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EDM, or Electronic Dance Music, spans a vibrant spectrum of sounds that have captivated music lovers worldwide. From pulsing beats to synthesized harmonies, this genre is synonymous with the energy of the night. This guide uncovers the essence of EDM electronic music, introducing you to its rich history, defining elements, and how it’s woven into the fabric of contemporary music... all without overwhelming detail 😉.

• EDM originated from the disco era of the 1970s in New York, evolving into house and techno music thanks to innovators like Frankie Knuckles and alongside influential groups such as Swedish House Mafia, with artists including Giorgio Moroder and Kraftwerk paving its global spread.

• The production of EDM relies on technical skill and creative use of equipment such as synthesizers, drum machines, and digital audio workstations, with revolutionary tools like MIDI technology shaping its sound design and methodologies.

• EDM comprises various genres each with unique characteristics, exemplified by iconic festivals and events like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival, highlighting its influence on mainstream pop through collaborations and chart success, while also being affected by technological advances and cultural shifts.

The seeds of EDM were sown in the disco music of the early 1970s.

Hitting the streets of New York, artists like Donna Summer and George McCrae left an indelible mark on the music scene with tracks like ‘I Feel Love’ and ‘Rock Your Baby,’ respectively, laying the groundwork for the EDM scene. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for disco music. In 1979, the ‘Disco Sucks’ movement and events like ‘Disco Demolition Night’ marked the decline of disco, paving the way for its evolution into house and techno music.

The transformation was led by DJs like Frankie Knuckles, who, along with other artists from Chicago’s underground clubs, reimagined disco using innovative mixing techniques, giving birth to house music. At the same time, techno music emerged from the blend of German electro-pop and American house music, forming a new subgenre in the EDM landscape during the 1970s and 1980s.

This period also saw the rise of influential groups like Swedish House Mafia, who contributed to the growing popularity of house and techno music.

Many early pioneers played crucial roles in the evolution of electronic dance music. Noteworthy among them are Giorgio Moroder and Kraftwerk, whose contributions helped the genre spread across different parts of the globe. Their influence can still be felt today as EDM continues to dominate charts and dance floors worldwide.

The art of EDM production is a blend of creativity, technical skills, and the right equipment.

Primarily made on a computer using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), producers employ equipment like samplers, synthesizers, and effects units to create their unique sounds and beats.

To produce electronic dance music successfully, it’s vital to have access to high-quality samples, plugins, and education.

Synthesizers and drum machines are the heart and soul of EDM production.

They provide the diverse range of sounds we hear in EDM tracks, from deep basses to ethereal tones. The sounds are shaped using filters, envelopes, and built-in effects such as reverb and delay, enhancing the texture of the music.

Synthesizers come in two main types: analog and digital. Analog Synthesizers use voltage-controlled filters (VCFs) and oscillators (VCOs, LFOs), while Digital Synthesizers employ digital signal processing (DSP) to generate sounds.

Electronic drum machines, like the Roland TR-808, TR-909, or TR-707, provide the distinctive beats that are integral to the sound of house music. In the past, these beats were often recorded on reel to reel tape, which added a unique warmth and character to the music.

Techno music production prominently features electronic instruments like synthesizers and drum machines, enhancing its unique sound. These instruments are just a few examples of the critical tools used by techno producers in EDM production, shaping the genre as we know it today.

The 1980s brought a revolution in electronic music production with the introduction of MIDI technology. This groundbreaking innovation revolutionized the communication between electronic instruments, significantly shaping production methods and sound design in electronic dance music.

House music morphed into a global sensation by the mid-1980s, spawning new electronic genres and making its mark on international music scenes. This progression of EDM into a distinct genre is evidenced by the popularity of various subgenres like progressive house and techno throughout time.

Each sub genre of EDM has its unique characteristics.

House Music, for instance, is distinguished by a consistent 4/4 beat and originated in Chicago. On the other hand, Techno Music, which began in Detroit, is known for its repetitive instrumental music and often features a 4/4 beat.

Other popular genres within electronic dance music include:

• Ambient music

• Big room

• Electro house

• Trap

• Dubstep

Each genre has its distinct sound and structure. These various styles and expressions of EDM weave together to create a rich and dynamic mosaic, offering something different for every music lover.

Originating from ‘The Warehouse’ nightclub in Chicago, House music gained immense popularity, thereby cementing its identity. Originating from the Black queer community in Chicago, house music is characterized by a four-on-the-floor beat with tempos usually between 120 and 130 beats per minute.

The structure of a typical house music track includes:

• An intro

• Multiple verses

• A chorus

• A midsection

• An outro
  
  

The dance sound incorporates elements of disco, post-disco, and synth-pop, greatly influenced by the early work of DJs and producers.

Key figures in the development of house music and early hip hop include:

• Frankie Knuckles

• Ron Hardy

• The Hot Mix 5

• Afrika Bambaataa

• Jesse Saunders

• Vince Lawrence

• J.M. Silk
  
  

Their work laid the foundation for the genre, creating a platform for future artists to build upon.

Detroit is credited as the birthplace of techno music, with foundational contributions from the Belleville Three: Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson. Characterized by its repetitive, dance-friendly beats, Techno music typically falls within a tempo range of 120 to 150 BPM and follows a 4/4 time signature.

Live techno performances often exhibit variety as tracks are composed through looping basslines and drumbeats, allowing for real-time manipulation and improvisation. This adaptability and spontaneity add a unique flavor to techno music, making each performance a unique experience.

Juan Atkins is noted as a formative figure in the launch and development of the techno genre, with other key producers including Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson. Their innovative work has inspired countless artists and continues to shape the genre.

Known for its repeating melodic phrases and tension-building structure, Trance music is a captivating subgenre of EDM. It often features a mid-song peak, a melodic breakdown, and then a buildup to a second peak. This structure creates a sense of journey or progression within the music, making it a favorite among many EDM enthusiasts.

The genre’s hypnotic sound, coupled with its unique structure, transports listeners into a trance-like state, hence the name.

From its roots in the underground music scene to its prominence in major music festivals, trance music continues to captivate listeners worldwide with its distinctive sound.

The evolution of EDM brought about transformations in the venues where it was played. Today, EDM is celebrated in grand festivals and events worldwide. Some of the notable EDM festivals include:

• Tomorrowland in Belgium: the largest EDM festival globally, attracting an international audience with its magical experience.

• Ultra Music Festival in Miami: celebrated for its high-energy performances and advanced production.

• Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas: known for its grand scale and lavish presentation.
  
  

These festivals showcase the best of EDM and provide an unforgettable experience for music lovers.

These festivals are more than just music events; they are cultural phenomena that celebrate the EDM lifestyle. Iconic festivals like Ultra Music Festival and Electric Daisy Carnival have achieved enormous commercial success, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees and hosting international editions in countries like Japan, Croatia, and South Africa.

Other notable EDM festivals include Creamfields in the UK and India’s Sunburn Festival, celebrated for their impressive line-ups, and indicative of the genre’s popularity in both Europe and Asia. These events showcase the vibrant diversity and global appeal of the EDM genre, drawing fans from all corners of the world.

Born in Miami in 1999, Ultra Music Festival has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most famous EDM festivals. Ultra’s flagship event in Miami serves as the culmination of EDM culture, annually aligning with the Winter Music Conference.

Ultra Music Festival has significantly influenced the spread of electronic music, fostering the EDM culture across the globe. It’s not uncommon for top-tier DJs and music producers to choose Ultra as the platform to debut their new music, enhancing its reputation as a cradle of fresh electronic sounds.

Reflecting its international reach, Ultra has successfully branched out to numerous countries, adapting the festival experience to diverse cultural contexts.

Today, Ultra Music Festival is a name synonymous with the best in EDM, attracting fans from around the globe with its high-energy performances and star-studded line-ups.

One of the biggest electronic music festivals globally, the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), started in 1997 in Southern California. Originally a one-day event, EDC has grown into an international festival spreading over three days and attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees.

EDC is known for:

• its elaborate stage designs, offering an immersive sensory experience

• being held in Las Vegas, a destination known for its entertainment value

• carnival rides, art installations, and other interactive experiences alongside the music
  
  

The festival features a lineup that spans across various subgenres of electronic music, showcasing well-known headliners and emerging artists. EDC prides itself on uniting people through music, with performances that emphasize the communal aspects of rave culture.

During the 90s, as house music gained popularity, it started blending with mainstream music.

Pop icons like Madonna and Janet Jackson embraced the genre, signaling the onset of EDM’s influence on pop music. As EDM musicians such as Tiesto, Daft Punk, and David Guetta gained international acclaim and prominence in the early 2000s, the influence of EDM on mainstream pop music grew even more apparent.

Many mainstream pop musicians today, such as Ellie Goulding, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, and Katy Perry, often infuse elements of EDM into their music. EDM has seen a significant crossover with mainstream pop through examples like ‘Wake Me Up’ by Avicii, ‘Lean On’ by Major Lazer & DJ Snake, and collaboration hits such as ‘Starboy’ and ‘I Feel It Coming’ by Daft Punk with The Weeknd.

EDM producers including David Guetta, Zedd, and Calvin Harris have achieved
significant chart success with their pop-infused electronic tracks, while cross-genre collaborations, like Martin Garrix featuring Usher in ‘Don’t Look Down’, further indicate EDM’s influence on pop music. The blurring of lines between EDM and pop music is a testament to EDM’s versatility and its growing influence in the global music scene.

Technological advancements have played a significant role in shaping EDM. Some key advancements include:

• Iconic drum machines like the Roland TR-808, which were instrumental in the development of the genre

• Advances in CDs, DVDs, and digital formats, which allowed for easier distribution and accessibility of EDM music

• The evolution of DAWs live Steinberg Cubase, and other DAWs, revolutionized the sound and production of EDM
  
  

These advancements have greatly influenced the evolution and popularity of EDM.

Since the late 1990s, the evolution of EDM production has been heavily influenced by the surge in usage of software, digital audio workstations, and software synthesizers, controlled with MIDI controllers. This shift from analog to digital has revolutionized the way producers create music, allowing for more complex sounds and arrangements.

The distribution and consumption of EDM have also been greatly influenced by digital platforms. Some examples include

• Beatport, the leading electronic music store, which signals the importance of digital platforms in the industry

• Streaming platforms like Spotify and SoundCloud, which allow users to discover and listen to EDM tracks easily

• Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which have played a role in promoting EDM artists and their music

Furthermore, the marketing and commercialization of EDM were propelled by terms like ‘EDM’ becoming popular around 2010-2011, as genres like big room and trap gained prominence.

Much like the music, the EDM community is incredibly diverse. It values artifacts like ‘kandi’ bracelets as symbols indicating authenticity and insider status. However, the community is not without its hierarchical views, with ‘EDM Bros’ often being looked down upon by those who value the music’s history over the party environment.

The ‘PLUR’ philosophy of Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect is a cornerstone of the rave culture, promoting a positive and inclusive atmosphere. EDM events are characterized by their inclusivity, with attendees finding solace in self-expression free from race, gender, or sexual orientation-based judgments. The original spirit of rave culture is maintained through inclusivity and individuality, demonstrated by the diverse costumes seen at festivals.

Even with its vibrant culture and inclusive spirit, the EDM scene has been marred by controversies around recreational drug use. Drugs like MDMA, LSD, and ketamine are prevalent among rave enthusiasts, aimed at augmenting sensory perception and social bonding.

Major electronic music festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival have been affected by drug-related incidents, highlighting concerns surrounding rave events. The severity of drug-related issues within EDM culture has led to measures such as the temporary ban on electronic music events in Buenos Aires after the Time Warp Festival incident.

From its roots in the disco era to its influence on mainstream pop, EDM has come a long way.

The genre has evolved and diversified, giving rise to numerous subgenres, each with its unique sound and characteristics. The global EDM scene, brought to life through iconic festivals and events, is a testament to the genre’s enduring appeal and global influence.

Despite the controversies and challenges, the EDM community remains united by a shared love for the music. Embracing inclusivity and individuality, the community continues to thrive and evolve, much like the music itself.

As we look to the future, one thing is for sure - the beat goes on, and so does the vibrant world of EDM. 🔥

The origin of EDM can be traced back to the disco music of the early 1970s, leading to the evolution of house and techno music.

EDM is primarily produced using a computer and a digital audio workstation. Producers use equipment like samplers, synthesizers, and effects units to create unique sounds and beats.

Popular EDM genres include house, techno, and trance, each with its own unique characteristics and sounds.

Technological advancements have revolutionized EDM production through the use of software, digital audio workstations, and MIDI controllers.

The EDM community is known for its diversity, inclusivity, and embrace of the 'PLUR' philosophy, but it has also faced controversies related to recreational drug use. It's a community that values peace, love, unity, and respect.