How Electronic Dance Music Took Over America
Contents
A look at how electronic dance music became one of the most popular genres in the United States.
Introduction
In the early 1990s, electronic dance music (EDM) was a niche genre enjoyed primarily by underground clubgoers in Europe. But over the past two decades, EDM has gone mainstream, becoming one of the most popular genres in the United States. In 2018, EDM generated nearly $1 billion in revenue and attracted more than 33 million fans to live events, according to industry trade group the EDMbiz Conference.
So how did EDM go from underground to mainstream? There are a number of factors that have contributed to its meteoric rise in popularity.
One is the growth of social media and online streaming platforms like YouTube and Spotify, which have made it easier for EDM fans to discover new music and connect with one another. Another is the rise of festivals like Ultra Music Festival and Electric Daisy Carnival, which have helped introduce EDM to a wider audience. And finally, there’s been a growing acceptance of electronic music within the mainstream pop world, with artists like Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift incorporating elements of EDM into their sound.
With its mix of pounding drums, catchy melodies and infectious energy, it’s easy to see why EDM has become so popular in recent years. And if current trends are any indication, it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
A Brief History of Electronic Dance Music
Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, has been around for decades. It originated in Europe in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It became popular in the United States in the 1990s and 2000s. Today, it is one of the most popular genres of music in the world.
Early electronic dance music
Early electronic dance music was characterized by a heavy reliance on synthesizers and drum machines, with a more minimalistic approach to song structure and composition. This sound was typified by artists such as Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, and Yellow Magic Orchestra.
Kraftwerk, in particular, was highly influential on the development of electronic dance music. The group’s 1970s output blended elements of avant-garde electronic music with more pop-friendly sensibilities, laying the groundwork for the sound of disco and other genres that would follow.
Giorgio Moroder’s work with Donna Summer in the mid-1970s would also prove highly influential, with tracks like “I Feel Love” helping to pioneer the use of synthesizers in pop music. The same year saw the release of Yellow Magic Orchestra’s self-titled debut album, which would go on to become one of the most influential recordings in the history of electronic music.
The birth of house music
In the early 1980s, a new type of music called “house” began to emerge in Chicago. House music was a blend of different styles of music, including disco, soul, and electronic music. One of the most important innovators of house music was DJ Frankie Knuckles, who played a pivotal role in developing the sound of house music.
House music quickly spread from Chicago to other parts of the United States, and by the early 1990s, it had become one of the most popular genres of dance music in the world. In the 1990s and 2000s, a new generation of electronic dance musicians emerged, including David Guetta, Calvin Harris, and Skrillex. These artists took house music to new levels of popularity, and today, electronic dance music is one of the most popular genres of music in the world.
The rise of techno
In the early 1990s, a new style of electronic dance music began to emerge in the clubs of Detroit, Michigan. This new style, which came to be known as techno, was built on the foundations of earlier styles such as house and Detroit techno. Techno was heavier and more futuristic sounding than its predecessors, with a focus on synthesizers and drum machines. It quickly gained popularity in Detroit’s underground clubs, and soon began to spread to other cities in the US and Europe.
How Electronic Dance Music Took Over America
Electronic dance music has exploded in popularity in recent years, with festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival selling out within minutes. So how did this genre of music, which was once niche, become so popular? In this article, we’ll explore the history of electronic dance music and how it took over America.
The popularity of EDM festivals
In recent years, electronic dance music (EDM) has exploded in popularity in the United States. According to a report from Forbes, the EDM industry was worth an estimated $6.9 billion in 2016, and that number is only expected to grow. A big part of this growth can be attributed to the popularity of EDM festivals.
From coast-to-coast, there are now dozens of different EDM festivals to choose from. Some of the biggest and most popular include Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland, and Creamfields. These events typically attract tens of thousands of people, and some have even been known to sell out stadiums with capacities of 100,000 or more.
So why are EDM festivals so popular? There are a few reasons. First of all, they offer a unique experience that you can’t find at traditional music festivals. At an EDM festival, you’ll find non-stop dancing, rave culture attire, colorful lights and visuals, and top-notch production values. Secondly, EDM festivals feature a diverse lineup of world-renowned DJs and producers who play extended sets that allow them to really show off their skills. And finally, many EDM festivals take place in beautiful locations (often outdoors), which makes them even more appealing to party-goers.
If you haven’t yet experienced an EDM festival for yourself, there’s no better time than now to jump on the bandwagon. Just be sure to do your research ahead of time so that you can find the event that’s right for you.
The rise of electronic dance music (EDM) in America can be traced back to the early 2010s, when the genre began to gain popularity through social media platforms such as SoundCloud and YouTube. This was largely due to the success of artists such as Skrillex and Deadmau5, who were able to reach a wide audience through these channels.
As EDM became more mainstream, it began to be featured prominently at music festivals such as Coachella and Electric Daisy Carnival. This exposure helped to further increase its popularity, and by the mid-2010s, EDM had become one of the most popular genres in the country.
Today, EDM is not only popular with listeners, but also with artists and producers. Many of the genre’s biggest names, such as Calvin Harris and Avicii, are among the highest-paid musicians in the world. This is due in part to the fact that EDM concerts and festivals are often big business, with ticket prices sometimes reaching into the hundreds of dollars.
There is no doubt that electronic dance music has taken over America. It remains to be seen whether this popularity will continue or if it will eventually fade away. However, for now, it seems that EDM is here to stay.
The rise of electronic dance music culture
In the 1990s, electronic dance music (EDM) began to surge in popularity in the United States. A new generation of music fans were exposed to the sounds of DJs like Tiesto, Paul Oakenfold, and Sasha & Digweed, who were spinning at raves and nightclubs across the country. The popularity of EDM continued to grow in the 2000s and 2010s, thanks in part to the rise of social media and streaming platforms like SoundCloud and Spotify.
Today, EDM is one of the most popular genres of music in America. Top EDM artists like Calvin Harris, Marshmello, and Skrillex routinely sell out arena shows and headline major music festivals. The genre has also spawned a massive industry, with big-name brands like Red Bull hosting their own EDM events and festivals.
Conclusion
Today, electronic dance music has evolved into a dominant force in American pop culture, with mainstream artists like Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Bruno Mars incorporating EDM elements into their music. The genre has also found a home on the radio, with several dedicated electronic dance music stations now broadcasting across the country. Even mainstream media outlets like MTV and VH1 have embraced the genre, featuring electronic dance music-themed shows and award ceremonies.
