The Evolution of EDM into the 21st Century
Part: 1
The world’s most popular counter-culture has now become and is the Electronic Dance Music Movement (also known as EDM).
A style of music that was created around the 1960’s with reel to reel tape recorders. Using multiple tracks from different songs layered on top of one another, while in collaboration with electronic instruments like keyboards, synthesizers, early drum machines and sequencers. During that era it was known as Dub Music. Shortly after, turntables were incorporated and with the help of technology. The music has evolved into what we know today as Electronic Dance Music.
The first big surge in popularity (outside of the disco era) was in the 1990’s. Names like Daft Punk, Moby, Fatboy Slim and The Prodigy were some of the first names to break through to a more mainstream audience. With worldwide success, major radio air play and platinum album sales; the dance music scene had definitely made an impact on the pop culture and its music. Although, it still remained mainly an underground movement.
Through the 90’s and into the early 2000’s the music was mostly promoted through all night dance parties; known as a “Rave”. It didn’t take long before rave soon became a dirty four-letter word. Aside from a handful legal larger events known as “Massives” most rave parties were illegal. Many were thrown in abounded or illegally attain warehouses. Where drug use and illegal activity became part of the norm. This in many cases resulted in a very unsafe and dangerous atmosphere.
However, with the immense growth in popularity and involvement from the major music industry I can happily say that this is no longer the case. There are now hundreds of large, legal, safe events known as “Festivals”. Not to mention thousands of night club and music venues all around the world that now host and cater to the EDM audience.
Festivals
People will travel in the 100,000’s from all around the world just to attend some of these largely popular Dance Music Festivals. EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival), Burning Man, Tomorrowland and The Ultra Music Festival are just to name a few.
Some of these festivals run for days and even weeks. With many having upwards of 7 different stages and interactive experiences; catering to all difference types of music and genres.
Genres
House + Dubstep + Techno + Drum’n’Bass
Within EDM there are many different types of styles and genres. With most genres having several different sub-genres. Songs are classified into different genres based on their drum patterns, BPM and the type of synth or instruments used to carry the main melody (or hook) within the track.
Early on you were likely to hear names like Techno, House, or Trance. While those genres are still very popular within the culture even now, today you’re more likely to hear names like Dubstep, Electro, Drum’n’Bass or Trap Music. With the rapid growth and evolution in technology, electronic music will continue to pave the way for cutting edge production software and technology while always pushing the barrier of today’s sounds and music.
Stay tuned for…
Part: 2
21stcentry’s… modern day “hippies”
P. L. U. R.
PEACE + LOVE + UNITY + RESPECT
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