A Brief History of Electronic Dance Music

A Brief History of Electronic Dance Music and how it has evolved over the years.

Pre-history: where did it all begin?

It is hard to pinpoint the exact origins of electronic dance music, or EDM as it is commonly known today. However, there are a few key moments in history that helped pave the way for the genre as we know it.

One of the earliest examples of electronic music being used for dancing was in 1927, when the song “My Blue Heaven” by Walter Goodwin was played at the Savoy Ballroom in New York City. The crowd went wild, and Goodwin’s band quickly became known for their ability to get people moving.

In the 1950s, a new type of electronic instrument called the theremin began to gain popularity. This curious instrument, which is played without being touched, produces a range of eerie sounds that lend themselves well to spooky movie scores and other atmospheric pieces. However, it wasn’t until 1962 that the theremin was truly used for dancing, when composer Bernard Herrmann created a revised version of his classic score for “Psycho” that included a theremin solo specifically meant to be danced to.

The 1960s also saw the rise of popular forms of electronic dance music like go-go and disco. These genres were characterized by their use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments to create high-energy rhythms perfect for dancing all night long. Some of the most iconic disco songs, such as Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” and Giorgio Moroder’s “Love to Love You Baby,” made extensive use of synthesizers to create their signature sound.

By the 1970s and 1980s, electronic dance music had become truly global, with artists like Kraftwerk and Afrika Bambaataa pushing the genre in new and interesting directions. In the 1990s and 2000s, EDM experienced something of a resurgence thanks to powerful new technologies like samplers and drum machines that made creating danceable beats easier than ever before. Today, EDM is more popular than ever, with some of the world’s biggest stars (including Calvin Harris and Skrillex) making this exciting genre their own.

The first electronic dance music festivals

The first electronic dance music festival was held in 1972 at theRLP’s mansion in the English countryside. The festival, called “The Moondog Coronation Ball,” featured performances by artists like David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and Kraftwerk.

In 1974, another early electronic dance music festival was held in France. Called “Le Festival de musique-electronique,” this event featured performances by artists like Pierre Henry and Jean-Jacques Perrey.

The 1980s saw the birth of acid house, a style of electronic dance music that was popularized by DJ Pierre and others. Acid house parties were often held in warehouses and were known for their wild, hedonistic atmosphere.

In 1988, the first official rave party was held in the UK. Called “The Sunrise Party,” this event featured tents, strobe lights, and psychedelic visuals. The party was so successful that it spawned a series of similar events throughout the UK and Europe.

Today, electronic dance music festivals are held all over the world and attract millions of people each year. These events are known for their spectacular production values, world-renowned DJs, and massive crowds.

The rise of EDM in popular culture

The rise of EDM in popular culture is largely due to the increasing popularity of festivals and clubs that feature DJ set performances. In the past decade, electronic dance music has become increasingly mainstream, with festivals such as Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival becoming global events.

EDM has also seen a rise in popularity as a result of the increased accessibility of electronic music production software and hardware. In the past, producing electronic music was a complicated and expensive process that required specialised equipment. However, nowadays there are numerous affordable software programs and hardware devices that allow anyone to produce professional sounding music.

The popularity of streaming services such as Spotify and SoundCloud has also played a role in the rise of EDM. These platforms have made it easier than ever for people to discover new music and share it with their friends. As a result, EDM artists have been able to build up large followings online, which has in turn led to more people attending their live shows.

The future of EDM

The roots of electronic dance music can be traced back to the late 1970s, when disco, club and new wave sounds began to fuse together. In the 1980s, the advent of digital technology and Synthesizers brought about a new era of electronic music, which came to be known as house music. By the early 1990s, techno and drum & bass had emerged as the leading genres of electronic dance music. In the 2000s, EDM became increasingly mainstream, with artists such as David Guetta and Calvin Harris achieving huge commercial success.

Looking to the future, it seems likely that EDM will continue to grow in popularity around the world. With new technologies emerging all the time, there is no telling what exciting new sounds will be born in the coming years.