EDM (electronic dance music) has been around for decades but recently it’s gained prominence thanks to artists like Skrillex and Deadmau5.
Big Room House (think Hardwell or Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike), hybrid trap, dubstep and trance are among the more widely popular styles within EDM; but it encompasses many more subgenres as well.
It Compels People to Dance
Electronic dance music (EDM) has quickly become one of the most beloved genres within modern culture, with many individuals enjoying dancing to this type of tune to feel rejuvenated and joyful while relaxing from daily stressors. Furthermore, EDM brings people together and makes them laugh!
Electronic dance music producers utilize synthesizers and drum machines to craft this genre, using synthesizers as sound sources that would otherwise be impossible with traditional instruments. Electronic dance music typically features fast rhythms with fast beats ideal for dancing; often including lyrics with meaning behind their lyrics or vocals to tell a story or convey a message.
Electronic dance music encompasses many distinct genres, making it suitable for an array of audiences. Popular examples of this style of music are techno, house, and trance – each genre offering something different to audiences; techno may appeal more strongly while others might prefer house for its emotive qualities.
Electronic dance music began to gain momentum during the 1980s due to new electronic musical instruments, such as Roland TR-808 and TB-303, being introduced. These instruments played an essential part in further developing dance music genres such as techno, house, acid house as well as subgenres such as Miami Bass and Detroit Techno.
EDM today is created primarily on computers by an electronic music producer, and genres vary greatly, from Chicago house to tearout dubstep. Other musical genres like rock have heavy guitars, metal has harsher sounds and rap has socially conscious lyrics; EDM relies solely on beats.
EDM will continue to gain in popularity. However, it’s essential that its reputation remains undamaged by any misinformation that circulates about the genre – for instance reports detailing dangers associated with EDM listening or its connection to youth violence at festivals can easily spread misinformed reports that could expose young people to misleading information about music they love.
It Brings People Together
Music brings people together, but when coupled with dancing it becomes even more of a social experience. Many who dance to EDM consider it more than just music; it is considered a culture centered around sharing happiness and connecting with like-minded individuals. That’s why people flock to festivals and clubs in search of their favorite DJ’s latest hits!
EDM encompasses various genres that each offer their own distinct sound and appeal. House music, for instance, is known for its four-on-the-floor beat and soulful vocals while trance music boasts upbeat melodies and euphoric sounds that often give rise to emotional feelings. Dubstep is another hard-hitting form that features distorted beats and drop structures – it may not appeal to everyone, however!
Electronic dance music (EDM) has experienced exponential growth over time. Many credit Madonna’s 1998 single, “Ray of Light”, for bringing EDM into mainstream consciousness; although electronic dance music had long been enjoyed.
Generating music intended for dancing requires hard work and expertise. Producing EDM requires a keen understanding of song structure, melodies that evoke feelings and synthesizers to achieve the right vibe – something which only few are able to master.
One of the main attractions of EDM music is that anyone, no matter their age or social standing, can appreciate it. Its exciting beats and catchy rhythms provide an enjoyable distraction that helps people forget their troubles for a few hours while simply having fun!
Numerous artists have also played an instrumental role in shaping EDM. These include New Order, which emerged from Joy Division after their demise; Jean-Michel Jarre, who pioneered early synthesizer music with his albums Oxygene and Equinoxes; and Vangelis who composed music for films like Blade Runner and Chariots of Fire.
It Helps to Stimulate the Production of Dopamine
Dopamine is our brain’s main chemical of pleasure, released whenever we experience positive emotions like happiness or joy. Dancing to music stimulates this release of dopamine into our bodies, helping us feel more connected to and in sync with our movements; dancing also can boost self-esteem and give energy boosts!
Electronic music comes in many different varieties, but those designed specifically for dancing tend to be the most popular genres. These genres include techno, house, breakbeat, Drum and Bass, electro and trance music; each has its own distinct sounds but all share common elements that make them easy to move to when dancing. Genres such as techno are created in recording studios using samplers, effects units and MIDI controllers which enable even those without much musical training produce songs themselves.
Electronic dance music’s development flourished during the 90s due to advances in computer technology and falling costs associated with recording systems with hard drives. This allowed DJs to work from their homes more conveniently while making it easier for them to distribute their music worldwide. Some influential artists during this era included Derrick May, Jeff Mills, Juan Atkins and Carl Craig; equally significant were New Order whose 1983 hit Blue Monday set the benchmark in dance music; as well as Jean-Michel Jarre and Vangelis who produced classic synth based tunes respectively.
Dubstep is one of the more recent subgenres of EDM. Characterized by fast beats and wobbling basslines, Dubstep typically omits the traditional 4/4 rhythm found in many forms of electronic music. Dubstep has quickly become one of the genre’s hallmarks at festivals specializing in this style, including artists like Skrillex and Flux Pavilion who have established themselves with this particular sound.
Big Room House has recently become increasingly popular. This genre is distinguished by a fast beat that is beloved by festival crowds; artists like Hardwell and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike have found great success creating big room house music.
It Brings Up Memories
Music can provide us with both entertainment and memories, giving us something we can always turn back to when feeling sad or depressed. Music, especially electronic genres, often evokes certain feelings or memories which makes it extremely popular with listeners.
As EDM became more and more popular, more musical genres began incorporating elements of it. What distinguishes EDM is that its signature is computer-made music composed with synthesizers and drum machines created for dancefloor performances; but other influences include disco, techno, trance and drum and bass music genres as well.
Some of the most renowned electronic music producers are DJs; others are independent musicians creating electronic music using low-cost equipment in their bedrooms – a phenomenon commonly referred to as bedroom producers.
The 1990s witnessed an explosion of electronic music genres and artists. Madonna’s 1998 single Ray of Light is often cited as having launched EDM into mainstream popular culture; however, its existence existed long before that and had already experienced immense success within underground circles.
Today’s EDM concerts can often be grand spectacles featuring breathtaking light shows and fireworks displays, extravagant stage designs, costumes, and spectacular light shows. Deadmau5 has made headlines for his spinning light-up mouse helmet and Dada Life for showering audience members with champagne and bananas!
As the music industry evolves, new forms and genres of electronic music will likely emerge – be they classic and experimental or pop/rock. Whatever happens, electronic music will remain an influential driving force within entertainment.
No matter your taste in music, EDM offers something for everyone – techno, trance or funk are just some of its genres – so why not give EDM music a try and experience how it impacts you?