Dance music despite predictions of its demise is alive and kicking. At an EDM festival held recently, raver ravers who’d cut their teeth in illegal warehouse parties mixed freely with kids who revelled in its endless serotonin rush.
Will this trend endure, or will musical tastes shift and eventually render EDM less prominent than it once was?
It’s not dead.
While some genres of electronic music may have reached their zenith and now appear to be declining in popularity, that doesn’t indicate their demise altogether. Although big room EDM may have reached its pinnacle, other subgenres like tropical house, progressive house, melodic dubstep, and drum and bass remain on the rise and even growing more quickly; festival trap and experimental trap stand out as two such examples of this trend.
In the early 2010s, electronic music experienced an explosive surge of popularity through artists like Avicii and Skrillex as well as massive commercial festivals founded by former major label artists who now produce their own projects independently. Due to inexpensive, user-friendly digital audio workstation software such as Ableton Live (2001) and studio emulation Reason (2000), bedroom producers now have access to creating high-quality music with just their computer and microphone.
Historically, creating electronic music required an investment in expensive equipment like mixers and synthesizers; such a setup was often unattainable for most aspiring producers. Mastering and mixing can be tedious tasks that necessitate experts. Today however, with lower entry barriers into production world of electronic music production has allowed it to thrive even further.
One effective way of assessing whether or not a musical genre is alive and kicking is to access its search data on Google Trends. This will show the number of people searching for that genre online at any one time.
Techno has a rich musical legacy and draws inspiration from multiple styles of popular music, including rock, jazz and funk. Techno’s development was greatly helped by technological innovations like CDs and DVDs that replaced vinyl records; cheaper computer technology including MIDI controllers for Ableton Live or Reason also played an essential part.
Recent trends indicate that techno is gradually declining due to its repetitive beats becoming formulaic, as well as the proliferation of fake DJs such as Armin van Buuren who produce fake tracks under different names.
It’s dying.
There are those who say EDM (electronic dance music) is dead, that DJing is now over, due to most tracks being recorded with software and computers rather than traditional instruments and thus not real music. What they miss, though, is how new technology allowed for more cost-effective tools that allow almost anyone to produce quality electronic music – devices which may not offer professional-grade mixing performance but still provide viable alternatives without breaking the bank.
Rising popularity of digital/real music genre is further supported by its growing millennial following, who are immersed in technology since birth and are the most tech-savvy generation ever seen before. Therefore, they would likely enjoy this hybrid form that brings together both sides – digital and real worlds – into one genre of music.
However, this genre isn’t without its problems. A recent wave of scandals surrounding DJs who cheated their sets by using prerecorded tracks and prioritizing spectacle over musicianship have put some people off this genre entirely. Additionally, artists’ attempts at ghost-producing the work of others (especially those less experienced) has clouded things further.
Some believe this music is dying because it has become oversaturated and no longer seems as popular. This could be caused by too much production or too many different subgenres of EDM being offered; either way, its growth is slowing and its popularity may soon begin waning.
Truth be told, certain genres of electronic music may be declining while others are flourishing. Techno is currently experiencing a revival while big room EDM has reached its peak and now appears to be declining; while genres like future bass, dubstep and experimental trap music are all experiencing tremendous growth.
It’s going away.
Undoubtedly, the internet and digital software have drastically decreased barriers to electronic music production, yet that does not equate to its death; these same technologies create new genres just as easily as they eliminate old ones.
Complex and intricately produced electronic music like progressive house or melodic dubstep is just one indication that electronic dance music (EDM) hasn’t gone away entirely, while established EDM artists are expanding into different styles – possibly making these genres even more appealing and popular than they already were!
One further indication that EDM isn’t dead is its continued popularity with fans worldwide, as evidenced by thousands attending shows and festivals around the globe. People still flocking to such events is testament to EDM as an entire genre rather than just its more well-known subgenres.
If digitally synthesized music was to experience any form of backlash, the entire industry may suffer as a result. Instead, what is more likely to occur is that its scene continues to adapt and thrive – while at the same time its fans also continue growing with it.
As global rave culture spreads further and further, its meaning will change accordingly. While certain themes or narratives may fade over time, others will emerge as means for people to express themselves and connect with one another – creating a fascinating kaleidoscopic landscape! When attending your next festival or concert be sure to look beyond headliners to understand how every venue’s sounds affect your own experience – follow DJs you admire on social media as their posts will keep you up-to-date on any upcoming developments in this ever-evolving music scene!
It’s a backlash.
Some believe electronic music has seen its peak and is in decline due to a backlash from fans and critics alike. There is an impression that electronic music has become too mainstream, commercial and shallow; these critics point to K-pop’s rise and the decline of big room EDM shows as evidence that EDM shows have lost their magic. While big mainstream commercial events may no longer hold as much power over fans and attendees alike, smaller niche festivals and clubs still thrive and offer incredible experiences; those unfamiliar with underground nights don’t know what they are missing out!
Reducing genres of music down to their most successful hits or the work of its most prominent artists can be futile. There is an infinite range of subgenres within dance music that exist because audiences enjoy them; too much dependance is placed upon radio charts and Billboard for determining whether a genre has died out; the latter will only change as tastes shift further.
As one EDM style declines in popularity, another will gain. It’s part of life – just look at breakbeat, techno, trance and dubstep’s rise and subsequent decline – just to name four examples! Big room house and festival trap may become popular again or may morph into something entirely different as their popularity wanes; neither are easy to predict, though likely outcomes for either genre remain unpredictable at this stage in their evolution.
EDM may have seen its days numbered because its old guard of DJ culture died out, giving way to a younger generation that is open to experiencing more things and accepting of new sounds than those before them.
This new generation is more diverse and inclusive, welcoming more women and trans people into DJ culture than ever before. Additionally, this generation is open to new technologies and ideas: Ableton Live and Reason DAWs have gained in prominence during the 2000s; now used by some of the top pop musicians worldwide to produce music.