MasterClass: Electronic Music

In this MasterClass, world-renowned electronic music producer deadmau5 teaches you his creative process for making beats, mixing, and producing original music.

Introduction

In this MasterClass, you’ll learn everything you need to know about electronic music production, from the basics of sound design to more advanced concepts like synthesis and sound manipulation. You’ll also get an inside look at the creative process of some of today’s most popular electronic music producers, and learn how they approach making music. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced producer, this MasterClass is sure to give you the skills and knowledge you need to take your productions to the next level.

The Different Types of Electronic Music

There are four main types of electronic music: techno, house, trance, and drum and bass. Techno is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat and usually has a faster tempo than the other three types. House is also characterized by a 4/4 beat, but usually has a slower tempo and deeper bass than techno. Trance is characterized by a 4/4 beat with a moderate tempo and often has a build-up and break-down throughout the song. Drum and bass is characterized by a break-beat with a fast tempo and often has a heavy bass.

Techno

Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by a repetitive four on the floor beat and often has synthesizer or computer-generated sounds. Techno is usually played in nightclubs, but it can also be heard in some pop and rock music.

Trance

Trance is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by a tempo of between 130 and 150 beats per minute, and repetitive, hypnotic melodies. The genre developed out of the new beat and acid house scenes in Belgium and the Netherlands.

House

In electronic music, there are countless sub-genres and styles. House is one of the most popular and enduring genres, with a rich history and evolution. House music is defined by a 4/4 time signature, a strong kicking drum beat, simple yet catchy melodies, and often contains samples of older funk or disco tracks. House music originated in the underground clubs of Chicago in the 1980s, before becoming a worldwide phenomenon in the 1990s. The style has continued to evolve and grow in popularity, with new sub-genres such as deep house, future house, and tech house emerging in recent years.

Drum and Bass

Drum and bass is a type of electronic music that originated in the UK in the early 1990s. It is characterized by fast, syncopated beats and heavy basslines. Drum and bass often features samples from other genres of music, such as hip hop, jazz, and rock.

Dubstep

Although the exact origins of dubstep are debated, the genre began to develop in South London in the late 1990s. Drawing influence from 2-step garage, jungle, and dub music, dubstep is characterized by sparse, syncopated rhythm patterns with prominent sub-bass frequencies. The half-time feel of dubstep drops often leads dancers to head-nod or shuffle their feet instead of moving them up and down as in other genres like house or trance.

While early dubstep was dark and mostly instrumental, many current tracks incorporate vocals. In fact, elements of R&B have become increasingly common in dubstep, resulting in a subgenre sometimes called “R&Bsteppers.” Some well-known dubstep artists include Skream, Benga, and Burial.

The History of Electronic Music

Electronic music has come a long way since the days of early synthesizers and drum machines. In this MasterClass, we’ll explore the history of electronic music and how it has evolved over the years. We’ll also learn about the different genres of electronic music and the artists who have made it what it is today. Get ready to rave!

Early Beginnings

Although electronics in music were used as early as the 1890s, with the Theremin being one of the earliest examples, it wasn’t until the 1920s that electronic instruments began to be used in a more widespread way. One of the first composers to use electronic instruments was Edgard Varèse, who wrote Poeme électronique in 1958. This piece was created using 400 speakers, which were spread out across an 8,000 square meter room. The piece made use of a range of frequencies and sounds, some of which were created using sirens.

While Varèse’s work was certainly innovative, it wasn’t until the development of synthesizers in the 1960s that electronic music really began to take off. Synthesizers allowed composers to create a wider range of sounds, which led to more experimentation in electronic music. In 1967, German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen released Hymnen, an electronic work that featured noises from around the world, such as Japanese drums and American folk songs.

The late 1960s and early 1970s saw a number of other important works in electronic music, including Brian Eno’s Discreet Music (1975) and Wendy Carlos’s Switched-On Bach (1968). Switched-On Bach was particularly significant as it proved that synthesizers could be used to create complex classical pieces. Carlos achieved this by recording individual notes on a tape recorder and then splicing them together to create larger pieces.

The Birth of Techno

In the late 1980s, a new style of electronic music emerged from the underground club scene in Detroit, Michigan. This new style came to be known as techno. Techno was created by a group of African American DJs and producers who were influenced by the electronic music of European artists like Kraftwerk and Jean Michel Jarre. These pioneers of techno created a unique sound that was characterized by its heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines.

The first techno tracks were released on cassette tapes and vinyl records in the early 1990s. These early releases were limited in distribution and only available to those who were connected to the underground club scene. As the popularity of techno grew, more and more people began to discover this new style of music. In 1992, the release of “Energy Flash” by English DJ Paul Oakenfold helped to bring techno to a wider audience. The following year, the seminal album “Blue Print” by German producer Sven Vath further increased the popularity of techno music.

Today, techno is one of the most popular genres of electronic music. It is enjoyed by millions of people all over the world and its influence can be heard in many other styles of music. Techno has also inspired a whole subculture dedicated to this type of music, with its own fashion, art, and way of life.

The Rise of House

By the mid-1980s, a new form of electronic music was beginning to take shape in the clubs of Chicago. Called house, this new style was influenced by disco, but it also incorporated elements of electronic dance music from Europe. House music quickly became popular in Chicago’s underground club scene, and it soon began to spread to other parts of the United States. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, house music became a global phenomenon, with some of the genre’s biggest hits coming from British DJs like Pete Tong and Paul Oakenfold.

The Evolution of Drum and Bass

Drum and bass is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the late 1980s. The style is characterized by fast breakbeats (typically between 150 and 180 beats per minute) with heavy bass and sub-bass lines. Drum and bass began as an offshoot of the UK rave scene of the late 1980s. Pioneering producers such as Goldie, jungle brothers like Congo Natty, and artists like A Guy Called Gerald, produced records that pushed the tempo of rave music up to around 170 beats per minute. This new style of music was initially known as “fast jungle”, “hardcore jungle”, or ” ravebreak”.

The Rise of Dubstep

In the early 2000s, a new genre of electronic music was born: dubstep. Characterized by its dark, driving basslines and intricate wobble sounds, dubstep quickly gained popularity in the underground club scene. By 2010, it had emerged into the mainstream, with artists like Skream, Burial, and Mount Kimbie becoming household names.

Today, dubstep has evolved into a wide-ranging style, with artists like Flume and Disclosure pushing the boundaries of the genre. Whether it’s heavy bass or delicate melodies you’re after, there’s a dubstep track out there for you.

The Future of Electronic Music

In this MasterClass, you will explore the future of electronic music with Grammy-nominated producer Illenium. You’ll learn about the different types of electronic music, the equipment you’ll need to produce it, and the techniques he uses to create his unique sound. You’ll also get tips on how to get signed to a label and promote your music.

Where is Electronic Music Going?

The ever-evolving landscape of electronic music is hard to define and predict. New sub-genres are constantly emerging, and established artists are always finding new ways to reinvent themselves. It can be difficult to keep up with all the changes, but it’s clear that electronic music is stronger than ever.

Here are a few general trends that we think will shape the future of electronic music:

1. More focus on live performances
As technology gets more advanced, we’re seeing more and more artists focus on creating an engaging live show. This is especially true for EDM artists, who are known for their spectacular light shows and pyrotechnics. We think this trend will only continue to grow in popularity, as audiences crave a more interactive and immersive experience.

2. Increased collaboration between genres
Electronic music has always been known for its ability to cross genres and fuse different styles together. We’re seeing this happen more and more as artists from different backgrounds come together to create something new and exciting. This trend is not only limited to music, but also extends to fashion, art, and culture.

3. More emphasis on mental health and well-being
In recent years, there has been a greater focus on mental health in the electronic music community. This is likely due to the prevalence of mental health issues among DJs and producers. We think this trend will continue to grow as people become more aware of the importance of taking care of one’s mental health.

The Impact of Technology

Technology has always been a key driver in the evolution of music. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century made it possible to mass-produce sheet music, which in turn led to a more diverse range of composers and performers. In the 19th century, advances in piano construction and the development of sound recording technologies opened up new possibilities for composers and performers alike. And in the 20th century, electronic instruments and technologies completely changed the landscape of music, making it possible to create entirely new sounds and styles.

Today, we are on the cusp of another major shift in musical technology: the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is already starting to have a significant impact on the music industry, from composition and performance to marketing and distribution. In this MasterClass, we will explore how AI is changing the way we make and listen to music, and what the future of electronic music might look like.

The Impact of Social Media

The rise of social media has had a profound impact on the music industry, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the world of electronic music. In the past, electronic musicians were largely reliant on record labels and distributors to promote and sell their music. However, with the advent of platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube, artists are now able to bypass these traditional channels and reach a global audience with relative ease.

This new direct-to-consumer model has empowered a new generation of musicians, who are able to build careers without the need for major label backing. In addition, social media has also played a major role in popularizing genres such as EDM and trap, which have gone on to dominate the mainstream charts in recent years.

It’s safe to say that social media has had a transformative effect on the music industry, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to shape the landscape in the years to come.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed this MasterClass on electronic music! We’ve covered a lot of ground, from the basics of sound synthesis to more advanced concepts like sound design and composition. By now, you should have a good understanding of the potential of electronic music and how it can be used to create truly unique sounds.

We encourage you to experiment with the techniques and ideas you’ve learned here, and to keep exploring the world of electronic music. There are endless possibilities out there, so don’t be afraid to push the boundaries and explore new territory. Who knows what you’ll discover next?