EDM (Electronic Dance Music) can be likened to fast food: It produces an instantaneous rush of happiness that wears off quickly but lacks the durability of real dance music.
Many argue that EDM produced on computers does not count as real music and its creators cannot be considered real musicians. This argument is flawed.
Early electronic music
Electrical transformation of musical sounds dates back to the late 19th century. Italian Futurist painter Luigi Russolo suggested this form of musical augmentation during his proposal of dissolving all existing music, in favor of instruments reflecting industrial society technology which could then perform “music expressive of that technology”. Russolo constructed mechanically activated noise instruments called intonarumori which grated, hissed, scratched, shrieked and rumbled as precursors of electronic sound generators.
Between World Wars I and II, several developments accelerated the progress of electronic music. Between 1925 and 1930, mechanical phonographs were replaced by electrical recording devices; during the 1930s there was more experimentation with record players including sound speed adjusting technology as well as using sound-on-film for collages or graphical sounds; moreover in 1959 Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center was founded and is one of the oldest centers dedicated to computer and electronic music research worldwide.
In the 1960s, electronic instrumentation began making an entrance into popular music – specifically rock and pop genres. Artists like The Silver Apples, British duo The Who, and American group Roxy Music integrated synthesizers into their sound to form electronic rock and electronica genres; other notable artists, like Isao Tomita and Osamu Kitajima produced electronic tunes which blended electronic elements with traditional Japanese musical styles.
The 1960s also witnessed the composition of Luening’s Gargoyles for violin and tape and Stockhausen’s Kontakte for orchestra and electronics, two pieces which broke with traditional musical forms by employing abstract and aural approaches instead of linear development and dramatic climax. Synthpop became increasingly popular during this era as dance-oriented artists like Depeche Mode and New Wave used synthesizers to produce catchy melodies with danceable beats; its sound even made its way into hip hop through Run-DMC and Beastie Boys using synthpop beats in their songs.
Electronic music emerged in the 1980s, giving rise to various subgenres that emphasize different sounds and production techniques. Some examples are ambient, techno and house. Ambient is defined by atmospheric sounds without traditional musical instruments like pianos or guitars and without net composition such as beats or structured melodies.
Synthpop
Synth Pop music has quickly become one of the most beloved genres ever made possible through the combination of synthesizers and pop music, producing catchy melodies and infectious beats that take listeners back in time while sounding forward-thinking, providing listeners with an array of emotions to experience while experiencing this unique blend of sounds that is one of history’s most enduring genres.
Synthesizers first made an appearance in pop music during the 1960s and 70s with bands like Kraftwerk and Yellow Magic Orchestra, before rising to popularity with artists like Gary Numan, Human League, New Order and Eurythmics during the 80s. Outside the UK the genre saw widespread usage with acts such as Men Without Hats Sandra Trans-X Modern Talking Alphaville Yello.
Early 1990s synthpop saw its popularity decline due to the increasing influence of alternative rock; however, it later saw a resurgence thanks to acts like Ladytron, The Postal Service, and Hot Chip in the 2000s. Today the genre continues to thrive through new artists and technology.
Synthpop music can be identified by its heavy use of synthesizers and electronic instruments, along with lyrics expressing themes of alienation and isolation. The sound was inspired by many genres including pop, new wave, art rock, minimalist arrangements and repetitive electronic beats; many artists also utilized synthesizers to craft signature styles that included minimalist arrangements and repetitive electronic beats; the first synthpop songs explored dark and disquieting sounds while later versions offered melodic pop melodies that explored more melodic sounds.
Synthpop may be misunderstood as an industry term, yet its distinctive qualities distinguish it from other genres. True synthpop boasts mechanical and robotic sounds not found elsewhere; fast tempo music featuring robotic rhythms; and sterilized vocal delivery are some hallmarks of true synthpop.
Though synthpop and other genres differ significantly, it is essential to remember that all genres lie along stylistic spectrums with various shades and combinations of expression. Therefore it is fine to use different terms when describing a song; just ensure the genres are clearly defined and understood. Clan of Xymox’s self-titled debut album from 1985 includes several tracks which could be classified as synth pop – for example the song “Stranger” features rigid 4/4 rhythm, distorted synth melodies, and robotic vocal delivery which all hallmarks of synth pop genre.
Electronic art music
There are various styles of electronic music, each with their own distinct sound. While some styles are more intricate than others, all share similar basic principles: manipulation of sounds using digital processing and loudspeakers as loudspeakers are used. Electronic music can be viewed as a form of art – whether creating mood, accompanying dancers or performers or acting as background to enhance an experience such as theatrical performances or movies.
Electronic music’s history is defined by its interaction with other genres of music and exploration of new technical resources, both of which have contributed to creating its distinct 20th-century style: searching for new modes of expression while liberating composers from tonal thinking traditions. A major example was John Cage’s groundbreaking Imaginary Landscape No. 1, published in 1939 which employed variable speed turntables, frequency recordings and muted piano with cymbals as its components.
In the 1960s and 70s, experimental compositions became an increasingly prevalent trend. Drawing inspiration from traditional classical music pieces, but often employing techniques not normally found within concert pieces – including electronic sound-producing devices as well as tape recording technology which made editing and remixing sounds possible – experimental compositions became ever more frequent works to compose during this era. These works used elements from conventional classical pieces but frequently employed techniques that weren’t seen anywhere else – often using electronic sound producing devices along with tape recording technology which made editing and remixing sounds possible.
One of the key developments of this era was the invention of synthesizers. These instruments allowed musicians to produce sophisticated sounds, and opened up experimental music. Furthermore, they enabled fusions of acoustic instruments with electronic processing; marking the start of modern electronic music which has since had an influence in a range of genres.
The advent of online platforms and streaming services democratized electronic music production. Artists could experiment with their sound from the comfort of their homes, pushing their creative limits. This led to many subgenres of electronic music being produced; including hip hop and EDM genres characterized by rhythmic beats with an infectious pulse; these genres have since gained worldwide acclaim and continue to gain fans around the world.
Techno
Techno is a genre of dance music which originated in Detroit during the early 1980s. Inspired by house, synthpop, and funk genres, its hallmark is repetitive beats with pulsating basslines. Afrofuturism (inspired by futuristic fiction) also plays an influential role. Techno artists often employ drum machines, samplers, keyboards, turntables and sequencers to produce rhythmic sounds; typically their songs range between 120-140 beats per minute while often lacking lyrics.
Techno music spans many subgenres, from acid and hardcore through dub and minimal. Due to its ever-evolving styles and ever-evolving subgenres, labeling it can be challenging; nevertheless, techno has become one of the cornerstones of modern dance music; connecting deeply with listeners’ subconscious by tapping into its unique ability.
According to techno enthusiasts, techno is an indispensable part of electronic music history. Once an underground movement, it has since evolved into an influential club sound with active founders performing worldwide. They continue their legacy today. A museum dedicated to their legacy would be ideal.
The Michigan Electronic Music Collective seeks to maintain the spirit of techno among Ann Arbor students and beyond. Their members are dedicated to the genre and its creators, hoping that its message reaches as wide an audience as possible. Taubman junior Bianca Trihenea serves as vice president for this organization and believes techno is more than dancing or having fun – it provides unforgettable experiences!
Though a museum dedicated to techno may seem controversial, it can serve as an effective means to increase awareness of this genre. Though often dismissed as “just dance music,” techno has an extensive and vibrant heritage worth celebrating. Furthermore, techno can even be used as a vehicle for political activism; one group called Underground Resistance uses techno to raise awareness of social issues in Detroit through music that draws comparisons to Public Enemy rap groups like Public Enemy.