In the 1980s, artists began incorporating synths into their music – commonly referred to as synthpop – paving the way for future producers such as Jean-Michel Jarre, Kraftwerk and a-ha.
Gary Numan unleashed the first ball bearing synth song ever recorded: Are Friends Electric? This rocked the world and created what we know today as EDM (Electronic Dance Music).
Swedish House Mafia – “Don’t You Worry Child”
Swedish contributions to global pop culture are most often associated with ABBA’s infectiously singable anthems from the 1970s and ’80s, Roxette, Ace of Base or Max Martin’s many hits written for artists like Britney Spears, Katy Perry or Kelly Clarkson; Roxette, Ace of Base or any of Max Martin’s hits written for Britney Spears, Katy Perry or Kelly Clarkson by producer Max Martin are also common associations; for those interested in EDM however Swedish House Mafia may top this list; featuring Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso and Axwell this group was at its most successful when released “Don’t You Worry Child” by producer Max Martin in 2012.
The track was the band’s sixth single to date and their last as a trio before they announced they would go on hiatus. John Martin provided vocals, having also appeared on their 2011 hit “Save the World.” Its production showcases all of the hallmarks of a Swedish House Mafia hit: stabbing synths, syncopated drumming, an acoustic guitar interlude – classic elements for Swedish House Mafia success!
Though its lyrics were considered less-than-ideal, “Fame” has since become one of the most beloved dance tracks ever released and continues to be played at every major electronic music festival worldwide. Additionally, its video depicting three dancers dancing with large crowds watching is just as iconic.
Though its exact date of rise can’t be pinpointed with precision, several events contributed to electronic music’s rapid rise. The late 1970s and early 1980s witnessed the birth of synth-pop; an influential musical subgenre featuring electronic keyboards which represented an evolution over instruments such as pianos or violins. Artists such as Ultravox (with songs like “Hiroshima Mon Amour”) Depeche Mode and New Order all used this style with success – each offering their own version of its sound in music industry.
Tim Bergling of Sweden composed “Levels,” an electro-house song with elements of R&B and pop that has since gone global and been seen by over 500 million YouTube views alone. It became an instantaneous hit around the world.
Nero – “Promises”
If you enjoy EDM, chances are this song has found its way into your life in one form or another. First released in 2011, “One Step Beyond” quickly rose to become one of dubstep’s biggest hits – garnering over 81 Million Spotify plays to date! With its catchy vocal melodies and drumbeats perfect for dance floors everywhere, its popularity can easily explain its phenomenal success – spanning seven years since release.
No matter if it’s playing in your car or at a club, this song never fails to put a smile on my face. A classic example of pop-meets-progressive house music that blends elements of both traditional pop and dance, synthesizer is featured heavily here and takes me back to Europe’s 1980s club scene when synth-pop became increasingly popular; acts such as Ultravox, Depeche Mode and Yazoo rose to prominence at this time and helped establish synth-pop as one of its dominant musical styles of this decade.
Disco was an influential musical genre that combined traditional styles like rhythm and blues, funk and soul with electronic elements to form something called disco music. Disco was immensely popular during the ’70s and ’80s and one of the first mainstream genres; artists also took advantage of technological advances to experiment with sound combinations.
In the 1990s, DJs such as Daft Punk, Tiesto and David Guetta rose to global stardom as household names around the globe. Daft Punk, Tiesto and David Guetta helped usher in an exciting era of electronic dance music that could be found anywhere from clubs and stadiums to television. Over time it only continued growing more popular, while artists like Skrillex and Avicii became even more sought-after; today its evolution continues unpredictably!
‘Stay the Night – Zedd feat. Hayley Williams’
After disco’s demise in the late 70s, synth-pop became an instantaneous hit among artists such as Pet Shop Boys, Erasure or Communards. Synth-pop brought dance music closer to mainstream audiences with its infectious rhythms and harmonic sound additions.
As the 1980s concluded, electronic music’s popularity blossomed further due to the availability of synthesizers, digital sequencers and drum machines – leading to numerous subgenres including House, Techno, Trance and Electropop.
In the 1980s, industrial and experimental music also blossomed, with avant-garde groups like Kraftwerk or Can utilizing electronic instruments like ring modulators to craft their unique sounds. By the 1990s, American composers such as Steve Reich or John Cage pushed further the limits of experimental music with avant-garde sounds while bands like Can or Neu! used keyboards in a repetitive motorik beat.
By the 2000s, digitized production technology allowed music creation with less complex hardware to occur more easily allowing even amateur producers and DJs to craft their own masterpieces. Furthermore, internet was an invaluable resource enabling anyone to share or consume music easily.
Early 2010s witnessed the emergence of a new breed of DJs who brought an altogether unique style and attitude to electronic dance music (EDM). Artists such as Marshmello, Armin Van Buuren or Diplo quickly achieved fame thanks to their distinctive sounds and catchy tunes.
Since suffering a devastating financial setback in 2020, the electronic music industry has seen steady improvement; physical sales have actually seen an uptick for the first time since 1999 and streaming now accounts for over 50% of music consumption worldwide.
EDM music has quickly become one of the most sought-after genres today, thanks to its captivating melodies and engaging rhythms. Ranging from dance anthems to emotive ballads, there is something for everyone within EDM – no wonder so many consider it their favorite style of music!
The Chainsmokers – “Closer”
The Chainsmokers’ “Closer” embodies what makes EDM so captivating: its catchy lyrics and mesmerizing vocal harmonies make this track one of the world’s most beloved tracks. The song depicts loss in relationships, with Andrew Taggart and Halsey both providing stunning performances singing this tune together.
No wonder this song has become such a hit – its catchy tune can appeal to everyone and the danceability will get people up and moving! Additionally, its music video boasts over 50 million views on YouTube; making it definitely an essential watch.
EDM has been around since the 1980s. Originating in the US and heavily influenced by other genres such as disco, house and punk rock music – EDM can be identified by faster beats, distorted basslines and synthesized sounds that create its signature sound – with earlier forms popularly played at clubs, fitness centers, fields or warehouses.
But it wasn’t until the 1990s that house music truly made waves globally. First it gained momentum in Europe’s club scene before spreading across borders into mainstream society – today being considered one of the most beloved musical styles worldwide.
The Chainsmokers recently underwent an impressive transformation, transitioning from EDM jocks to pop singers writing mass-appeal melodic pop (one verse in this single cites actual emo-punk band Blink-182). But judging from the melancholy piano intro, teardrop synthesizers, and Iselin Solheim’s mournful vocals on this song suggests they want their resemblance less obvious than when The Fray did with their hit hit single.
Still, their work contains unsettlingly sexist undertones – specifically when they position themselves above female collaborators. From hiring one woman solely to portray a vapid whore on #Selfie to Halsey using Closer as a platform to seduce female singers and collaborate, something about their power dynamics seems off.