The Best Electronic Dance Music Labels
Contents
We’ve rounded up the best EDM labels from around the world, so you can find the music that moves you.
Defining Electronic Dance Music
Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, is a broad range of percussive electronic genres produced largely for nightclubs, raves and festivals. EDM is generally produced for playback by DJs who create seamless selections of tracks, called a mix, by segueing from one recording to another.
What is Electronic Dance Music?
Electronic Dance Music, or EDM as it’s sometimes called, is a broad range of percussive electronic music genres made largely for nightclubs, raves and festivals. It is generally produced for playback by DJs who create seamless selections of tracks, called a mix, by segueing from one recorded song to another.
EDM producers also perform their music live in concert settings in what is sometimes called a DJ set. A DJ set at a club or rave will often involve the performer mixing together different records to create a continuous flow of music. Some EDM artists use computer programs to arrange their tracks before they perform them live.
The term “electronic dance music” encompasses a wide variety of styles. House music, techno, drum and bass, dubstep, and trance are all subgenres of EDM.
The Different Types of Electronic Dance Music
Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, is a broad range of percussive electronic music genres made largely for nightclubs, raves, and festivals. EDM is generally produced for playback by disc jockeys (DJs) who create seamless selections of tracks, called a mix by segueing from one recording to another.
The earliest form of electronic dance music was created in the late 1970s by pioneers like Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder and Yellow Magic Orchestra. These artists experimented with new technologies like the synthesizer and the drum machine to create totally new sounds that had never been heard before.
During the 1980s, a second wave of EDM artists arose, this time led by English musicians like Depeche Mode, New Order and Duran Duran. These artists combined traditional instruments like guitars and drums with synthesizers to create a new breed of pop music that would go on to dominate the charts in the UK and Europe.
In the early 1990s, a third wave of EDM emerged from America. This time, producers like Moby and The Prodigy combined elements of techno and house with an aggressive style that appealed to a young audience. This brand of electronic dance music became known as rave music, and it quickly spread from America to Europe and Asia.
Today, electronic dance music has evolved into a truly global phenomenon, with artists from all over the world experimenting with new sounds and styles. While some purists may argue that EDM has lost its way in recent years, there is no denying that it continues to be one of the most popular genres of music in the world.
The Best Electronic Dance Music Labels
There are many great electronic dance music labels out there. These labels specialize in a variety of different genres, and they all have something unique to offer. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best electronic dance music labels. We’ll be discussing what makes these labels stand out, and we’ll also be highlighting some of their most popular releases.
Spinnin’ Records
Spinnin’ Records is a Dutch record label founded in 1999 by Eelko van Kooten and Roger de Graaf. The label focuses on releasing and promoting electronic dance music. The name Spinnin’ refers to the Dutch word for “turning”, as in spinning records on a turntable.
The label has released music by a variety of artists, including Afrojack, Tiesto, Martin Garrix, Oliver Heldens, Duke Dumont, and Hardwell. In 2013, the label was acquired by Warner Music Group.
Spinnin’ Records has been nominated for a Grammy Award and has won several IDMAs. The label has also been named “Label of the Year” at the International Dance Music Awards.
Monstercat
Monstercat is a Canadian independent electronic dance music record label based in Vancouver, British Columbia. founded in July 2011 by Mike Darlington and Ari Paunonen, the label releases a variety of genres within electronic music, primarily dubstep, electronic rock and synthpop. Notable artists currently signed to Monstercat include Pegboard Nerds, Tristam, Rootkit and Stephen Walking. In 2016, the label began releasing songs on a weekly basis on their YouTube channel instead of the traditional single release once every two weeks. In March 2018 Monstercat released their 1000th song “Boundless” by Aero Chord & Francis Legge
OWSLA
OWSLA is a world-renowned record label and creative collective founded by Skrillex. The label boast a roster of talented artists including Porter Robinson, Madeon, A-Trak, and more. OWSLA has released music across a wide range of genres, from dubstep and Trap to future bass and beyond.
Dim Mak Records
Dim Mak Records is an American record label founded by Steve Aoki in 1996. The label has released music by electronic artists such as Bloc Party, The Bloody Beetroots, MSTRKRFT, and Felix Cartal. Dim Mak has also been home to bands like The Death Set and Mystery Jets. In addition to music, Dim Mak also organizes events and runs a clothing line.
mau5trap
Mau5trap is a Canadian record label founded by electronic music producer deadmau5. The label is based in Toronto, Canada and was founded in 2007. Mau5trap’s releases are predominantly in the electronic dance music genres of progressive house, electro house, and dubstep.
The label has released albums and singles from deadmau5, Feed Me, Dillon Francis, Chris Lake, Foreign Beggars, Gregori Klosman, Zedd, Noisia, and many others. In February 2012, mau5trap launched a sub-label called “mau5ling” which focuses on releasing tech house and deep house music. The first release on mau5ling was “The Veldt” EP by deadmau5 and Chris James.
The Future of Electronic Dance Music
The Rise of Virtual Reality in Electronic Dance Music
As electronic dance music continues to grow in popularity, so does the use of virtual reality technology. More and more EDM festivals and clubs are using VR to give their fans an immersive experience.
VR allows festival-goers to be transported to another world where they can watch their favorite DJs perform in 360 degrees. They can also explore the festival grounds and interact with other fans.
Some of the biggest names in EDM have already started to experiment with VR, including Tiesto, Skrillex, and deadmau5. These artists are using VR to create new and innovative live performances that will blow your mind.
So what does the future hold for VR in EDM? It’s hard to say for sure, but one thing is certain: the possibilities are endless. So put on your VR headset and get ready to experience the future of electronic dance music!
The Evolution of Electronic Dance Music Festivals
In the past decade, electronic dance music festivals have become increasingly popular and mainstream. They now attract not only dedicated fans of the genre, but also those who simply enjoy a good party. As the popularity of these festivals has grown, so has their scope and scale.
Today, electronic dance music festivals are some of the most popular and well-attended events in the world. In 2017, Ultra Music Festival in Miami sold out its tickets in just 60 minutes. Coachella, another huge festival, had an attendance of nearly 250,000 people in 2016.
As electronic dance music continues to grow in popularity, it’s likely that these festivals will only become more common and more expansive. In the future, we can expect to see more huge international events, as well as smaller regional festivals catering to a local audience. We may also see a further increase in the variety of genres represented at these festivals, as electronic music continues to evolve and branch out into new subgenres and subcultures.
