Electronic Dance Music and the Disfranchised
The rise of Electronic Dance Music has been a boon to the disfranchised- a new generation of music for a new generation of people.
The American Dream
Music has always been a way for people to express themselves and connect with others. For the disfranchised, music can be a way to connect with a larger community and escape the everyday struggles of life. Electronic dance music, in particular, has become a popular genre for the disfranchised.
The rise of the middle class
In America, the rise of the middle class is often thought of as a positive development. After all, it’s a sign that more people are moving up the economic ladder and enjoying a better standard of living.
But there’s another side to the story. As the middle class has grown, so has the gap between rich and poor. And while the poverty rate has declined in recent years, it’s still higher than it was in 2000.
This growing inequality has had a number of consequences, both good and bad. On the one hand, it’s led to more opportunities for those at the top of the income ladder. But it’s also made it harder for those at the bottom to get ahead.
It’s no surprise, then, that inequality is a hot-button issue in America today. And as the 2020 presidential election approaches, it’s sure to be one of the most important issues on voters’ minds.
The fall of the middle class
The fall of the middle class has been a staple news story over the past few years, with income inequality and the difficulties of finding well-paying jobs leading to financial insecurity for many Americans.
But what about the American dream? For generations, this country has been seen as a land of opportunity, where anyone can make it if they work hard enough.
But is that still true? In recent years, economic mobility has actually decreased in the United States, meaning that it’s harder for people to move up the ladder than it was in the past. And for those at the bottom of the ladder, it can be nearly impossible to climb out of poverty.
So what does this mean for electronic dance music and the disfranchised? In a world where opportunity is increasingly scarce, can music still be a force for good?
It’s difficult to say. On one hand, dance music is often seen as a symbol of excess and privilege. On the other hand, it can be argued that dance music provides an escape from the daily grind for those who are struggling to make ends meet. And while it’s unlikely that dance music will ever be able to solve America’s economic problems, it can still provide a much-needed release for those who are feeling the squeeze.
The Birth of Electronic Dance Music
Electronic dance music has its roots in the disfranchised youth of the 1970s. In a time when disco was mainstream and rock was on the decline, a new generation of kids was looking for something to call their own. They found it in the clubs of Europe and the underground warehouses of America. These kids were the pioneers of a new sound that would eventually change the world.
The early days
The roots of electronic dance music (EDM) are often traced back to the experimental music of the 1970s and 1980s. In particular, the 1980s spawned a new subgenre of electronic music called synth-pop, which incorporated elements of disco and other dance genres. However, it wasn’t until the early 1990s that EDM began to gain mainstream popularity.
This was due in part to the advent of digital audio technology, which made it possible for DJs and producers to create new soundscapes by manipulating recorded sounds on a computer. This newfound flexibility in production allowed for a greater experimentation with sounds and rhythms, laying the groundwork for the diverse range of EDM subgenres that exist today.
The early 1990s also saw the rise of rave culture, which helped popularize EDM among young people who were looking for an alternative to mainstream clubbing culture. Raves were often illegal parties held in secret locations, and they emphasized community, peace, love, and respect – values that remain at the core of EDM culture today.
By the end of the decade, EDM had established itself as a major force in popular music, with artists like The Prodigy, Daft Punk, and Fatboy Slim achieving mainstream success. In the years since, EDM has continued to evolve and branch out into new genres and subgenres, solidifying its place as one of the most dynamic and exciting musical genres in the world.
The rise of the underground
The origins of electronic dance music are often traced back to the formation of Kraftwerk, the seminal German band who were among the first to experiment with using electronic instruments to create music. However, Kraftwerk’s use of electronic instruments was more concerned with creating a new type of pop music, rather than developing a new genre of dance music. It wasn’t until the late 1970s and early 1980s that a new generation of musicians began to experiment with using electronic instruments to create music specifically designed for dancing.
These early pioneers of electronic dance music were often disaffected youth from working-class backgrounds who felt alienated by the mainstream music scene. They found refuge in illegal underground clubs where they could listen and dance to music that was outside the mainstream. As the popularity of these clubs grew, so too did the popularity of the DJs who played there.
Among the most famous of these early DJs was Frankie Knuckles, who was instrumental in developing the Chicago house sound. House music is a type of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the mid-1980s. It is characterized by a repeating 4/4 beat, deep basslines, and Soulful vocals. House music quickly spread from Chicago to other cities in the United States, Europe, and beyond, and it remains one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music today.
The mainstreaming of EDM
The 2010s saw electronic dance music (EDM) start to enter the mainstream. Producers like Calvin Harris and Skrillex began to produce hits that crossed over into the pop charts, and festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival became global events. This increase in popularity was met with some pushback from traditionalists who felt that EDM was selling out, but it ultimately led to the genre becoming more acceptable to a wider audience.
This mainstreaming of EDM has continued in the 2020s, with artists like The Chainsmokers and Marshmello topping the charts with their catchy, radio-friendly tunes. While some purists still turn their noses up at this more pop-oriented style of EDM, there’s no denying that it has helped to make the genre more popular than ever before.
The Disfranchised
Electronic Dance Music has been a force in the music industry for years and has done a lot to help disfranchised youth feel included and accepted. The genre has given a voice to those who feel like they don’t fit in, and has created a community that is strong and supportive.
Who are the disfranchised?
There are a lot of people who feel disfranchised in society – those who feel like they don’t have a voice, that their opinions don’t matter, and that they are powerless to change their circumstances. In the past, the disfranchised were often minorities – women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ folks – but nowadays, there is a new group of disfranchised people: electronic dance music fans.
Electronic dance music (EDM) is a broad genre of music that includes everything from house to dubstep to techno. It is often characterized by its heavy use of synths and drum machines, and its fast tempo. EDM has become increasingly popular in recent years, with festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival becoming global destinations for music lovers.
However, despite its growing popularity, EDM is still largely marginalized by the mainstream music industry. Most radio stations will not play EDM songs, and most Grammy categories do not even include EDM as a genre. This exclusion can make it difficult for EDM artists to achieve commercial success.
This marginalization has led many EDM fans to feel like they do not have a place in the music industry. They are often made to feel like their taste in music is not valid, and that they are not “real” music fans. This can be very isolating and exclusionary.
Luckily, there are many communities of EDM fans who have come together online to support each other. These communities provide a space for people to share their love of EDM, and to feel like they belong somewhere. They also give rise to new artists who may not have otherwise had a platform to showcase their work.
If you love EDM, know that you are not alone. There is an entire community of people out there who love it just as much as you do. And together, we can continue to fight for our place in the music industry.
How does EDM appeal to the disfranchised?
While the mainstream music industry often fails to recognize or accept electronic dance music (EDM) as a legitimate genre, the popularity of EDM among young people continues to grow. In fact, EDM has become one of the most popular genres among college-aged students in the United States. One reason for this popularity is that EDM often appeals to listeners who feel disfranchised by the mainstream music industry.
Those who feel disfranchised by the mainstream music industry are often drawn to EDM because it is a genre that is not afraid to experiment with new sounds and styles. EDM artists are often independent musicians who are not bound by the same rules and constraints as mainstream artists. This allows them to create music that is truly unique and expressive.
In addition, EDM often provides a more positive and inclusive environment for its fans than the mainstream music industry. For many listeners, EDM concerts and festivals are some of the only places where they feel truly accepted and included. This sense of community and belonging can be extremely valuable for those who feel like they do not fit in elsewhere.
Finally, EDM provides an escape from the negative aspects of the real world. The lyrics of many EDM songs focus on positive themes such as love, unity, and peace. The sounds of EDM can also be relaxing and therapeutic, which can be a welcome break from the stressors of everyday life. For many listeners, EDM is a refreshing oasis in a world that can often be difficult to navigate.
What does the future hold for the disfranchised?
The term “disfranchised” is often used to describe those who are not able to participate in the mainstream music industry. In the past, this has typically been associated with independent and underground artists, but in recent years, the term has been applied to a much broader range of music makers.
The disfranchised have often been at the forefront of musical innovation, but their lack of access to traditional channels of distribution and promotion has often limited their ability to reach a wider audience. With the rise of digital technology and social media, however, the playing field is beginning to level out, and the disfranchised are starting to find new ways to connect with fans and build sustainable careers.
What does the future hold for the disfranchised? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: they will continue to make their voices heard, and their impact on music will be felt for years to come.
