Electronic Dance Music: Derivative Forms

Electronic dance music has many derivative forms, each with their own distinct style and sound. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular derivative forms of EDM and what sets them apart from the rest.

Introduction

Electronic dance music has come to be defined by its ability to evolve and mutate rapidly, giving rise to a seemingly endless variety of new subgenres. This is no doubt due in large part to the fact that the music is produced electronically, using computers and other electronic devices, which makes it relatively easy for producers to experiment with new sounds and arrangements.

However, it would be inaccurate to say that all electronic dance music is created equal. In fact, there is a great deal of diversity within the genre, with different subgenres offering their own unique spin on the sound. Here are just a few of the most popular derivative forms of electronic dance music:

-Trance: A high-energy style of dance music characterized by hypnotic rhythms and melodies, often with a build-up and breakdown structure designed to create an emotional journey for the listener.

-House: A driving, 4/4 beat characterizes this style of dance music, which originated in the Chicago club scene in the 1980s. House music often features prominently samples or snippets of other songs (hence the name “house”), as well as synthesizers and drum machines.

-Techno: This hard-hitting form of dance music is characterized by its repetitive beats and lack of melody. Techno first emerged in Detroit in the mid-1980s, and has since grown to become one of the most popular styles of electronic dance music in the world.

-Drum & Bass: A fast-paced style of electronic dance music featuring breakbeats (the “bass” part) and heavily syncopated drums (the “drum” part). Drum & bass first gained popularity in London clubs in the early 1990s.

What is Electronic Dance Music?

Electronic Dance Music, also known as EDM, is a genre of music that is characterized by a strong beat and often contains synthesized melodies. This type of music is often played in nightclubs, festivals, and concerts.

Origins

EDM is sometimes known as dance music, club music, or simply electronic music. It 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.

EDM producers also perform their music live in a concert or festival setting in what is sometimes called a live PA. In Europe, EDM is more commonly called ‘dance music’, while in North America it is sometimes referred to as ‘electronic dance music’ or simply ‘dance’.

The history of electronic dance music is deeply intertwined with the history of electronic music itself. Early electronic dance music was often played by innovative DJ’s in illegal underground clubs, which led to the development of new and unique genres such as house and techno.

Characteristics

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.

EDM producers also perform their music live in a concert or festival setting in what is sometimes called a live PA. In Europe, EDM is more commonly called ‘dance music’, or simply ‘dance’.

During the early 1980s, the advent of affordable music technology led to the formation of new musical genres. One of the earliest genres to emerge was acid house, which was inspired by the use of psychedelic drugs such as LSD and MDMA at raves and warehouse parties. These genres were developed by DJs who experimented with new production techniques by manipulating tracks on multi-track tape machines and synthesizers.

Types of Electronic Dance Music

Electronic dance music 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 recording to another. EDM producers also perform their music live in a concert or festival setting in what is sometimes called a live PA.

House

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, as house music became more popular and accessible, a number of sub-genres began to emerge, including acid house, deep house, hard house, soulful house and garage house. These new styles were often characterized by a heavier bassline, deeper sound and more Soul or R&B-influenced beats. In the early to mid-1990s, a number of well-known producers began to experiment with merging these styles with elements of other genres, including Hip Hop, Latin music and even Rock. This resulted in the creation of several new hybrid genres, including US garage (a combination of garage house and Hip Hop), UK garage (a combination of garage house and 2-step) and Tribal House (a combination of deep house and tribal trance).

Techno

Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 1990s. The style is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat and often features synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers. Techno is typically derived from house music, but also incorporates elements of electro, funk, and hip-hop.

Trance

Trance is a genre of electronic dance music that developed in the early 1990s in Germany. It is characterized by a tempo of between 130 and 150 beats per minute, repeating melodic phrases, and a musical form that builds up and down throughout a track.

Drum and Bass

Drum and bass (also written as “drums and bass”; commonly abbreviated as “D&B”, “DnB” or “D’n’B”) is a genre of electronic music characterised by fast breakbeats (typically between 150–180 beats per minute) 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 developments within the international ravescene of the early 1990s. rave parties, club nights, pirate radio,formalised DJs, MCing/rapping, breakbeat hardcore (all giving rise to jungle), and the crosspollination of US house with UK garage and jungle—the new genre was originating from multiple locations simultaneously rather than from any one locale.

Conclusion

In conclusion, electronic dance music has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1970s. Today, there are many different subgenres and derivative forms of electronic dance music, each with its own unique history, sound, and culture. Whether you’re a fan of EDM or not, there’s no denying that it’s one of the most popular and influential genres of music in the world today.