A History of Electronic Dance Music in Documentary Form
Contents
A history of electronic dance music told through documentary form. This blog will explore the origins and evolution of this genre of music.
Introduction
This documentary will explore the history of electronic dance music, from its early beginnings in the 1970s to its present-day popularity. We will interview some of the key figures in the genre’s development, as well as hear from current DJs and producers about what makes EDM so special. We will also explore the different subgenres within EDM, and see how the music has evolved over time. Whether you are a fan of electronic dance music or not, this documentary will give you a greater understanding of this ever-growing genre of music.
A History of Electronic Dance Music
Over the years, electronic dance music has evolved and changed to become one of the most popular genres in the world. In this documentary, we will explore the history of electronic dance music and how it has become what it is today.
Early Days
The first electronic dance music was made in the 1920s and 1930s, using electronic instruments such as the theremin and Hammond organ. These early songs were often played at balls or nightclubs, and they quickly became popular with young people.
In the 1950s, electronic dance music began to be used in movies and television shows. This helped to increase its popularity, and by the 1960s, it was being played at parties and clubs around the world.
In the 1970s, electronic dance music became more experimental, with artists such as Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder pushing the boundaries of what was possible. This period also saw the development of new genres such as disco, which would go on to become one of the most popular forms of electronic dance music.
The 1980s was a golden era for electronic dance music, with artists such as Depeche Mode, New Order, and Madonna creating some of the most iconic songs in the genre. This period also saw the birth of house music, which would go on to become one of the biggest genres in dance music.
The 1990s saw a decline in interest in electronic dance music, but it made a comeback in the 2000s with the help of new technologies such as file sharing and MP3s. Today, electronic dance music is hugely popular around the world, with new styles constantly emerging.
The Birth of House Music
The history of electronic dance music is often traced back to the birth of house music in the 1980s. House music was created by DJs and producers in Chicago who were looking for a new sound that would embody the city’s unique African-American culture. This new sound quickly spread from Chicago to other major US cities like New York, Detroit, and Los Angeles. By the early 1990s, house music had become a global phenomenon, with rave culture taking hold in Europe and Asia.
The Rise of Techno
The origins of techno are often traced back to the city of Detroit in the early 1980s. At that time, the city was a major center for the automotive industry and was struggling economically. A group of local music enthusiasts, including brothers Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson, began experimenting with electronic music production. They were strongly influenced by European electronic dance music, particularly that of German group Kraftwerk.
By the early 1990s, techno had become a global phenomenon, with rave parties happening in cities all over the world. The music continued to evolve and diversify, giving rise to new subgenres such as trance, drum and bass, and house. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, electronic dance music experienced another surge in popularity, with DJs such as David Guetta and Tiesto topping the charts. Today, EDM is more popular than ever, with festivals like Tomorrowland attracting hundreds of thousands of fans each year.
The 1990s and Beyond
The final decade of the twentieth century and the opening years of the twenty-first saw a continued diversification of dance music. In America, techno and house continued to percolate up from the underground, with producers like Derrick May, Jeff Mills, and Richie Hawtin helping to give Detroit and Chicago their respective reputations as hotbeds of dance music innovation. At the same time, new electronic styles were also taking shape in other parts of the world. In England, for instance, the so-called “second summer of love” in 1988 led to a new wave of rave culture and the rise of acid house; while in Germany, a blend of techno and industrial music known as trance was becoming popular.
Electronic Dance Music in Documentary Form
Electronic dance music has been around for centuries, with the first electronic music being made in the 18th century. It wasn’t until the 1970s that electronic music really started to take off, with the advent of disco. In the 1980s, electronic music became more popular with the advent of house music. Today, electronic dance music is one of the most popular genres of music.
‘Rave’
Rave is a documentary film released in 1991 directed by Aaron Rose and Paul Crowder. The film chronicles the rise of the electronic dance music genre in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It features interviews with many of the pioneers of the genre including DJ Spooky, Moby, and Fatboy Slim.
‘Pump Up the Volume’
Before the Internet and social media, underground scenes were harder to access and often felt more exclusive. You had to know somebody or be in the right place at the right time. Word-of-mouth was how most people found out about raves and DJ nights, and if you weren’t in the scene, you were probably left out.
Pump Up the Volume is a 1990 documentary that gives an inside look at the early days of electronic dance music in the United Kingdom. The film follows Tony De Vit, one of the UK’s most influential DJs, as he spins at clubs and raves around the country.
The film also features interviews with other DJs and electronic music pioneers, including Paul Oakenfold, Danny Rampling, Pete Tong, Sasha, and Andrew Weatherall. Pump Up the Volume offers a rare glimpse into a world that was just beginning to open up to mainstream audiences.
Since its release, Pump Up the Volume has become something of a cult classic among electronic music fans. The film is credited with helping to break down barriers and bring EDM into the mainstream.
‘Modulations’
Documentary filmmaker Iara Lee takes an in-depth look at the worldwide phenomenon of electronic dance music in her film Modulations. The film explores the origins of EDM and its progression from early underground clubs to the global phenomenon it is today. Featuring interviews with some of the most influential DJs and producers in the industry, Modulations offers a unique and comprehensive look at the history of electronic dance music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, documentary film is a great way to learn about the history of electronic dance music and its many subgenres. While there are many different ways to approach this topic, documentary film offers a unique perspective that can be both informative and entertaining. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of electronic dance music, then be sure to check out some of the great documentary films that are available.
