Electronic Dance Music 101 – The Basics

Are you new to the world of Electronic Dance Music? If so, then this blog post is for you! Here we will cover the basics of EDM, including what it is, where it came from, and some of the most popular genres and sub-genres. By the end of this post, you should have a good understanding of the basics of EDM.

What is EDM?

Contrary to popular belief, electronic dance music (EDM) is not a new genre of music. In fact, its roots can be traced back to the 1970s when artists like Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder started experimenting with synthesizers and drum machines. These early pioneers laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most popular genres of music in the world today.

So, what exactly is EDM? It is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of sub-genres, each with its own distinct sound and style. Some of the most popular sub-genres include house, techno, trance, bass music and dubstep. No matter what sub-genre you prefer, one thing is for sure – EDM is all about making people move!

If you’re new to the world of EDM, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with our electronic dance music 101 guide. This guide will give you a crash course in all things EDM, from the history of the genre to the different sub-genres that fall under its umbrella. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll have a better understanding of this exciting genre of music and be ready to start exploring it for yourself!

The history of EDM

electronic dance music (EDM), also known as dance music, club music, or simply dance, is a broad range of percussive electronic music genres made 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.

The history of EDM is somewhat shrouded in mystery. There is no one person or event that can be credited with its birth. However, there are a few key moments and figures that have played a role in its development. One of the earliest known examples of electronic dance music was created by German composer Paul Hindemith in the 1930s. His piece “Rondo” featured an early form of synthesizer that produced repeating patterns of sound, similar to what we now know as techno music.

In the 1970s, Japanese composer Isao Tomita released several albums of electronic interpretations of classical works. These recordings were some of the first to use analog synthesizers to create orchestrations. Tomita’s work was later influential on artists like Jean-Michel Jarre and Vangelis, who would go on to pioneer the genre known as electronic symphonic music.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that electronic dance music truly began to take shape as a genre. One of the earliest examples came from Italy with the formation of Giorgio Moroder’s band CHICCHIRICCHIÈ in 1982. Moroder’s style would go on to inspire many future synthpop and disco acts. The same year saw the release of Kraftwerk’s “Computer World”, which featured the now-iconic track “Numbers”. This song would go on to be sampled by numerous hip hop and EDM artists in the years to come.

Other influential figures in early EDM include Afrika Bambaataa, whoReleased “Planet Rock” in 1982; Arthur Baker, who produced Afrika Bambaataa’s track as well as tracks for New Order and 808 State; and finally Juan Atkins, considered by many to be the inventor of techno music thanks to his work with Cybotron in the early 1980s.

The different genres of EDM

From big room to dubstep, there are countless genres of electronic dance music. Get to know some of the most popular ones below.

Techno:
This genre is characterized by a minimalistic approach with a focus on repetitive, hypnotic rhythms. Techno is often described as dark and industrial.

House:
One of the most popular genres of dance music, house is characterized by a 4/4 beat and often has a funky, soulful sound.

Trance:
Trance music is known for its progressive buildups and breakdowns and often features ethereal, dreamlike melodies.

Dubstep:
This genre is characterized by its heavy basslines and use of suspenseful buildups and dropouts. Dubstep often features vocals sampled from other songs or movies.

The EDM scene today

The EDM scene has exploded in popularity in recent years. Musicians who file under this genre are now some of the most popular performers in the world, with festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival packing out massive crowds every year.

However, if you’re new to the world of EDM, all of this can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many different sub-genres and styles, and it’s hard to know where to start.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the basics of EDM. We’ll give you an overview of the history of the genre, some of the most popular sub-genres, and some of the scene’s most iconic performers. By the end, you’ll have a much better understanding of what electronic dance music is all about.

The future of EDM

With the growing popularity of electronic dance music, it’s no surprise that the genre is starting to branch out. While house and techno are still the dominant styles, there is a growing number of sub-genres that are beginning to gain traction. Here are just a few examples of the future of EDM:

##Bass music
Bass music is a term used to describe a variety of sub-genres that share a common focus on heavy basslines. This includes styles like dubstep, trap, and grime. While the term can be used interchangeably with ‘EDM’, it is more commonly used to describe a specific style of electronic music.

##Future bass
Future bass is a relatively new genre that combines elements of dubstep and trap with melodic elements. The result is a sound that is both heavy and atmospheric. While it shares some similarities with trance, future bass tends to be more upbeat and energetic.

##Melodic techno
Techno has always been known for its dark, warehouse party vibe. However, in recent years, producers have started to experiment with adding melodies and chord progressions to create a more ‘listenable’ sound. The result is a style of techno that is both danceable and emotional.

While these are just a few examples, they illustrate the vastness and potential of electronic dance music. As the genre continues to evolve, we can expect even more sub-genres to emerge.