired twice a day and featured music videos, interviews, and dance routines. “Dance Party USA” was another half-hour show that aired on weekends and featured interviews with popular DJs and performances by up-and-coming artists.
MTV’s dedication to covering electronic dance music paid off. By the early 1990s, the genre was one of the most popular genres on the network. MTV even began airing live coverage of major dance music events, such as Winter Music Conference and Ultra Music Festival.
The influence of electronic dance music on MTV
In the early ’80s, MTV was struggling to find its place. The network had been on the air for a few years, but it was still mostly music videos and not much else. Then, in 1981, everything changed. That’s when MTV aired its first electronic dance music video, “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles.
From that moment on, MTV began to change. More and more electronic dance music videos began to air on the network, and soon MTV became the go-to place for EDM fans. In the ’80s, MTV helped to launch the careers of many EDM artists, including Depeche Mode, New Order, Duran Duran, Erasure, Madonna, and more.
Today, EDM is more popular than ever before. Thanks in part to MTV’s influence in the ’80s, electronic dance music has become a global phenomenon.
The Future of Electronic Dance Music on MTV
In the ’80s, electronic dance music took over MTV with its catchy beats and colorful visuals. Now, with the resurgence of EDM, MTV is once again embracing the genre. But what does the future hold for EDM on MTV? Only time will tell.
The continued popularity of electronic dance music
In the 1980s, electronic dance music took over MTV with a new wave of artists that blended synthesizers and drum machines with traditional pop song structures. This new genre, which came to be known as EDM, would go on to become one of the most popular genres in the world.
Today, EDM is still going strong, with some of the biggest names in music coming from the genre. In fact, many of today’s biggest pop stars got their start in EDM, including Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga.
What is it about EDM that has made it so popular? One key factor is its ability to bring people together. At its best, EDM is all about unity and community, two things that are sorely needed in today’s world.
EDM is also extremely versatile. It can be used for both positive and negative emotions, making it perfect for any situation. Whether you’re looking to party all night or just want to relax and unwind, there’s an EDM song for you.
Finally, EDM is always evolving. With new technology comes new possibilities, and there’s always something new around the corner in the world of EDM. From festivals to nightclubs to your own living room, there’s no limit to where you can enjoy this genre of music.
The influence of electronic dance music on MTV
In the early ’80s, MTV changed the face of music forever. The new channel quickly became a force to be reckoned with, thanks in part to its willingness to play music that other channels wouldn’t touch. This included a new genre of music that was just beginning to make waves: electronic dance music.
MTV helped to legitimize EDM and propel it into the mainstream. The channel’s constant rotation of videos by artists like New Order, Depeche Mode, and Front 242 exposed a whole new audience to the possibilities of dance music. In the process, MTV helped make EDM one of the most popular genres in the world.
Today, electronic dance music is more popular than ever. Thanks in part to MTV’s early support, EDM has grown into a global phenomenon with no signs of slowing down.
