How Electronic Dance Music Took Over America

From its underground beginnings to the mainstream success it is today, electronic dance music has come a long way in a relatively short amount of time.

Introduction

It’s hard to believe that electronic dance music, or EDM, has only been around for a few decades. In such a short time, it has managed to take over the American music scene and become one of the most popular genres in the world.

EDM first gained popularity in the early 1990s, when rave culture was beginning to take off in the United States. At first, EDM was mostly popular with teens and young adults who were attracted to the underground scene and the sense of community that came with it.

As EDM began to grow in popularity, more and more people started attending festivals and clubs where they could experience the music firsthand. And as word of mouth spread, even those who weren’t initially interested in the genre began to take notice.

Today, EDM is one of the most popular genres in America, with some of the biggest names in music regularly headlining festivals and clubs across the country. And while some may still see it as an underground genre, there’s no denying that EDM has taken over America.

A brief history of EDM

Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, has exploded in popularity in recent years. It’s a genre of music that is characterized by its heavy use of electronic instruments and computer-generated beats.

EDM has its origins in the clubs of Europe, where DJs would spin records and create their own unique sound by blending different tracks together. In the 1980s, American producers began to experiment with electronic music and created their own style of EDM, which was influenced by genres like hip hop and disco.

In the 1990s, EDM began to gain mainstream popularity in America thanks to artists like The Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim. By the early 2000s, EDM had become one of the most popular genres of music in America, with festivals like Coachella and Ultra becoming massive annual events.

Today, EDM is more popular than ever before. It’s no longer just a niche genre of music; it’s a mainstream phenomenon that is enjoyed by millions of people across the country. From massive stadium concerts to small club shows, there is an EDM event for everyone.

The rise of EDM in America

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment when electronic dance music, or EDM, took over America. Was it when Madonna sang “Ray of Light” over a throbbing bassline in 1998? Was it when David Guetta and Black Eyed Peas topped the Billboard charts with “I Gotta Feeling” in 2009?

Whatever the case may be, there’s no denying that EDM has become one of the most popular genres in the country. In 2012, Forbes magazine reported that EDM was worth $6.2 billion to the US economy. And last year, a study by Nielsen found that EDM festivals are attended by more 18-34 year olds than any other type of music festival.

So how did we get here? How did a genre that was once confined to underground nightclubs and warehouses become one of the biggest forces in popular culture?

Here are some key moments in the rise of EDM in America:

-In the early 1990s, rave culture began to take hold in America, thanks in part to pioneers like DJ Keoki and Dr. Dre’s seminal album The Chronic. Raves became increasingly commercialized throughout the decade, and by the end of the 1990s, they were being held in major arenas and stadiums across the country.

-In 1997, Daft Punk released their debut album Homework, which helped bring French house music to a wider audience. The following year, Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You” became a global hit, further boosting interest in electronic dance music.

-In 2001, Madonna teamed up with Mirwais Ahmadzaï for her album Music, which featured a number of club-friendly tracks like “Don’t Tell Me” and “What It Feels Like for a Girl.” This marked her first foray into electronic dance music and helped make it more mainstream.

-In 2003, Canadian DJ deadmau5 (aka Joel Zimmerman) first started gaining attention for his unique brand of progressive house music. He would go on to become one of the most popular DJs in the world, headlining major festivals like Coachella and Ultra Music Festival.

-In 2007, Swedish DJ Avicii (aka Tim Bergling) rose to fame with his hit single “Le7els,” which samples Etta James’ classic song “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.” His 2013 track “Wake Me Up” would become one of the biggest hits of all time, topping charts in more than 100 countries.

-In 2011, Skrillex (aka Sonny Moore) burst onto the scene with his debut album Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites. The album won him two Grammy Awards and helped propel him to superstardom. He would go on to collaborate with everyone from Justin Bieber to Slipknot’s Corey Taylor.

The EDM phenomenon

It would be hard to overstate the impact that electronic dance music has had on American culture in recent years. Once the province of niche clubs and underground parties, EDM has exploded in popularity, crossing over into the mainstream and becoming one of the most popular genres in the country. In the process, it has transformed the music industry, spawned a massive global festival circuit, and created a new generation of superstars.

So how did EDM take over America? There are a number of factors that have contributed to its rise. For one thing, the internet has played a major role in spreading awareness of the genre and making it accessible to new audiences. In addition, the rise of social media has allowed artists to build direct relationships with their fans, resulting in a more dedicated and passionate fan base. Finally, the advent of portable digital devices like smartphones and laptops has made it easy for people to create and listen to EDM anywhere they go.

As EDM continues to grow in popularity, it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, it seems likely that it will only become more entrenched in American culture in the years to come.

The future of EDM

It’s hard to believe that electronic dance music, or EDM, has only been around for a few decades. In a relatively short time, it has gone from being the preserve of underground clubs to becoming one of the most popular genres in the world. And it shows no signs of slowing down.

In the United States, EDM festivals are now some of the biggest events on the musical calendar. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to places like Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Miami to see the biggest DJs in the world perform.

What is it about EDM that has made it so popular? Part of its appeal lies in its inclusive nature. Anyone can enjoy EDM, regardless of their age, race or gender. It’s also a genre that is constantly evolving, with new subgenres and subcultures emerging all the time.

So what does the future hold for EDM? It seems likely that it will continue to grow in popularity in the years to come. As more and more people are exposed to it, they are likely to become fans. And as the scene continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting new developments in the world of EDM.