Electronic Dance Music in the 80s

Electronic dance music was extremely popular in the 1980s. This was a time when many new artists and genres emerged.

Introduction

The 1980s saw the emergence of electronic dance music (EDM) as a mainstream genre. This was largely due to the popularity of disco music in the early part of the decade, which led to the development of new and innovative electronic production techniques. EDM rapidly gained popularity in nightclubs and on radio stations across the globe, and by the end of the decade it had become one of the most influential genres in popular music.

The 80s was a golden era for EDM, with many classic tracks being released that are still hugely popular today. Some of the most iconic EDM tunes of all time were born in this decade, including tracks like ‘Techno Troll’ by Front 242, ‘888-8888’ by Yello, and ‘Strings of Life’ by Derrick May. These tracks typify the sound of 80s EDM, with their catchy melodies, simple yet effective production values, and innovative use of drum machines and synthesizers.

EDM continued to evolve in the following decades, but many producers have looked back to the 80s as a golden era for the genre. If you’re a fan of EDM, then check out some of these classic tracks from the 1980s – you’re sure to find something you love!

The Birth of Electronic Dance Music

Electronic dance music (EDM) is a genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s. In the 1980s, EDM began to take hold in the club culture and became increasingly popular with the advent of the synthesizer and drum machine. This new type of music was characterized by a heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines, and samples.

Early Influences

The origins of electronic dance music can be traced back to the early 1970s, when pioneers such as Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder began experimenting with synthesizers and other electronic instruments. These early experiments laid the foundation for the genre, and by the end of the decade, a number of electronic bands had emerged, including Yellow Magic Orchestra and Japan’s Yellow Magic Orchestra.

The 1980s saw the rise of club culture, and with it, the birth of what we now know as EDM. The first major nightclub dedicated to electronic music, Danceteria, opened in New York City in 1979, and by the mid-1980s, clubs like Heaven in London and The Haçienda in Manchester were attracting huge crowds of clubgoers each week. The music played at these clubs was a mix of disco, new wave, and synth-pop, but it was the advent of Chicago house and Detroit techno that truly defined the sound of EDM.

The First Wave of Electronic Dance Music

The first wave of electronic dance music (EDM) can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. This was a time when new technologies such as synthesizers and drum machines were becoming increasingly affordable and accessible to musicians. These budding producers experimented with using these new tools to create primitive but catchy dance tracks.

Many of these early pioneers were inspired by disco and funk music, and they started to experiment with creating their own versions of these styles using electronic instruments. This led to the development of genres like electro and techno. These new genres quickly gained popularity in underground clubs and parties, and they soon began to spread to the mainstream.

In the early 1980s, EDM began to make its way into popular culture through films like “Flashdance” and “TRON.” This exposure helped fuel the popularity of EDM, and it soon exploded into a global phenomenon. By the end of the decade, EDM had taken over the world, and it has continued to grow in popularity ever since.

The Golden Age of Electronic Dance Music

The 1980s was the golden age of electronic dance music. This was the decade that saw the birth of house music, techno music, and acid house. It was a time when DJs were the new rock stars and clubbers were the new fans. This was the decade that changed the face of music forever.

The Second Wave of Electronic Dance Music

In the early 1980s, a new wave of electronic music emerged that incorporated elements of disco, pop, and new wave. This second wave of electronic dance music would go on to dominate the clubs throughout the decade.

During this time, a number of subgenres emerged, including hi-NRG, synth-pop, Italo disco, electro, and techno. Hi-NRG is a style of dance music that was popular in the gay nightclub scene. It is characterized by its high energy level and fast tempo. Synth-pop is a subgenre of pop music that uses synthesizers to create catchy melodies and hooks. Italo disco is a style of disco music that was popular in Italy in the 1980s. Electro is a style of electronic dance music that is characterized by its heavy use of drum machines and synthesizers. Techno is a style of electronic dance music that developed in Detroit in the mid-1980s.

The Third Wave of Electronic Dance Music

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a new wave of electronic dance music emerged. This third wave, which is sometimes called the “second Summer of Love,” was led by artists like Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, and Yellow Magic Orchestra. These artists brought electronic music to a wider audience with their catchy melodies and futuristic sounds.

During this time, the first ever commercially successful electronic dance song was released: “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League. This song topped charts around the world and proved that electronic dance music could be mainstream.

The early 1980s also saw the birth of two new genres: hip hop and techno. Hip hop was originally created by African American DJs who were using synthesizers to create new sounds. Techno was invented in Detroit by African American producer Juan Atkins. Both of these genres would go on to have a huge influence on electronic dance music.

The Legacy of Electronic Dance Music

Electronic dance music has its origins in the 1980s. This genre of music was created by DJs and producers who were influenced by the early punk and new wave movements. The first electronic dance music tracks were created using analog synthesizers and drum machines. These early tracks were experimental and often used for DJ sets.

The Fourth Wave of Electronic Dance Music

The fourth wave of Electronic Dance Music or EDM as it’s commonly known, is a sub-genre that developed in the early 2010s. This style is characterized by its use of complex time signatures, minimalism, and atonality. Often Influenced by the work of Steve Reich and other 20th-century minimalists, fourth wave artists often use repetition and looping in their music to create a sense of hypnotic trance. This genre has been popularized by artists such as Burial, Jamie xx, and Mount Kimbie.

The Future of Electronic Dance Music

As electronic dance music (EDM) becomes more mainstream, its future is becoming more and more uncertain.

EDM has always been a niche genre, enjoyed by a small but dedicated group of fans. However, in recent years it has begun to cross over into the mainstream, thanks to the popularity of commercial pop-EDM artists like Calvin Harris and Avicii.

This increase in popularity has led to a decrease in quality, as record labels and radio stations are now more interested in selling EDM to a wider audience than in supporting truly innovative and creative artists. As a result, many EDM purists have become disillusioned with the genre, seeing it as nothing more than a paysheet for corporate interests.

The future of EDM will largely depend on whether it can retain its integrity in the face of increasing commercialization. If it can, then it stands a chance of becoming one of the most popular genres in the world. If not, then it risks fading back into obscurity.