Electronic Dance Music in Chicago
Chicago’s electronic dance music scene is booming! Check out our guide to the best clubs, parties, and events in the city.
History of EDM in Chicago
Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, has been around for decades. The first electronic dance music festival was held in Chicago in the early 1990s. Since then, EDM has become a popular genre of music, with festivals and clubs all over the world.
Early beginnings in the 1970s
The first electronic dance music in Chicago was created in the 1970s by disco DJs such as Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles. These DJs played a style of music that was influenced by soul, funk, and disco. Their style of music was very different from the techno and house music that would later become popular in the city.
The 1980s saw the rise of industrial clubs such as The Power Plant and Smart Bar. These clubs were important in the development of Chicago house music, a style of house music that was created by Chicago DJs such as Larry Levan and Frankie Knuckles.
In the 1990s, techno and house music became popular in the city thanks to clubs such as The Warehouse and The Music Box. This period also saw the rise of rave culture in Chicago. Raves were large parties where people danced to electronic music all night long.
The birth of house music in the 1980s
The exact origins of house music are hard to pin down, but its origins can be traced back to the city of Chicago in the early 1980s. House music was born out of the club culture of the time, and its sound was shaped by DJs who were influenced by a wide range of genres, from disco and soul to electronic and experimental music.
House music quickly spread beyond Chicago, first to other cities in the US and then to the rest of the world. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, house music became one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music, with artists like Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, and Ron Hardy helping to pioneer the sound.
The rise of techno in the 1990s
In the early 1990s, a new form of electronic dance music was emerging in the clubs of Chicago. Techno, a style that had originated in Detroit, was becoming popular with young people who were looking for an alternative to the mainstream pop music of the time. Chicago’s techno scene was centered around a club called the Warehouse, which was frequented by a number of well-known DJs, including Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, and Ron Hardy.
The Warehouse became hugely popular, and its popularity led to the rise of other clubs such as the Music Box and the Power Plant. By the mid-1990s, Chicago was firmly established as one of the most important centers for techno music in the world. Today, the city’s techno scene is as vibrant as ever, with new clubs and festivals popping up all the time.
The EDM Scene in Chicago Today
The electronic dance music scene in Chicago has blown up in recent years, with more and more people flocking to the city to experience the vibrant nightlife. Chicago has long been known for its incredible club scene, and the EDM scene is no exception. From world-famous DJs to underground producers, there is something for everyone in the Windy City.
Popular clubs and venues
The Chicago nightlife scene is world-renowned, and the city’s electronic dance music (EDM) clubs and venues are some of the best in the business. From world-famous clubs like the Mid and Smart Bar to more intimate venues like Primary and Reggies, there’s an EDM club or venue for every taste and preference. Here’s a look at some of the most popular EDM clubs and venues in Chicago today:
The Mid
The Mid is one of the most popular EDM clubs in Chicago, known for its huge dance floor, top-notch sound system, and stellar lineups of DJ talent. The club regularly features world-renowned DJs like Tiesto, Hardwell, and Armin van Buuren, making it a must-visit for any EDM fan.
Smart Bar
Smart Bar is another top EDM club in Chicago, known for its incredible sound system and eclectic mix of musical styles. The club regularly features world-renowned DJs like Carl Cox, Laurent Garnier, and Danny Tenaglia, making it a must-visit for any EDM fan.
Primary
Primary is an intimate venue that’s quickly become one of the hottest spots on the Chicago nightlife scene. The venue regularly features world-renowned DJs like Skrillix, Zedd, and Porter Robinson, making it a must-visit for any EDM fan.
Reggies
Reggies is a smaller club with a big reputation among ChicagoEDM fans. The club regularly features up-and-coming DJs as well as established names like Kaskade and Bingo Players, making it a great place to catch new talent.
Local and international DJs
The EDM scene in Chicago is vibrant and diverse, with local and international DJs spinning at clubs and festivals all over the city. Chicago has long been a hotbed for electronic music, and today the city’s dance music scene is as strong as ever.
There are dozens of clubs and venues that host EDM events, and Chicago’s festivals are some of the biggest and best in the world. If you’re looking to get your groove on, there’s no shortage of options in the Windy City.
So whether you’re a local looking for a new place to party or a visitor looking to experience some of the best electronic dance music in the world, Chicago has you covered.
Music festivals
Music festivals have become an increasingly popular way to experience EDM in Chicago. Though the city is home to several large clubs, many music lovers prefer the more intimate and relaxed atmosphere of a festival. In recent years, Chicago has become host to a number of high-profile EDM festivals, including Spring Awakening and React Presents’ Freaky Deaky. These events typically take place over the course of a weekend and feature dozens of world-renowned DJs and producers.
The Future of EDM in Chicago
In the past few years, electronic dance music has become more popular in Chicago. With famous DJs like Skrillex and Tiësto, who have played at major clubs and festivals, the city has become a destination for electronic music lovers. However, the popularity of EDM is not limited to clubs and festivals.
The city’s commitment to the scene
Since the early 2010s, Chicago’s electronic dance music scene has been on the rise. The city’s clubs and festivals have attracted world-renowned DJs, and local talent has begun to make a name for itself on a global scale. With the recent openings of venues like the Mid and Smart Bar, Chicago is cementing its reputation as a hub for EDM culture.
The city’s commitment to the scene is evident in its investment in infrastructure and resources. In addition to new clubs and festivals, Chicago has invested in initiatives like the Red Bull Music Academy Chicago and the Chicago Music Commission’s Electronic Music Task Force. These programs provide opportunities for aspiring DJs and producers to hone their skills, connect with industry professionals, and contribute to the city’s vibrant music community.
As Chicago’s electronic dance music scene continues to grow, it is poised to have a major impact on the city’s economy and culture. EDM tourists spent an estimated $745 million in the city in 2017, and that number is expected to rise in the years to come. With its rich history, diverse population, and commitment to supporting local talent, Chicago is well-positioned to become a leading destination for electronic dance music lovers from all over the world.
The rise of local talent
In the past decade, Chicago has become a hotbed for electronic dance music, with a wide variety of local talent that has helped put the city on the map in the global EDM scene. From world-renowned DJs like Steve Aoki and Kaskade to up-and-coming producers like Louis The Child and Whethan, Chicago has become a breeding ground for some of the best EDM artists in the world.
This rise in local talent has led to a boom in EDM venues and events in Chicago, as well as a growing number of music festivals that showcase the city’s impressive array of DJ and producers. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Chicago has become one of the most popular destinations for electronic dance music lovers from all over the world.
The continued growth of the music festivals
It is evident that the future of EDM in Chicago is looking very bright. With the growing popularity of music festivals, it is clear that more and more people are becoming interested in this type of music. In addition, the city has a number of very talented DJs who are quickly gaining recognition. As the scene continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even more great things coming out of Chicago.
