Put It In My Mouth: The Rise of Electronic Dance Music

A look at the rise of electronic dance music and the culture that surrounds it.

Introduction

In recent years, electronic dance music has exploded in popularity, with DJ’s and producers becoming some of the most sought-after acts in the music industry. But what is electronic dance music? What are its roots? And where is it headed?

Electronic dance music, or EDM as it is sometimes called, is a broad umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of subgenres. At its heart, EDM is defined by its use of electronic instruments and synthesizers to create danceable, club-friendly beats. However, within that broad definition there is a huge amount of diversity.

EDM has its roots in the early days of electronic music, when pioneers like Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder were experimenting with new sounds and technologies. In the 1980s and 1990s, as techno and house music took off in Europe, EDM began to evolve into the form we know today. In the past decade or so, producers like Skrillex and Calvin Harris have pushed the boundaries of what EDM can be, incorporating elements of pop, hip-hop, and rock into their tracks.

As EDM continues to grow in popularity, it shows no signs of slowing down. In the coming years, we can expect to see even more experimentation and crossover appeal as producers continue to push the boundaries of this ever-changing genre.

The History of Electronic Dance Music

Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, has been around for decades and has undergone a major evolution since its inception. Early forms of EDM were created in the 1970s and 1980s by artists like Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that EDM really began to take off. In the past few years, EDM has exploded in popularity and is now one of the most popular genres of music.

The Early Days

The roots of electronic dance music can be traced back to the early days of the disco era in the 1970s. At that time, a new style of music called house was starting to take shape in clubs in Chicago. This young genre was influenced by a wide range of sources, including disco, soul, and funk. House music quickly began to spread to other areas of the United States, as well as Europe.

In the 1980s, a new form of house music known as acid house began to emerge in acid clubs in England. This new style was characterized by its use of synthesizers and drum machines to create an infectious sound that was perfect for dancing. Acid house quickly spread throughout Europe and soon became one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music.

In the early 1990s, a style known as techno emerged from Detroit. Techno was influenced by many different genres of music, including house and acid house. The sound of techno was marked by its use of machines and computers to create hypnotic rhythms. Techno soon spread throughout the world and became one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music.

Today, electronic dance music continues to evolve and change. New styles are constantly emerging, while older styles continue to remain popular. With so much diversity within the genre, there is something for everyone within the world of electronic dance music.

The Birth of House Music

In the early 1980s, a new type of music called house was created by DJs in Chicago. House music was influenced by disco, but it had a faster tempo and relied heavily on synthesizers and drum machines. House quickly spread to other cities in the United States, and by the late 1980s, it had become a global phenomenon.

Today, house music is still one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music. It has spawned numerous subgenres, including techno, trance, and drum and bass.

The Rise of Techno

Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the early 1990s. The genre was pioneered by African American DJs and producers who were influenced by the electro-funk sound of Kraftwerk and Afrika Bambaataa. Techno is typically characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers to create a repetitive, hypnotic sound.

In the early 1990s, techno spread from Detroit to other US cities such as Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. By the mid-1990s, it had become a global phenomenon, with rave parties and clubs popping up in Europe, Asia, and South America. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, techno evolved into various subgenres such as trance, minimal techno, and hardstyle.

Today, techno is one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music, with fans all over the world.

The Rise of Trance

Trance is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by a tempo of around 140 beats per minute, and is often used for its hypnotic and dream-like qualities. Trance music is often associated with the rave culture of the early 1990s, and has since gained popularity around the world.

The Mainstreaming of Electronic Dance Music

In the last decade, electronic dance music has gone from being an underground, niche genre to one that is frequently heard on Top 40 radio stations and played at mainstream clubs and festivals. This rise in popularity can be attributed to a number of factors, such as the increasing popularity of DJing and the availability of powerful music production software.

The Rise of EDM Festivals

The mainstreaming of electronic dance music (EDM) has led to a boom in EDM festivals around the world. These festivals, which feature world-renowned DJs spinning everything from techno to trance to house, are becoming increasingly popular, with some attracting hundreds of thousands of revelers.

The rise of EDM festivals is a testament to the growing popularity of the genre. In the past, EDM was largely confined to underground clubs and illegal rave parties. But now, thanks to the Internet and social media, EDM has gone mainstream, with top DJs regularly headlining huge arena shows and festivals.

The growth of EDM festivals is also being fuelled by the rise of electronic music streaming services such as Spotify and SoundCloud. These platforms have made it easier than ever for people to discover new EDM artists and songs, making it easier for festival organizers to book big-name DJs.

So if you’re looking for a wild party this summer, be sure to check out an EDM festival near you.

The Growth of the EDM Industry

Since the early 2000s, electronic dance music (EDM) has been gaining popularity in the United States. In 2012, EDM festivals and concerts grossed over $1 billion dollars in revenue, and by 2013, EDM had become the second highest-grossing music genre behind only rock. Today, EDM is one of the most popular genres of music in the world, with some of the biggest names in the industry regularly selling out arenas and stadiums.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the growth of the EDM industry. First and foremost, the internet has played a major role in making EDM more accessible to people all over the world. In addition, social media has helped to promote EDM artists and events to wider audiences. Finally, the rise of electronic music festivals like Ultra Music Festival and Tomorrowland has helped to popularize the genre among young people.

As the EDM industry continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even more mainstream success for electronic dance music artists.

The Future of Electronic Dance Music

The Rise of Streaming

Platforms like Netflix and Spotify have changed the way we consume music. Instead of buying CDs or downloading MP3s, we can now stream our favorite tracks on demand. This shift to streaming has had a profound impact on the music industry, and it’s also had a major impact on the electronic dance music (EDM) scene.

In the past, EDM was largely dominated by record labels and DJ promoters. But now, with the rise of streaming, independent artists are starting to take control. Platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp make it easy for anyone to upload and share their music. And because there are no barriers to entry, anyone can start making and sharing EDM tracks.

This shift to a more open and democratized scene is having a major impact on the sound of EDM. In the past, producers were constrained by the need to please record labels and club promoters. But now, with streaming platforms giving them a direct connection to fans, they’re free to experiment and push boundaries. As a result, we’re seeing a new wave of exciting and innovative electronic dance music.

The Growth of the EDM Scene

The electronic dance music (EDM) scene has exploded in popularity in recent years, with big names like Calvin Harris, Skrillex, and Avicii becoming household names. In addition to the rise of these superstar DJs, EDM festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival have become some of the most popular events in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of revelers each year.

So what’s behind this sudden explosion in popularity? There are a few factors at play. First, the internet has made it easier than ever for people to discover new music. In the past, if you wanted to find new EDM tracks, you had to either go to a record store or hope that your local radio station was playing something you liked. But now, with sites like SoundCloud and Spotify, you can easily find tons of great new music with just a few clicks.

Another factor is that EDM producers have become much better at creating catchy, hook-laden tracks that are made for dancing. In the early days of EDM, a lot of producers were more focused on making experimental tracks that were more about sound design than anything else. But as the genre has evolved, producers have gotten better at crafting songs that are intended to get people moving on the dance floor.

Finally, there’s also been a shift in mainstream taste towards more danceable music. In the past few years, we’ve seen pop hits by artists like Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, and Bruno Mars that have incorporated elements of EDM into their sound. This has helped introduce more people to the genre and get them interested in attending EDM events.

Looking ahead, it seems clear that EDM is here to stay. With its mix of catchy tunes and high-energy vibes, it’s the perfect soundtrack for our increasingly fast-paced lives. So whether you’re heading to an EDM festival this summer or just listening to some tunes at home, make sure to keep your eye on this rapidly growing genre.