Author : Jennifer Stone
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The Electronic Dance Music was not as famous or loved by the elders as much as it is loved by the Gen Z or Gen Alpha, and there are some reasons for that. This blog will help you to dive deeper into the origin, the uprising, and the evolution of Electronic Dance Music to get a better understanding of this genre. The evolution of Electronic Dance Music from its experimental beginnings to its current dominance over the music world is a fascinating story spanning over a century. In this blog, you get to know in detail about the pioneers of this genre that gave Electronic Dance Music a new path and also gave birth to many sub-genres from EDM to electro-pop to techno house to melodic techno.
Electronic music has carved a new path in the music industry, transcending time and cultural boundaries to become a global phenomenon. Since the comeback of live concerts in 2021, the global electronic music industry has witnessed a comeback too, with Electronic Dance Music (EDM) artists being particularly sought after globally for music festivals.
What is EDM or Electronic Dance Music?
Electronic Dance Music is a compilation of electronic music subgenres that are intended for crowds of dancers, including disco music, synthpop, techno, house music, trance music, drum and bass, dubstep, trap, hardstyle, and more. With such a wide range of sounds, it would be impossible to classify all of this at the same time as EDM, but these subgenres have developed over the last few decades, informing and transforming out of a progressive dance culture. The mixes from the 70s, 80s, 90, or even the 2000s are a lot different from what the world witnesses as EDM today. Its progression as a recognizable genre can be mapped out by understanding when its subgenres were popularized as forms of dance music.
Roots of EDM
It is quite easy to detect the main motive of any EDM track. The main aim of the mixes is to make people groove and dance which is a lot similar to what the disco music used to do. So, it is safe to say that the earliest signs of EDM were recognized from disco music of the 1970s. Two of the most popular disco music that helped in creating the EDM scene include Donna Summer’s 1977 synthesized disco hit ‘I Feel Love’ which was written by Pete Bellotte and Giorgio Moroder who was later seen to be collaborating with Daft Punk and the 1974 hit track ‘Rock Your Baby’ by George McCrae, which used a drum machine and Roland rhythm machine. The origins of electronic music can be in the 1940s and 1950s when pioneering artists like Karlheinz Stockhausen and Pierre Schaeffer began experimenting with electronic instruments and sound manipulation. The invention of the Theremin which was one of the first electronic musical instruments played without physical contact the legendary by Lev Sergeyevich Termen (Léon Theremin), and the Telharmonium by Thaddeus Cahill were early milestones that set the stage for future innovations. Early electronic music was primarily composed of tape loops, synthesizers, and other electronic instruments that created avant-garde and experimental compositions that challenged conventional musical norms. The Buchla and Moog synthesizers were a few of the earliest synthesizers which were commercially available, and which enabled musicians to create brand-new, out-of-this-world sounds.
The 1980s
Alongside house music, synth music or synthpop was developed in the post-disco era in the 1980s. Music created and produced in this era began to be known as mainstream music in Europe as electronic dance music became more sophisticated and robust with technological advancements. Drum machines and synthesizers were used more heavily in the post disco times, but these electronic music producers were joined by innovations like MIDI, which revolutionized the way electronic instruments could express emotions and create new soundscapes. Paired with the use of computers, electronic music took off as an accessible art form that could be replicated and transformed by anyone with musical experience and a computer.
The sounds created during this period of time included hits like a-ha’s ‘Take On Me’ and the song would come to be recognized as one of the first, (if not the first) house records, ‘On and On’, by Jesse Saunders.
The 1990s
The new generation is more familiar with the EDM sound created in the 90s and these come under the subgenres of techno music, house music, hardcore rave, dub, trance, and drum and bass. In the ’90s, electronic dance music was still trying to excel as a mainstream music genre, and the inclusion of these new subgenres helped shoot it into popularity, making EDM a part of the mainstream music industry like never before, especially in Europe. It was then that the rave scene began to grow into what it is today, with nightclubs featuring popular and even underground EDM records.
Some of the most popular songs of this time were ‘Chime’ and ‘Halcyon On and On’ by the British group ‘Orbital’. The U.S. saw the beginning of ‘Detroit Techno’ in the late 80s and 90s which was pioneered by the ‘Belleville Three’ including Derrick May, who produced music under the names Mayday and Rhythim is Rhythim. His song, ‘Strings of Life’ is still widely recognized as a classic house and techno record that has defined the techno genre in the U.S.
The 2000s
The EDM was the turtle in this race, it started to grow very slowly but it had a stable pace which gave it the upper hand in the early 2000s. It eventually picked up the pace and popularity in the U.S. and all the credit goes to eminent EDM musicians, international DJs, and music producers who drew attention to the genre as well as the techno-pop 1998 album by Madonna, ‘Ray of Light’. Internationally acclaimed EDM musicians like Tiesto, Daft Punk, and David Guetta paved a new direction for this style of music. These artists created a name for themselves in the mainstream music industry and they are still topping the charts. In the early 2000s, dubstep was also introduced to the U.S. music industry through artists like Skrillex, a Grammy-winning EDM artist with sounds of dubstep, house, trap, and more.
Today, EDM is often characterized by remixes and original sound mixes, produced by world-famous DJs like The Chainsmokers, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, and others, in addition to the ever-relevant Skrillex, David Guetta, Daft Punk, and Tiësto. Electronic dance music and its subgenres are now used by a large majority of pop and hip-hop artists, including the likes of Coldplay, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Drake, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Alessia Cara, and countless others.
Electro-pop
With time, there were new advancements in the pieces of equipment that were used to produce music. EDM has embraced technology not just in the production of music but in the delivery of live performances. DJs and producers utilize advanced software to create complex sounds and beats that are difficult to replicate in other genres. Moreover, EDM festivals often feature elaborate stage setups, lighting, and visual effects, enhancing the sensory experience for attendees and making each performance unique and memorable. Electro-pop emerged as a fusion of electronic music and pop elements. These tracks involved the incorporation of electronic beats and synthesizers into classic pop, creating infectious and catchy tunes that had the world in a chokehold.
Techno house
Techno-house – a dynamic sub-genre of electronic music that merges techno and house – is characterized by its propulsive basslines, syncopated percussion, and hypnotic synth melodies. The sub-genre dominated the scene when it emerged, inducing an irresistible urge to dance. Its auditory style is defined by seamless transitions, intricate sound layering, and a sense of continuous progression, immersing listeners in a euphoric state of mind.
Melodic techno
The genre of melodic techno has become increasingly popular recently because of its emphasis on emotive melodies and immersive soundscapes. This subgenre of techno is characterized by a more emotional and introspective approach, with eerie melodies and beautiful chord progressions that draw the listener in. Artists like Stephan Bodzin, Tale of Us, Adriatique, and James K are at the forefront of melodic techno.
With the advent of cutting-edge digital tools, electronic music has reached new heights. These days, producers can choose from a dizzying selection of synthesizers—both virtual and physical—to realize their musical visions. Brand new, intriguing hybrid styles have emerged as a result of the fusion of electronic music with other genres such as rock, hip hop, and R&B, further attesting to the dynamic character of this genre.
Why the Electronic Dance Music Became Famous Among the Youngsters?
The Universal Appeal: This genre is known for its powerful, syncopated impactful beats and bass drop that make it uniquely addictive. The structure of the music often features a build-up that leads to a crescendo of sound, releasing into euphoric, high-energy drops. This pattern not only increases anticipation and excitement in the listener but also triggers a release of dopamine in the brain, the same chemical that’s released when you experience something pleasurable.
A Social Experiment and Gathering
The huge music festivals dedicated to this genre like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival attract hundreds of thousands of attendees from all corners of the globe. These are not only about the music but these events also provide the listener an opportunity to be a part of a welcoming and inclusive community. The social aspect of EDM, where fans dress up, meet new people, and dance together, plays a crucial role in its popularity.
Health and Psychological Benefits
It has been found that listening to EDM can be beneficial to health. The rhythmic nature of the music makes it perfect for physical activities like running or aerobics. Additionally, the vibrant, upbeat tempo of EDM can elevate mood and even help combat anxiety and depression. The music’s capacity to induce a state of flow, where listeners lose themselves in the rhythm and melody, is a testament to its psychological benefits.
Global Reach and Cultural Influence
EDM’s popularity isn’t confined to any particular region—it’s a global genre. Artists from various countries contribute to the EDM scene, creating a rich tapestry of sounds influenced by diverse cultures. Moreover, EDM has the unique ability to transcend language barriers. The focus on melody and beat over lyrics means that you don’t need to understand the words to enjoy the music or feel connected to it.
Why Does Gen Z Like EDM?
EDM resonates particularly well with younger generations, especially Gen Z, who favor the genre for its expressive nature and alignment with values like inclusivity and self-expression. Social media platforms like TikTok have also played a significant role in spreading EDM by showcasing viral dance trends and snippets of catchy electronic tracks that capture the youthful zeitgeist.
Key Takeaways
- The 1990s marked a significant shift in the electronic music scene, with the emergence of EDM as a genre.
- Technological advancements, such as affordable music production equipment, played a crucial role in the rise of EDM.
- Influential artists like The Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk pushed the boundaries of electronic music.
- Muical events like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival play a vital role in establishing EDM as a global and cultural genre.
- The DJ culture evolved, with DJs becoming the new rock stars and shaping the direction of electronic music.
- Raves and underground parties provided immersive experiences that went beyond just the music.
- The impact of the 1990s on EDM laid the foundation for the global phenomenon it is today.
- EDM has become a favorite of the new generation due to the tracks expressiveness.
From its underground origins to its dominance of the global music scene, EDM has proven to be much more than just electronic beats. It’s a dynamic force capable of evolving, influencing, and moving millions around the world.
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