Native American Electronic Dance Music You Need to Hear

Here are three contemporary Native American electronic dance music producers you need to hear.

Introduction

The term “electronic dance music” (EDM) is interchangeably used with a wide variety of genres, including but not limited to house, techno, trance, drum and bass, dubstep and more. While most EDM is associated with nightlife culture and clubbing culture, there’s an emerging subgenre of EDM that is influenced by Native American music and traditions.

This subgenre is sometimes referred to as “Native American Electronic Dance Music” or “NAEDM.” NAEDM artists often incorporate traditional Native American instrumentation and influences into their music, giving it a unique sound that sets it apart from other genres of EDM.

If you’re looking for something new and exciting to listen to, here are 10 NAEDM artists you need to check out:

A Brief History of Native American Electronic Dance Music

Indigenous electronic dance music or ” Native American Electronic Dance Music” (NAEDM) is a genre of music that has developed since the late 1990s among Indigenous peoples in the United States and Canada. The style is particularly popular among Native American youth and has been described as a “fusion of traditional and contemporary Native American music.”

NAEDM is characterized by its use of traditional drumming and singing, as well as modern electronic production techniques. The genre often features rap and hip-hop elements, and is typically played at powwows, festivals, and other social gatherings.

NAEDM began to emerge in the late 1990s, with artists like DJ APL-Deer, Red Thunder, and Saskatchewan-based group A Tribe Called Red gaining popularity. In recent years, the genre has continued to grow in popularity, with artists like Northern Cree, Black Lodge Singers, and Soular Order becoming well-known names in the NAEDM community.

If you’re looking to explore this unique and exciting genre of music, check out our list of 10 essential NAEDM tracks below.

The Genres of Native American Electronic Dance Music

There are many different genres of music that can be classified as Native American electronic dance music. These genres include: house, techno, trance, drum and bass, and dubstep. Each genre has its own unique sound and style.

Powwow Step

Powwow step is a Native American electronic dance music genre that is characterized by its use of traditional Powwow drumming and singing, as well as modern electronic music production elements. The genre emerged in the early 2000s, and has since gained popularity among Native American youth and powwow enthusiasts.

Trap

Trap is a sub-genre of hip-hop that originated in the early 2000s in the Southern United States. The style is typified by heavy bass and drums, often with 808 percussion, as well as gangsta rap-influenced lyrics. Other elements include high-pitched synth leads and vocal samples.

Crunk

Crunk is a music genre that is associated with the Southern United States, which is typified by its aggressive lyrics and ‘marching’ sound. The style often features an 808 drum machine and/or distorted guitars. Crunk became popular in the early 2000s when it was adopted by mainstream hip hop artists such as Lil Jon, Ying Yang Twins, and Trick Daddy. The genre then spread to the mainstream pop market via artists such as Soulja Boy and Miley Cyrus.

Notable Native American Electronic Dance Music Artists

With a rich history and diversity, it’s no surprise that the Native American electronic dance music scene is thriving. From the traditional powwow to modern clubs, these artists are creating a sound all their own. Here are some notable Native American electronic dance music artists you need to hear.

A Tribe Called Red

A Tribe Called Red is a group of three Native American DJs from Ottawa, Canada. The group is made up of Bear Witness, DJ Shub and Ian “DJ NDN” Campeau. Their music is a mix of electronic dance music and traditional powwow drumming and singing, which they call “powwow step”. The group has been nominated for several Juno Awards, and their album We Are the Halluci Nation won the Juno Award for Electronic Album of the Year in 2017.

Supaman

Supaman is a Native American rapper and producer from the Crow Nation in Montana. He is best known for his funny, upbeat songs about life on the reservation, as well as his powerful and moving anthems about social justice and Native American rights. As a DJ and producer, Supaman often incorporates traditional Native American music into his electronic dance tracks, giving them a unique and beautiful sound.

DJ Shub

Aaron Paquette, better known as DJ Shub, is a First Nations DJ and producer from Canada. He is a three-time Canadian DMC champion and was a member of the Juno Award-winning group A Tribe Called Red. He has released two solo albums, including his most recent, Powwow Step, which blends powwow music with electronic dance music.

Conclusion

As we continue to see an increase in the popularity of electronic dance music, it is important to remember that the genre has its roots in many different cultures. Native American electronic dance music is some of the most innovative and exciting music being made today, and we encourage you to explore it for yourself. Thanks for reading!