Electronic Dance Music: What Wikipedia Won’t Tell You

Discover the underground world of Electronic Dance Music, and learn what Wikipedia won’t tell you about this growing genre.

The History of Electronic Dance Music

Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, 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.

The origins of electronic dance music

The origins of electronic dance music can be traced back to the early 1970s, when musicians began experimenting with electronic instruments and synthesizers. These early pioneers laid the foundation for the genre, and their work would go on to inspire subsequent generations of producers and DJs.

One of the most important figures in the history of electronic dance music is Giorgio Moroder, who is credited with creating the first disco hit, “Love to Love You Baby” in 1975. This song proved that electronic dance music could be commercially successful, and it opened the door for other artists to explore this new genre.

In the 1980s, electronic dance music began to gain popularity in nightclubs across Europe and North America. This was helped by the advent of new technologies such as drum machines and samplers, which made it easier for DJs and producers to create complex rhythms and melodies. The 1990s saw a further explosion in the popularity of electronic dance music, with popular genres such as house, techno, and trance becoming mainstream.

Today, electronic dance music is one of the most popular genres in the world, with festivals and clubs dedicated to its celebration. It continues to evolve and grow in popularity, with new subgenres and styles emerging all the time.

The development of electronic dance music

The development of electronic dance music can be traced back to the early 1900s, with the invention of the theremin. This early electronic musical instrument was used by composers such as Claude Debussy and Igor Stravinsky to create new and innovative soundscapes. In the 1950s and 1960s, electronic music began to be used in pop and rock music, with songs such as The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” and The Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows” incorporating elements of electronic sound.

In the 1970s, disco music emerged as a popular genre, with artists such as Donna Summer and KC & The Sunshine Band finding success with their catchy, danceable tunes. This new style of music made use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments to create a unique sound that was perfect for dancing.

In the 1980s, electronic dance music became even more popular with the advent of house music. House music is a style of dance music that was developed in Chicago in the early 1980s. This type of music is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat, often accompanied byexplicit sexual or drug-related lyrics. House music quickly spread from Chicago to other parts of the United States and then to Europe, where it found a home in clubs such as London’s iconic Hacienda nightclub.

In the 1990s, techno and rave culture became increasingly popular in Europe and North America. Techno is a type of electronic dance music that was first developed in Detroit in the late 1980s. This type of music is characterized by its sparse, minimalist soundscape and its lack of explicit melody or harmony. Rave culture is associated with illegal underground parties where techno and other types of electronic dance music are played all night long. Rave culture peaked in the mid-1990s but continues to be popular today among certain subcultures.

Today, electronic dance music is more popular than ever before. DJs such as Tiesto and David Guetta are household names, and festivals such as Tomorrowland attract hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. With its catchy beats and infectious melodies, it’s no wonder that this type of music continues to be so popular among people of all ages.

The Different Types of Electronic Dance Music

EDM, or electronic dance music, is a genre of music that originated in the early 1970s. It is typically produced for use in clubs, festivals, and raves. The defining characteristics of EDM are the use of electronic instruments and the synthesized sounds. There are many different subgenres of EDM, each with its own distinct style.

House

House is a genre of electronic dance music characterized by a repetitive four on the floor rhythm[1] and a variety of electronic effects.[2] The name is derived from the influence of house music on the 1980s disco club culture in which DJs played “house music” all night long in order to keep people dancing.[3] House music was later developed in Chicago.[4][5] House is often based on a solid bassline produced by a drum machine or sequencer and accompanied by synthesizers, electric keyboards, guitar, and sometimes samples of disco or funk songs.

The first use of the word “house” in reference to electronic dance music was in 1985 at Lake Geneva’s Palace nightclub in Chicago,[6] where DJ Frankie Knuckles played members of the local gay community what he called “house records”.[7][8][9] These tracks were mostly produced by Italian producers such as Giorgio Moroder, Alessandro Dimitri, andidisCO[10][11] House music quickly spread to other clubs in Chicago such as The Music Box,[12] The Warehouse,[13] and Trax.[14][15][16]. By 1987, house music had migrated to Europe, where it became popular in clubs in Ibiza and around the Mediterranean Sea as well as throughout Continental Europe.[17][18]] In 1988, acid house spread to Great Britain[19][20], where it became known as “the second summer of love”.[21]] By 1990, house music had replaced acid house as the dominant form of dance music worldwide.[22]]

Techno

Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the United States during the mid-to-late 1980s. The first recorded use of the word techno in reference to a specific genre of music was in 1988. Many styles of techno now exist, but Detroit techno is seen as the foundation upon which other subgenres have been built.

Techno is generally characterized by a fast tempo, hypnotic rhythms, and a heavy focus on synthesizers and drum machines. It often has a dark or futuristic soundscape. Early techno was strongly influenced by the work of Kraftwerk, Afrika Bambaataa, and Yellow Magic Orchestra, and has spawned subgenres including house, trance, acid techno, Detroit techno, minimal techno, and tech house.

Trance

Trance is a genre of electronic music that emerged from the British new age and rave scenes of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The genre is generally characterized by a tempo of between 130 and 160 beats per minute, repeated melodic phrases, and a musical form that builds up and breaks down throughout a track.

Drum and Bass

Drum and bass (also written as “d&b”, “D+B” or “DnB”) is a genre of electronic music characterised by fast breakbeats (typically between 160–180 beats per minute) with heavy bass and sub-bass lines, sampled sources, and synthesizers. Drum and bass subgenres include breakcore, darkstep, hardstep, jump up jungle and techstep. Originating in the United Kingdom in the early 1990s, the style is commonly considered to have reached its commercial peak with the mainstream crossover success of artists like Pendulum, Chase & Status and The Prodigy in 2006 before entering a prominent declining phase in 2008–2010.

According to Kool Hertz, drum and bass was considerably influenced by hip hop music immigrant Jamaican sound system culture: “You have to understand that at its inception drum’n’bass was closely allied to the carnival culture of people like Sunset Sound System and Mighty Atom …those people were very into Hip Hop. Jungle was Tribe called Quest meets Sound clashes meets Mighty Atom’s brand of dub …it was all about having fun.” Despite the British genesis of drum & bass, many North American promoters such as Teegarden & Van Winkle claim that it has strong influence from Los Angeles’s g-funk rap scene which they directly credit for being one of its pioneers on the West Coast.

As a result, many drum and bass producers attempt to create original tracks which sample various other pieces from various other genres including jazz fusion[10], synth pop[11] progressive rock[12] R&B[13][14], hardcore punk[15] funk[16] and even video game music[17].

Dubstep

Dubstep is a type of electronic dance music that originated in the early 2000s in the United Kingdom. It is characterized by its heavy bass and its syncopated, yet repetitive, rhythms. Dubstep is often compared to other genres of EDM such as trance and house music, but it has its own unique sound that sets it apart from other genres.

Dubstep has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among younger audiences. It has been used in a variety of contexts, including film and television soundtracks, video games, and even commercials.

The Culture of Electronic Dance Music

Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, is a genre of music that is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and synthesizers. It often has a repetitive, trance-like beat that can be danceable. EDM is often produced for use by DJs in nightclubs, at festivals, and in other venues where people dance.

The rave culture

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the rave culture was born in the acid house and techno scenes in the United Kingdom. This culture was characterized by all-night dance parties with pulsing electronic music, psychedelic lighting, and illegal substances. The rave culture quickly spread to other countries, such as the United States, Australia, and Germany.

The rave culture is often associated with illegal drug use, particularly ecstasy (MDMA). However, not all ravers use drugs, and some have even adopted a “straight edge” stance against drug use. The music and atmosphere of arave can be just as intoxicating without drugs.

The rave culture has also been criticized for its association with violence and crime. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands, raves have been raided by police and shut down due to concerns about public safety. However, there is no evidence that raves are any more dangerous than other types of nightclubs or dance events.

Despite its controversial reputation, the rave culture has had a significant impact on electronic dance music and popular culture. Raves have introduced many people to electronic dance music who might not otherwise have heard it, and they have also been a breeding ground for new genres and subgenres of EDM.

The club culture

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was a resurgence of interest in techno and house music. This was partly due to the popularity of rave culture in the UK, US and Europe. The club culture that evolved around this time was characterized by drug use (particularly ecstasy), the use of illegal venues and all-night dancing. This culture is often seen as having a positive effect on the music, as it encourages innovation and risk-taking.

The drugs used in the club scene have also been a source of controversy. Ecstasy, in particular, has been associated with instances of violence and death. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of deaths at music festivals that feature electronic dance music. These deaths have been attributed to drug overdoses, heatstroke and dehydration.

Despite these dangers, the club culture remains an important part of the electronic dance music scene. It is a place where people can come together to enjoy the music and have a good time.

The festival culture

EDM festivals are one of the most important aspects of the culture. They bring together fans from all over the world to enjoy the music and the atmosphere. Some of the most famous festivals include Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Electric Daisy Carnival. These festivals often have lineups that feature the biggest names in EDM, and they are known for their incredible production values.

The Future of Electronic Dance Music

Electronic Dance Music, also known as EDM, 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.

The rise of EDM in the mainstream

Despite its origins in the underground club scene, electronic dance music has exploded in popularity in recent years. Thanks to the internet and social media, EDM has gone from niche to mainstream, with famous DJs and producers headlining sold-out stadium shows and festivals all over the world.

The rise of EDM has been boosted by the trend of “crossing over” – when DJs and producers make tracks that appeal to a wider audience by incorporating elements of other genres. This has led to some interesting collaborations, such as Avicii’s 2013 hit “Wake Me Up”, which featured vocals from soul singer Aloe Blacc and topped charts around the world.

As EDM continues to grow in popularity, it is becoming increasingly commercialised. This has led to some criticism from those who feel that the music has lost its underground roots. However, there are still plenty of smaller clubs and festivals that cater to those who want to experience the more alternative side of electronic dance music.

The decline of EDM in the underground

The mainstream explosion of electronic dance music (EDM) in the early 2010s was followed by a rapid decline in its popularity just a few years later. While the genre continues to be popular in commercial clubs and festivals, its once-vibrant underground scene has all but disappeared.

What happened? There are a number of factors that contributed to the decline of EDM in the underground. First, the mainstreaming of EDM led to a saturation of the market, which made it difficult for new and innovative artists to break through. Second, the increasing popularity of streaming services made it easier for people to listen to music at home, which meant they were less likely to go out to clubs and festivals. Finally, the rise of stricter drug laws in many countries made it harder for people to access illegal substances, which were often integral to the experience of going out dancing.

With all of these factors working against it, it’s no wonder that EDM has struggled to maintain its place in the underground scene. It remains to be seen whether the genre can make a comeback or if it will continue to decline in popularity.