The Origins of Electronic Dance Music Genres

A comprehensive guide to the origins of the most popular electronic dance music genres, from house and techno to dubstep and trance.

Introduction

The origins of electronic dance music are deep and complex, with various genres and sub-genres developing over time. While some genres can be traced back to specific geographical regions or time periods, others have developed more recently and continue to evolve.

In this guide, we’ll explore the origins of some of the most popular electronic dance music genres, from early pioneers to contemporary innovators. We’ll also touch on some of the key artists, labels, and tracks that have shaped each genre. So whether you’re a seasoned raver or just getting started in the world of EDM, this guide will give you a crash course in the history of electronic dance music.

House

The origins of house can be traced back to the early 1980s, when a combination of electronic music and disco was played in underground clubs in Chicago. This new style of music quickly gained popularity and soon spread to other cities in the United States, as well as to the United Kingdom and Europe.

History

The first use of the word “house” in reference to a genre of music was in Chicago in the early 1980s. DJs at warehouse parties would play a mix of soul, funk, and disco. As rave culture developed in the UK in the late 1980s and early 1990s, house became the dominant form of dance music. The term “house” comes from the Warehouse club in Chicago, which was one of the first venues to play this style of music.

In the 1990s, house music spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia. In Europe, it became popular in clubs and on the radio. In Asia, it found a home in clubs that played techno and trance music. Today, house music is popular all over the world.

Characteristics

In EDM, house is a genre of electronic dance music characterized by a prominent 4/4 percussive beat and a steady bassline. The tempo of house music is usually around 120 beats per minute (BPM) but can range from 110 to 140 BPM. House is often based on original disco tracks from the 1970s and 1980s.

House music was developed in the early 1980s by DJs and producers in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The earliest house tracks were influenced by disco, post-disco and electro music. As the genre developed, it incorporated elements of techno, acid house and Chicago soul.

House music is usually played in nightclubs, festivals and radios worldwide. It has also been used in commercials, television shows and movies.

Techno

Techno is a genre 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 many other subgenres have been built.

History

The origins of electronic dance music are shrouded in a bit of mystery. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a group of artists began experimenting with electronic instruments and synthesizers to create new sounds. These artists were influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including funk, disco, rock, and even classical music.

The first electronic dance music genre to gain popularity was techno. Techno was created in Detroit, Michigan in the early 1980s. The earliest techno tracks were heavily influenced by disco and funk music. The first techno song to gain mainstream attention was “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force. This song was released in 1982 and became an instant club hit.

In the mid-1980s, a new style of techno called house music emerged from Chicago, Illinois. House music was similar to disco but had a more minimalistic sound. House music quickly gained popularity in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom. One of the earliest house tracks to become popular was “Pump Up the Volume” by MARRS.

By the early 1990s, electronic dance music had become a global phenomenon. Dozens of genres had emerged, each with its own distinct sound. Some of the most popular genres included trance, drum and bass, and jungle. In 1992, one of the most influential electronic dance albums of all time was released: “The Prodigy Experience” by The Prodigy. This album helped to popularize many of the genres that are still popular today.

Characteristics

Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in the mid-1980s. The first techno tracks were produced by pioneers such as Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, who were inspired by the futuristic sound of European disco and Detroit-based electro.

Techno is characterized by a minimalistic approach to composition, making use of repetitive elements and relentless rhythms to create a hypnotic effect. The music is often driving and energetic, with a strong emphasis on the bassline. It is often produced using software synthesizers and drum machines, which give it a mechanical feel.

While techno was initially designed for use in nightclubs, it has since found its way into many other contexts, including film soundtracks, video games, and even television commercials. In recent years, techno has also been used as the basis for more experimental forms of electronic music such as IDM and glitch.

Drum and Bass

Drum and bass (also written as “drum ‘n’ bass” or “drum & bass”; commonly abbreviated to “D&B”, “DnB” or “D’n’B”) is a genre of electronic music characterised by fast breakbeats (typically between 150 and 180 beats per minute) with heavy bass and sub-bass lines, sampled sources, and synthesizers. The genre grew out of the UK hardcore rave and jungle scenes of the early 1990s.

History

The origins of electronic dance music genres are often traced back to the development of various electronic music technologies in the early 20th century. In particular, the development of synthesizers and drum machines played a significant role in shaping the sound of many EDM genres.

One of the earliest examples of electronic dance music is disco, which developed in the 1970s. Disco was influenced by a number of different genres, including funk and soul. The signature sound of disco was created by using synthesizers to create a “four on the floor” beat, which was then layered with other instruments and vocals.

Another early genre of electronic dance music is house, which developed in the 1980s. House music was influenced by disco, but it also incorporated elements of techno and Chicago acid house. The signature sound of house music was created by using drum machines to create a steady four-on-the-floor beat. House music was also characterized by the use of synthesizers to create atmospheric pads and soaring lead melodies.

In the 1990s, a number of new EDM genres began to emerge, including trance, jungle, and drum & bass. These genres were all influenced by house and techno, but they each had their own unique sound. Trance music was characterized by its catchy melodies and sweeping pads, while jungle featured complex breakbeats and heavy basslines. Drum & bass was distinguished by its use of amen breaks and double-time rhythms.

Characteristics

Drum and bass (commonly abbreviated to D&B, DnB or D’n’B) is a genre of electronic music characterised by fast breakbeats (typically between 150–180 beats per minute) with heavy bass and sub-bass lines, sampled sources, and synthesizers. The popularity of drum and bass at its commercial peak ran parallel to several other homegrown dance styles in the UK including big beat and hard house. Drum and bass incorporates a number of scenes and styles. A major influence on jungle and drum and bass was the original Jamaican dub and reggae sound. Another feature of the style is the complex syncopation of the drum tracks’ breakbeat. This results in a sound like that of a drum machine whose segments begin randomly, as each new bar starts with different parts of different bars in different phases.[1][2]

##Origin
The roots of drum and bass are in Jungle, breakbeat hardcore and oldschool rave music. UK hardcore jungle / drum & bass artists include Goldie, Shy FX, Doc Scott, Randall & Andy C. These artists took inspiration from Jamaican dub music, as well as Hip Hop (EPMD, Ultramagnetic MC’s), funk (James Brown), acid house (Phuture), techno (Derrick May) & electro (Afrika Bambaataa).

The new style emerged after UK rave parties such as Fantazia,[3] Rage[4] & Energy.[5] The music was initially very closely related to techno / house / acid house; however it gradually developed into something quite different with the development of new subgenres including darkcore / darkstep, techstep & intelligent drum & bass.

Dubstep

Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by a heavy bass line and dark, atmospheric textures.

History

Different electronic dance music genres have emerged over the years, each with their own distinct style and sound. One of the earliest genres was dubstep, which emerged in the late 1990s in London.

Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in South London in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its heavy bass and Driving beats. Dubstep tracks are often atmospheric and cerebral, with sparse arrangements that emphasize rhythm and texture over melody and harmony.

The earliest dubstep tracks were produced by artists such as Horsepower Productions and Benga, who were influenced by two-step garage and grime. These early tracks were characterized by their heavy bass lines, simple percussion, and often dark or eerie atmospheres. Over time, dubstep began to move away from its garage and grime roots, incorporating elements of club music andedi
resulting in a more accessible sound. By the early 2010s, dubstep had become one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music, with hits like Baauer’s “Harlem Shake” crossing over into the mainstream.

Today, dubstep is still one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music, with artists like Skrillex and Rusko continuing to innovate within the genre. While it has evolved considerably since its origins in South London, dubstep remains a key part of the electronic music landscape.

Characteristics

In spite of the fact that there are a few diverse types of dubstep, the kind of music can be portrayed by some usual characteristics. To start with, the heaviest sort of dubstep will as a rule have a beats per minute (BPM) somewhere in the range of 140 and 150. The melodies will high basslines and frequently include “sub-bass” sounds that are difficult for human ears to get plainly. These sub-bass frequencies can now and then be around 19 Hz, which is considerably lower than what is typically heard in different types of music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, electronic dance music has gone through a lot of changes since it first entered the mainstream. While some believe that the music has lost its way, others believe that it is stronger than ever. No matter what your opinion is, there is no doubt that electronic dance music has made a mark on the world and will continue to do so for years to come.