Bass and Electronic Dance Music: What You Need to Know

In this post we’ll explore what you need to know about bass and electronic dance music. We’ll discuss the history, the genres, and the artists that have made this music what it is today.

Introduction

For the uninitiated, electronic dance music (EDM) can be an acquired taste. But for those who enjoy the genre, there’s nothing quite like its high-energy beats and pulsing bass lines. And while EDM is often associated with festivals and nightclubs, it’s also become increasingly popular as a fitness workout soundtrack.

Whether you’re a fan of EDM or simply curious about what all the fuss is about, here’s a rundown of what you need to know about this ever-evolving genre of music.

What is electronic dance music?

EDM is a broad term that covers a wide range of subgenres, such as house, techno, drum and bass, dubstep, and trance. At its core, EDM is characterized by its heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines, and computer-generated sounds. It’s also known for its distinctive 4/4 time signature (meaning there are four beats per measure), which gives the music a consistent, driving beat that’s perfect for dancing.

How did electronic dance music start?

EDM has its roots in 1970s disco music, which was itself heavily influenced by earlier styles like funk and soul. In the 1980s, with the advent of affordable synthesisers and drum machines, EDM began to take shape as a distinct genre. Early pioneers include Giorgio Moroder (considered by many to be the godfather of EDM) and Kraftwerk (Germany’s most famous electronic band).

In the 1990s, EDM experienced something of a renaissance thanks to the popularity of rave culture andclub culture in Europe and North America. Superstar DJs like David Guetta and Tiësto rose to prominence during this time, helping to propel EDM into the mainstream consciousness.

What are some of the most popular EDM subgenres?
As mentioned earlier, EDM covers a wide range of subgenres. Here are some of the most popular:
-House: One of the earliest and most influential subgenres of EDM; characterized by a 4/4 time signature and thumping bassline; often includes elements of disco music; named after Chicago’s Warehouse club where House music first gained popularity in the 1980s
-Techno: A more experimental form of House that places emphasis on atmosphere and rhythm rather than melody; often uses minimalistic composition; developed in Detroit in the 1980s
-Drum & Bass: A high-energy subgenre characterized by its fast tempo (usually 175-185 BPM)and hard-hitting breakbeats; often features syncopated basslines; emerged from UK rave culture in the early 1990s
-Dubstep: A slower form of Drum & Bass that emphasizes bass over anything else; typically between 140-160 BPM; emerged in London in the early 2000s
-Trance: A subgenre characterized by its dreamy melodies and ethereal soundscapes; often features extended breakdown sections where the beat drops out completely; caught on in Europe in the 1990

What is Bass?

Bass is a range of frequencies extending from approximately 20 Hz to 200 Hz. The term is used in a variety of musical genres such as electronic dance music (EDM), dubstep, hip hop, house, techno, and drum and bass. The word “bass” comes from the Latin word bassus, meaning “low.”

The Physics of Sound

Bass is a range of frequencies that extends from about 20 to 200 Hz. The low end of this range is sometimes called sub-bass, while the very lowest frequencies are sometimes called infrasound. The upper end of the bass range can extend beyond 200 Hz, but most people cannot hear these frequencies.

Bass is produced by sounds with a longer wavelength than other frequencies. Low-frequency sounds have long wavelengths, while high-frequency sounds have short wavelengths. The length of a sound wave is determined by its frequency: the lower the frequency, the longer the wavelength.

The human ear is most sensitive to frequencies in the midrange, between about 2 kHz and 5 kHz. However, we can hear bass frequencies as well—we just don’t perceive them as well as other frequencies. This is why bass instruments sound quieter than midrange or treble instruments: they’re producing sound waves that our ears are less sensitive to.

In electronic dance music (EDM), bass is often emphasized using a technique called “sidechain compression.” This type of compression pumps up the volume of the bass whenever there’s a kick drum hit, giving the music its signature “thump.” Sidechain compression is often overused, resulting in a “muddy” sounding mix with too much low end. When used sparingly, however, it can give your tracks more power and punch.

The Perception of Sound

To understand bass, we must first understand the perception of sound. Sound is made when something vibrates. This vibration disturbs the surrounding air molecules, which in turn disturbs the molecules of your ear drum. Your brain interprets these molecular vibrations as sound.

The rate of vibration is called frequency and is measured in Hertz (Hz). The low end of human hearing is 20 Hz while the high end is 20,000 Hz. The range in between these two extremes is called the audible frequency range.

Sub-bass frequencies are those below the range of human hearing (20 Hz). These frequencies can only be felt, not heard. Examples of sub-bass heavy electronic dance music genres include dubstep and Drum and Bass (D&B).

Bass frequencies are those within therange of human hearing (20-20,000 Hz). These frequencies can be heard and felt. Most electronic dance music genres make use of bass frequencies, including House, Techno, Trance and EDM.

The History of Bass

Bass has been around since the beginning of electronic dance music. The first recorded use of bass was in the song “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys. Bass is what gives electronic dance music its unique sound. It is the low frequency sound that you feel more than you hear.

Early Electronic Music

Bass music can trace its origins back to the early days of electronic music. One of the earliest examples is the 1950s composition “Le Cinquième Mouvement” by French composer Pierre Schaeffer. This work featured heavily manipulated recordings of mechanical sounds which were combined to create a new, unique sound.

In the 1960s, electronic music composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen and György Ligeti began experimenting with new ways to create and manipulate sound. This led to the creation of works such as “Hymnen”, an electronic piece which featured manipulated recordings of national anthems from around the world.

During this period, many composers were also experimenting with ways to create music using only synthesizers. This led to the creation of some iconic pieces of electronic music, such as Walter/Wendy Carlos’ “Switched-On Bach” and Isao Tomita’s “Snowflakes Are Dancing”.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that electronic music began to become more danceable. One of the first examples is Kraftwerk’s 1974 album “Autobahn”, which features the iconic title track that would go on to become a dancefloor staple. This was followed by Giorgio Moroder’s work with Donna Summer on the disco classic “I Feel Love”, which featured a groundbreaking synthesizer bassline.

In the 1980s, electronic dance music began to explode in popularity, thanks in part to artists like Afrika Bambaataa, who helped introduce the genre to a wider audience with his 1982 track “Planet Rock”. Hip hop and electro also played a major role in popularising EDM, with artists like Run-DMC and Dr. Dre giving birth to new subgenres like rap-rock and G-funk.

The 1990s saw EDM reach new heights of popularity, thanks in part to the rave culture that swept across Europe and North America. Rave parties were often characterised by their use of pulsating techno beats and psychedelic visuals, and they quickly became a mainstay of youth culture in many countries. Artists like The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers helped bring EDM into the mainstream with their BRIT Award-winning albums “Experience” and “Dig Your Own Hole”.

Today, EDM is more popular than ever before, thanks in part to social media platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube, which have made it easier than ever for aspiring producers to share their music with the world. Major festivals like Ultra Music Festival and Tomorrowland attract hundreds of thousands of people each year, and there is now an endless stream of new talent emerging from all corners of the globe.

The Birth of EDM

Bass music is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is characterized by a deep, Driving bassline and aggressive, often futuristic sound. Bass music has been a major force in the evolution of electronic dance music, and it has played a pivotal role in the development of subgenres like drum & bass, dubstep, and trap.

The earliest examples of bass music can be found in tracks like Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” and Herbie Hancock’s “Rockit.” These tracks incorporated elements of hip-hop, funk, and electro to create a new sound that was perfect for dancing. As the genre developed, producers began to experiment with different tempos and rhythms, resulting in the birth of subgenres like jungle and drum & bass. In the early 2000s, bass music began to cross over into the mainstream with hits like The Prodigy’s “Smack My Bitch Up” and Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You.”

Today, bass music is one of the most popular genres in the world. Thanks to its wide appeal, it has been embraced by everyone from pop stars like Rihanna and Justin Bieber to EDM titans like Skrillex and Bassnectar. There is no doubt that bass music will continue to evolve in the years to come; it is an integral part of electronic dance music culture.

The Future of Bass

Bass music has come a long way since its inception in the late 80s. What was once niche has now become one of the most popular genres in the world. Thanks to the rise of electronic dance music, bass music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. But what is bass music? And where is it headed?

The Evolution of Sound

In the early days of electronic dance music, the sound was basic and often harsh. The goal was simply to make people move, and the music was created to be played in clubs with huge sound systems. Over time, the sound has evolved and become more complex. Producers have started to experiment with different sounds and textures, and the result is a richer, more nuanced sound that can still make you move.

Interestingly, this evolution of sound has coincided with the rise of digital production techniques. With the advent of digital technology, producers have been able to create new sounds that were not possible before. This has allowed them to create music that is both more sophisticated and more accessible.

One of the most important changes in the sound of electronic dance music has been the incorporation of bass. Bass is a key element in many genres of music, but it was historically under-utilized in electronic dance music. This changed in the early 2000s as producers began to experiment with deeper, richer basslines. The result was a new kind of sound that was both heavier and more groove-oriented. This change in sound helped propel electronic dance music into the mainstream.

Today, bass is an essential element of electronic dance music. producers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, creating new sounds that are both powerful and hypnotic. As the sound continues to evolve, we can only imagine what innovations will come next.

The Future of Technology

The industry is always changing, and with that, the sound of bass music is constantly evolving. New technology is one of the driving forces behind this change.

Virtual reality and augmented reality are two examples of new technologies that are starting to have an impact on bass music. While neither of these technologies are new, they are only now starting to be used in music production and performance.

Virtual reality allows producers to create 3D environments that can be explored by listeners. This technology can be used to create immersive experiences that make it feel like you are inside the music.

Augmented reality, on the other hand, is a technology that can be used to add visual elements to a live performance. This could include anything from lasers and projections to holograms.

While both of these technologies are still in their early stages, they have the potential to change the way we experience bass music.