What is Electronic Non-Dance Music?

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Electronic Non-Dance Music, or ENDM, is a genre of music that originated in the early 1990s. ENDM is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and synthesizers, as well as its lack of traditional song structure.

Introduction

Electronic non-dance music (EDM) is a catch-all term for various genres of electronically produced music that are often characterized by their lack of traditional song structure and pop sensibilities. Although EDM is sometimes used interchangeably with terms like “electronica” or “electronic body music,” the truth is that there is no one definitive sound that can be classified as EDM. Instead, the term encompasses a wide range of styles, from relatively mainstream pop-oriented acts like Calvin Harris and David Guetta to more underground performers like Aphex Twin and Burial.

Because of its diversity, EDM can be difficult to define, but there are a few key elements that are common to most (if not all) forms of the genre. First and foremost, EDM is almost always entirely produced using electronic instruments and software; although some artists may use acoustic instrumentation as well, it is typically only used sparingly, if at all. Additionally, EDM music is often (but not always) designed to be danced to, and as such, it often features repetitive beats and rhythms. Finally, many forms of EDM are distinguished by their use of “drops” – brief moments characterized by an increase in tempo or volume – which are designed to get dancers moving and keep them engaged.

What is Electronic Non-Dance Music?

Electronic non-dance music, or EMD, is a type of electronic music that is not intended for dancing. This type of music often has a slower tempo and is more mellow than dance music. EMD can include genres such as ambient, trip hop, and downtempo. This type of music is often relaxing and can be great for studying or working.

The History of Electronic Non-Dance Music

It is impossible to pinpoint the exact origins of electronic non-dance music, as it emerged from a variety of different genres and styles. However, many experts trace the roots of this type of music back to the early days of electronic music itself.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, composers such as Erik Satie, Claude Debussy, and Edgar Varése were experimenting with new ways to create sound using electronic instruments. These composers were influenced by contemporarypainters such as Wassily Kandinsky, who believed that music should be abstract and not tied to any specific emotion or meaning.

This idea of abstraction in music would go on to be a defining characteristic of electronic non-dance music. In the 1960s, composers such as Steve Reich and Terry Riley further explored the possibilities of electronics in music, creating minimalistic pieces that were built around repetitive patterns. This new style of music was often criticized for being too simple or cold, but it nonetheless laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most important genres in electronic music.

In the 1970s, Kraftwerk’s album Autobahn popularized a more accessible form of electronic music that incorporated elements of pop and rock. This new style would come to be known as “krautrock”, and it would serve as an important influence on subsequent electronic genres. Krautrock artists like Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, and Can continued to push the boundaries of what could be done with electronics in music, experimenting with longer song structures and more complex soundscapes.

During the same period, another group of artists was exploring a more experimental approach to electronics in music. These artists, who came to be known as “ambient” musicians, included Brian Eno and Robert Fripp. Ambient musicians focused on creating long-form pieces that were meant to be listened to in a relaxed state or even while sleeping. This new genre was inspired by Satie’s concept of “furniture music”, which Eno would later cite as a major influence.

The 1980s saw the rise of dance culture, and electronic dance music began to gain popularity around the world. However, there was also a growing underground scene of artists who were opposed to this trend and instead sought to create more thoughtful and introspective work. These artists helped pioneer what would come to be known as “intelligent dance music”, or IDM for short. IDM artists like Aphex Twin and Autechre experimented with complex rhythms and icy soundscapes, creating a style of electronic non-dancemusic that was distinctly their own

The Development of Electronic Non-Dance Music

The development of electronic non-dance music can be traced back to the early 1970s, when electronic music artists began experimenting with ways to create music without using traditional instruments. This new type of music quickly gained popularity among clubgoers and eventually became known as house music. In the 1980s, techno and trance music emerged as two more popular genres of electronic non-dance music. Today, there are countless different genres of electronic non-dance music, each with its own unique sound and style.

The Different Types of Electronic Non-Dance Music

Electronic non-dance music, also known as END, is a type of music that is mostly produced by computers. This type of music is usually created by artists who are not interested in making commercial music. END can be divided into various subgenres, each with its own unique style.

Techno

Techno is a type of electronic non-dance music that emerged in the late 1980s. It is characterized by a heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines, and a sparse, stripped-down aesthetic. Techno is often associated with the rave culture and is known for its hard-hitting, repetitive beats.

House

In the 1980s, a new type of electronic music emerged from the clubs of Chicago. It was called house, named after the Warehouse club where DJ Frankie Knuckles played his regular Saturday night gig. House music is characterized by a 4/4 beat and minimal song structure. The typical house track will have a repetitive bass line, a few synthesizer chords, and a drum machine rhythm.

Drum and Bass

Drum and bass (also written as “drum ‘n’ bass” or “d’n’b”) is a genre of electronic music characterised by fast breakbeats with heavy bass and sub-bass lines, sampled sources, and synthesizers. The popularity of drum and bass at its commercial peak ran parallel to several other homegrown dance styles in the United Kingdom including big beat and hard house. Drum and bass incorporates a number of styles including jungle, breakcore, ragga jungle, darkstep, techstep, neurofunk, ambient drum and bass, drill ‘n’ bass (a distinctly American style), hardcore techno (an earlier style 1991–1993 performed at raves), and wonky music.

The genre broke into mainstream popularity in the United Kingdom in 1994 with artists such as Goldie and Jungle Brothers. London-based record label Moving Shadow helped to determine the EP producers who would achieve success in the genre such as Grooverider and Hyper on Experience. Drum and bass then followed suit into a more commercialized form with artists such as M People’s “How Can I Love You More?”, Shy FX’s “Original Nuttah”, Roni Size/Reprazent’s “Brown Paper Bag”, Amos & Andy’s “Roots N Future”, Danny Breaks’ “Jungle Warfare”, DJ Zinc’s “Super Sharp Shooter” (later re-released on Atlantic Records with vocals by Ms Dynamite), Smith & Mighty’s “Bass Chronicles”, DJ Die & Interface’s “Bright Lights”. Non-dance focused subgenres began to emerge from the mid-1990s onwards into singles (“big beat”), happy hardcore (“nu skool breaks”), leftfield(“electro”), mashed up pop (“trip hop”) , rock infused(“nu metal”) , deep & dark(“minimal drum &andbass”), jazz influenced(“jazzstep”) , D&B influenced hip hop(“loadstone” or”optical beats)

Pioneering producer goldie popularized the use of timestretching / pitchshifting technology on dnb tracks with 1995 release timeless which not only set a precedent for all dark dnb / neurofunk productions that followed but also raised public awareness of the potential of electronic manipulation of recorded sound . This technique had been used sporadically in other genres prior to this point but never so extensively or creatively .

The Future of Electronic Non-Dance Music

Electronic Non-Dance Music, or ENDM, is a genre of music that emerged in the early 21st century. It is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and non-danceable rhythms.

ENDM is a relatively new genre, and its future is uncertain. Some believe that it will continue to grow in popularity, while others think that it will eventually be replaced by other genres of electronic music. Only time will tell what the future of ENDM holds.

Conclusion

From what has been discussed above, we can conclude that electronic non-dance music is a type of music that is produced electronically, and does not necessarily contain any danceable elements. This genre can be distinguished from other genres such as EDM or techno, which often do focus on creating a danceable atmosphere. While electronic non-dance music may not be created specifically for dancing, it can still be enjoyed by listeners who appreciate its other musical qualities.

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