What Defines Electronic Dance Music?

Trying to figure out what defines Electronic Dance Music can be difficult. Here’s a look at some of the different genres and subgenres of EDM to help you out.

Origins

Electronic Dance Music, also known as EDM, is a broad range of percussive electronic music genres produced largely for nightclubs, raves, and festivals. EDM is generally produced for playback by DJs who create seamless selections of tracks, called a mix, by segueing from one recording to another.

Early electronic music

Early electronic music was created using a variety of different instruments and machines, including turntables, synthesizers, drum machines, and computers. This type of music emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and it was often used in experimental and avant-garde settings. Early electronic music pioneer Karlheinz Stockhausen once said that “electronic music is not music.”

Since then, electronic music has come to be defined by its use of electronic musical instruments and electronics-based sound production techniques. It has also been influenced by a number of different genres, including rock, pop, hip hop, and even classical. Electronic dance music (EDM) is a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. EDM is characterized by its use of thunderous bass lines, syncopated rhythms, and often sexually explicit lyrics.

Chicago house

Chicago house is a style of house music that was developed in Chicago in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized by DJs who played at the famous Warehouse club, which gave birth to the name “house music.” The style is characterized by a strong four-on-the-floor kick drum beat, syncopated basslines, and often includes samples of disco or soul music. Chicago house is often credited as the origin of the modern dance music scene, and it continue to be popular today.

Detroit techno

Detroit techno is a type of electronic dance music that emerged in the mid-1980s. The city of Detroit, Michigan, United States, is considered the birthplace of techno, as it was the home of many influential producers and DJs, such as Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson. Detroit techno is characterized by a strong rhythmic foundation, use of synthesizers and samples, and a focus on melody.

Characteristics

Electronic Dance Music, also known as EDM, has become increasingly popular in recent years. But what exactly is EDM? In its simplest form, EDM is a type of electronic music that is created for dancing. This music is often high energy and has a repetitive beat that helps to keep people moving. EDM can be any type of electronic music, but it typically has a 4/4 time signature and is between 110 and 150 beats per minute.

4/4 time signature

The 4/4 time signature, also known as common time, is one of the most popular time signatures in existence. It’s used in a wide variety of music genres, including electronic dance music (EDM).

The 4/4 time signature is so named because it consists of four quarter-note beats per measure. Each quarter note equals one beat, so a 4/4 measure contains four beats. This time signature is often represented by the symbol “C” for common time.

The 4/4 time signature is the most fundamental and basic of all time signatures. Its simple, straightforward nature makes it ideal for many different types of music. It’s especially well-suited to dance music, because it provides a regular beat that people can easily move to.

If you’re new to EDM, or if you’re just looking for a simple, effective time signature to use in your own tracks, 4/4 is a great choice.

Fast tempo

Most electronic dance music is built around 4/4 time, with a tempo ranging from 120 to 155 beats per minute (BPM). This characteristic pulse is often accomplished by layering rhythm tracks of slightly different speeds on top of each other. The result is a polyrhythm, in which different layers add up to create the overall pulse. For example, if one layer is at 130 BPM and another at 138 BPM, the combination will produce a steady 8th-note pulse that “loops” every four beats.

Heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines

Electronic dance music is characterized by heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines, giving it a distinctive sound that sets it apart from other genres. DJs often use turntables and mixers to create new sounds and rhythms, and electronic dance music is often created with the help of computer software. This genre of music is often associated with clubs and parties, and it can be found in many different styles, including house, techno, trance, and more.

Popularity

In recent years, Electronic Dance Music, or EDM, has exploded in popularity. This can be largely attributed to the rise of festivals like Tomorrowland, which has helped EDM to become more mainstream. However, there is still some confusion about what EDM actually is. In this article, we will attempt to define EDM and explore its popularity.

The 1990s

The 1990s were a pivotal decade for electronic dance music, with the genre growing in popularity around the world. This was due in part to the rise of rave culture and the popularity of club culture, as well as the increasing availability of electronic music production equipment. One of the most important developments of the decade was the birth of trance music, which began to emerge in the early 1990s and would go on to become one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music.

The 2000s

The start of the 2000s were a major turning point for electronic dance music. Producers were now able to create music using digital audio workstations, which made production easier and more accessible. This allowed for a new generation of producers to emerge, who would go on to define the sound of EDM in the coming years.

In the early 2000s, trance was one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music. Trance tracks typically featured build-ups and breakdowns, with long sections of synth pads and arpeggios. The genre was popularised by artists such as Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, and Paul Van Dyk.

In the mid-2000s, a new style of EDM began to emerge: electro house. Electro house was a fusion of techno and house, with elements of electroclash, nu disco, and 80s synth-pop thrown in for good measure. The genre was spearheaded by artists such as Justice, Daft Punk, and boys Noize.

By the late 2000s, dubstep was beginning to make waves in the UK underground scene. The genre was characterised by dark, minimal beats and sub-bass frequencies that could cause serious damage to speakers! Dubstep became mainstream in 2010 thanks to artists like Skrillex and Nero.

Today

Electronic dance music has exploded in popularity over the past few years, with festivals and clubs all over the world now hosting huge EDM events. But what exactly is EDM, and what defines this rapidly growing genre of music?

Broadly speaking, EDM is a type of electronic music that is created for dancing. It is often characterized by its use of heavy bass lines, repetitive beats, and synths. However, there is a lot of variation within the genre, with different artists incorporating different styles and influences.

Some of the most popular EDM sub-genres include house, techno, trance, Drum & Bass, and Dubstep. Within these sub-genres, there are even further sub-divisions, meaning that there is something to suit every taste.

One of the defining features of EDM is that it is often produced using software rather than traditional instruments. This means that anyone with a computer can create their own EDM tracks at home. As a result, the genre has become extremely popular with bedroom producers and amateur DJs who are looking to break into the music industry.

So there you have it – a quick overview of what electronic dance music is and what defines it. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or not, there’s no denying that it’s here to stay!

Notable Artists

Daft Punk

Daft Punk is a French electronic music duo consisting of producers Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. The duo achieved significant popularity in the late 1990s as part of the French house movement and had continuous success in the years following, combining elements of house music with pop, techno, disco, rock and synth-pop influences. They are also known for their visual stylization and disguises associated with their music. The duo has worn ornate robots costumes while performing since 2001.

Daft Punk’s work combines elements of several music genres including house, techno, disco, rock and synth-pop. Their style has been described as a “cross between The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones”. They composed the majority of their tracks independently; however, Bangalter stated in an interview that Homem-Christo usually came to him with “little ideas” or “sketches”, after which they would spend months “tweaking” them. For Discovery (2001), Daft Punk experimented with film score conventions by incorporating live orchestrations into some tracks such as ” Something About Us”.

Skrillex

Last but not least is Skrillex, the 26-year-old musical mastermind whose 2010 EP, Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, put dubstep on the map for American audiences. A former member of the post-hardcore band From First to Last, Sonny Moore (a.k.a. Skrillex) has since found success as a solo artist, producer, and DJ. His 2011 track “First of the Year (Equinox)” earned him a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording, making him the first electronic artist to ever win in that category.

Calvin Harris

Calvin Harris is a Scottish DJ, record producer, and singer. He was born in Dumfries, Scotland, and raised in the town of Newton Stewart. He first rose to prominence with the release of his third studio album, 18 Months, in October 2012. The album’s lead single “Bounce”, featuring Kelis, peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart.

Harris’ fourth studio album, Motion, was released in October 2014. The album’s lead single “Under Control”, featuring Hurts and Ellie Goulding, peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. His fifth studio album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, was released on 30 June 2017. The album’s lead single “Slide”, featuring Frank Ocean and Migos, peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart.