Is Electronic Dance Music Depoliticized?

A look at how the EDM scene has changed since its humble beginnings and whether or not it is still a political force.

Introduction

It is widely believed that electronic dance music (EDM) is a depoliticized genre and that its producers, DJs, and ravers exist outside of the realm of political engagement. In fact, many believe that the very nature of EDM – its focus on hedonism, escapism, and pure enjoyment – is incompatible with any sort of political message or meaning. However, this belief is far from the truth. While it is true that EDM does not always explicitly address political issues, the genre is nevertheless deeply political. This is because EDM – like all music – is a products of the societies and cultures in which it is created. As such, it reflects the values, beliefs, and concerns of these societies and cultures. In other words, EDM is political whether we like it or not.

There are a number of ways in which we can see the politicity of EDM. First, we can look at the history of the genre and see how it has been shaped by political events and movements. Second, we can examine the lyrics of popular EDM songs to see how they reflect on social and political issues. Finally, we can consider how EDM culture itself – including its fashion, language, and drug use – reflects wider social and political issues. By doing all this, we can begin to see how EDM – despite what many believe – is actually a very politicized genre.

Theoretical Background

What is depoliticization?

The concept of depoliticization is often used in social and political sciences, and refers to a process or trend by which political issues become less important or less prominent in public life, and/or private life. It is often used in contrast to “politicization,” which refers to the opposite process.

What is electronic dance music?

Electronic dance music (EDM) is a genre of music that is produced using electronic equipment. It typically features a repetitive 4/4 beat and synthesized melodies. EDM is often played in nightclubs, festivals, and raves. The genre has expanded in recent years to include a wider range of styles, such as techno, house, dubstep, and trance.

EDM has its roots in the 1970s disco and 1980s techno scenes. In the 1990s, EDM began to gain popularity in the United States, with artists like Moby and Fatboy Slim helping to break the genre into the mainstream. In the 2000s, EDM became increasingly popular, with festivals like Ultra Music Festival and Tomorrowland becoming destination events for music lovers from all over the world.

The term “electronic dance music” is somewhat of a misnomer, as it umbrella’s a wide variety of genres that may have little in common other than their use of electronic instruments. However, there are some common themes and elements that are often found in EDM songs. These include 4/4 beats, synthesized melodies, and a focus on rhythm and movement.

Depoliticization of Electronic Dance Music

In recent years, electronic dance music (EDM) has been increasingly depoliticized. This is evident in the declining popularity of more politicized subgenres such as dubstep and techno, and the rise of more apolitical subgenres such as future bass and tropical house. This trend is reflective of a broader depoliticization of youth culture in general.

The commercialization of electronic dance music

The commercialization of electronic dance music has led to a depoliticization of the genre. Electronic dance music was originally created as an alternative to mainstream pop music, and it was deeply rooted in various countercultural movements. However, the genre has become increasingly mainstream in recent years, and many of its original fans have been left feeling alienated.

There is no one single factor that has led to the commercialization of electronic dance music. The genre has become increasingly popular in recent years, which has led to more money being pumped into the scene. This, in turn, has led to a growing number of clubs and festivals catering to electronic dance music fans, and a growing number of big-name DJs who are more interested in making money than in pushing any sort of political agenda.

The commercialization of electronic dance music has had a number of negative consequences. Firstly, it has meant that the genre is now dominated by a small number of mega-corporations who are more interested in profit than art. This has led to a homogenization of the sound of electronic dance music, as record labels push producers to create tracks that will be popular with as many people as possible.

Secondly, the commercialization of electronic dance music has led to a loss of its underground and DIY roots. The genre is now mostly produced and consumed by wealthy people in Western countries, which means that it often fails to reflect the experiences or concerns of marginalized communities.

Finally, the commercialization of electronic dance music has contributed to a culture of sexual harassment and assault at clubs and festivals. Many women have reported being groped or harassed by men at these events, and there is a general feeling that electronic dance music culture is not particularly welcoming or safe for women.

The individualization of electronic dance music

With the rise of the Internet and social media, individualization has become an increasingly important trend in society. This trend is also evident in the music industry, where electronic dance music (EDM) has become one of the most popular genres.

EDM is often seen as a depoliticized genre, due to its focus on individual experience and hedonism. However, some scholars have argued that EDM can be read as a political statement. For example, pre-existing power structures are subverted by the use of new technology in EDM production, and the music can be seen as a form of resistance to dominant ideologies.

While EDM may not be explicitly political, it is clear that it is shaped by the social and economic conditions of its production and consumption. In this way, EDM can be seen as a reflection of contemporary society, and its popularity suggests that it has something to say about the way we live today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that electronic dance music has become increasingly depoliticized in recent years. While the genre has always been associated with hedonism and escapism, it seems that its political potential has diminished as it has become more mainstream. This is not to say that electronic dance music is devoid of politics altogether – there are still pockets of resistance within the scene – but its radical potential appears to have waned in recent years.