Is EDM Electronic Music?
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EDM, or electronic dance music, is a genre of music that emerged in the early 1990s. characterized by a strong beats and synthesized melodies.
What is EDM?
EDM is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is characterized by a heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers, and often features distorted basslines, synth leads, and drum patterns. EDM is typically produced for use in nightclubs, festivals, and raves. The term “EDM” was first used in the United Kingdom in the late 1980s to describe the growing popularity of electronic dance music. In the United States, the term “electronic dance music” (EDM) was first used in the early 1990s to describe the same phenomenon.
Despite its beginnings in niche nightclubs and rave culture, EDM has since entered the mainstream through popular artists such as Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Skrillex, and marshmello. In recent years, EDM has also been influenced by trap music, hip hop, and pop music.
The different types of EDM
EDM is a broad term that can encompass a lot of different types of music. Techno, trance, bass music, and more all fall under the EDM umbrella. While some people may not consider all of these genres to be electronic music, they all share certain commonalities. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of EDM and what makes them unique.
House
House is a genre of electronic dance music characterized by a persistent 4/4 time signature and a tempo of 120 to 130 beats per minute. It was created by DJs and music producers from Chicago’s underground club culture in the 1980s, as DJing and mixing increasingly became more popular and feasible with the advent of affordable music production technology.
The style was developed and popularized by DJs such as Frankie Knuckles, who had worked as a DJ in Chicago clubs since the 1970s, Steve “Silk” Hurley, Tyree Cooper, Marshall Jefferson, Larry Levan, Eddie Amador, and others.
Techno
Techno is a form of electronic dance music that originated in the Detroit area in the 1980s. The first techno tracks were produced by Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, who were later joined by other Detroit-based producers such as Jeff Mills and Carl Craig. Techno is characterized by a driving, mechanistic sound that often incorporates elements of industrial music. It typically features synthesizers, drum machines, and distorted percussion.
Trance
Trance is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged from the British new age and club scenes of the early 1990s. The style is characterized by a tempo of between 125 and 150 beats per minute, repeating melodic phrases, and a musical form that builds up and down throughout a track.
Dubstep
One of the more popular genres of electronic dance music is dubstep. This style was created in the early 2000s and is characterized by its heavy bass and drumbeat. The music often has a dark or ominous feeling to it, and the tempo is usually around 140 beats per minute. Some well-known dubstep artists include Skrillex, Nero, and Bassnectar.
The history of EDM
The term “EDM” stands for “electronic dance music.” It is a broad umbrella category that encompasses a wide range of sub-genres, including house, techno, trance, drum and bass, and dubstep.
EDM is believed to have emerged in the early 1980s, when pioneers such as Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder began experimenting with electronic sounds in their music. In the following decade, Detroit techno artists like Juan Atkins and Derrick May helped to popularize the genre with their groundbreaking tracks. In the 1990s, EDM began to filter into the mainstream with the rise of rave culture. Today, it is one of the most popular genres in the world.
There is no one definitive sound of EDM, as it incorporates a wide range of styles and influences. However, some common features include synthesizer melodies, 4/4 beats, and layered loops.
The future of EDM
The future of EDM is shrouded in uncertainty. Despite its growing popularity, the genre faces several challenges that could limit its mainstream appeal. The first is its association with drugs, which has led to a number of high-profile deaths at music festivals. This has made EDM a target for criticism, and some lawmakers have called for stricter regulation of the genre.
Another challenge is the lack of diversity within the genre. EDM is dominated by white, male artists, and this lack of diversity can make it difficult for new artists to break into the scene. This homogeneity can also make the music feel repetitive and uninteresting to listeners.
Despite these challenges, EDM remains one of the most popular genres in the world, and its popularity is only likely to grow in the coming years. Thanks to its growing popularity, EDM is now being embraced by a wider range of artists, including those from other genres. This could help to create a more diverse and interesting landscape for the genre, which would in turn make it more appealing to listeners. As EDM continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see what direction it takes next.
