electronic music vs. EDM: what’s the difference?
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If you’re a fan of electronic music, you might have come across the term “EDM” and wondered what it meant. In this article, we’ll take a look at the difference between electronic music and EDM.
electronic music
EDM is a term that has been used to describe a wide range of electronic genres, while electronic music is a more general term that can encompass all genres.
definition
At its core, electronic music is any music made with the use of electronic devices. This can include anything from early synthesizers to modern drum machines. Electronic music has been around for quite some time, and has been used in a variety of genres, including pop, rock, and even classical.
EDM, on the other hand, is a more specific type of electronic music that emerged in the early 1990s. EDM is characterized by its heavy use of synthetic sounds and its focus on danceability. While electronic music can be danceable, not all electronic music qualifies as EDM.
history
The history of electronic music is long and complex, with various artists and genres playing significant roles in its development. Electronic music has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the late 20th century that it began to take on a more mainstream presence.
Early electronic music was often characterized by atonal or experimental soundscapes, and it wasn’t until the 1970s that artists like Kraftwerk began to experiment with more melody-driven compositions. This led to the development of genres like synth-pop and techno in the 1980s, which laid the foundation for the electronic dance music (EDM) that would take hold in the 1990s and beyond.
Today, electronic music is one of the most popular genres in the world, with a wide range of styles and subgenres that continue to evolve. From the club-friendly beats of house and trance to the hard-hitting sounds of drum & bass and dubstep, there’s something for everyone within the world of electronic music.
EDM
EDM is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by a heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers. EDM is often used in clubs and festivals.
definition
EDM is a broad term used to describe a wide variety of electronic music genres. It covers everything from house and techno to dubstep and trance.
The term “EDM” is often used interchangeably with “electronic dance music,” but there is a difference between the two. EDM is a catch-all term that includes all electronic music genres, while electronic dance music is a specific genre of EDM that originated in the early 1990s.
history
Electronic dance music, or EDM, 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 blending two or more sources. EDM producers also perform their music live in a concert or festival setting in what is sometimes called a live PA.
In the 2010s, “EDM” became a umbrella term for various popular styles including electro house, dubstep and trap. Some notable EDM artists include Skrillex, Avicii, deadmau5 andCalvin Harris.
The history of EDM is often traced back to the birth of disco in the 1970s.However, electronic dance music can be traced back even further to the 1940s with the invention of the theremin. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, synthesizers began to be used in pop and rock music. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, electronic instruments were becoming increasingly portable and feely available to musicians and producers outside of expensive studios. This allowed artists like Brian Eno and Kraftwerk to experiment with making entire albums (or songs) using only synthesizers.
The first electronic dance song is often credited to Italian disco group Cerrone with his 1978 track “Supernature”. However, other songs like Kraftwerk’s “Trans-Europe Express” (1977) and Giorgio Moroder’s “I Feel Love” (1977), which were both huge hits in Europe, are also considered important early examples of EDM.
The 1980s saw the development of new subgenres of electronic dance music including hip hop-influenced electro with Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” (1982), synth-pop influenced techno with Cybotron’s “Clear” (1983) and industrial influenced EBM with Front 242’s “Headhunter” (1988). These genres would go on to influence subsequent generations of EDM artists.
Acid house , a subgenre that emerged in Chicago in the mid-1980s , was particularly influential on later generations of EDM producers
electronic music vs. EDM
Electronic music and EDM are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two genres. Electronic music is a broad umbrella term that includes any music made with electronic instruments. EDM, on the other hand, is a specific genre of electronic music that originated in the early 1990s.
similarities
Both electronic music and EDM are genres that use electronic instruments and technology to create music. In many cases, the two terms are used interchangeably. However, there are some subtle differences between the two genres.
For starters, electronic music is a much broader genre that includes a wide range of subgenres and styles. EDM, on the other hand, is a more specific genre that is typically characterized by four-on-the-floor beats, synths, and a party atmosphere.
Another key difference is that electronic music is often created by one artist or producer working alone in a studio, while EDM is often created by teams of producers working collaboratively. This difference is reflected in the different sounds of the two genres; electronic music is often more experimental and diverse, while EDM is more polished and uniform.
Ultimately, the best way to understand the difference between electronic music and EDM is to listen to examples of both genres and decide for yourself which sound you prefer.
differences
Electronic Dance Music, or EDM for short, is a type of electronic music that is produced specifically for dancing. This type of music is often played in nightclubs, festivals, and other venues where people go to dance. It typically features a heavy bass line and synth sounds.
Electronic music, on the other hand, is a broader term that can encompass many different genres and styles of music. For example, house music and techno are both types of electronic music. But not all electronic music is suitable for dancing. Some genres, such as ambient and trip-hop, are better suited for listening than for dancing.
