"THE RISE OF EDM - ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC'S DOMINANCE AND DIVERSITY": DE MODE GLOBAL

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | MUSIC

Article Published on: 08TH OCT 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com

Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has come a long way from its underground origins to becoming one of the most dominant and influential genres in contemporary music. From the pulsating beats of house and techno in the late 1980s to the global festivals, chart-topping hits, and multi-million-dollar DJ careers of today, EDM has exploded into mainstream culture. What sets EDM apart is its remarkable diversity and its ability to evolve, incorporating influences from different cultures and genres, while remaining at the forefront of the live music experience.

The Origins: Underground Roots

EDM began in the late 1970s and early 1980s with the emergence of electronic music pioneers like Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, and Jean-Michel Jarre, who experimented with synthesizers and drum machines to create a new sound that broke away from the traditional structure of rock and pop. However, the more dance-centric form of electronic music that would evolve into EDM was born in the underground club scenes of cities like Detroit, Chicago, and Berlin.

In Detroit, techno music emerged as a futuristic blend of funk, electro, and industrial sounds, pioneered by artists like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, collectively known as the Belleville Three. In Chicago, house music was being crafted in the clubs, with DJs like Frankie Knuckles remixing disco tracks with drum machines to create a raw, rhythmic sound that would become synonymous with underground dance music culture.

Berlin became a hotbed for electronic music after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. With its abandoned warehouses and open spaces, the city offered a blank canvas for experimentation. Techno in Berlin soon evolved into a hard, minimalistic sound that would become a global sensation.

These underground roots were essential in shaping the ethos of EDM: it was music made for the dancefloor, often rejecting commercialism in favor of creativity, community, and experimentation. What began in small, local scenes was soon embraced by a global community.

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Global Expansion: The EDM Boom

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, EDM exploded into the mainstream music scene. While electronic music had already been influential in Europe, with clubs in cities like Ibiza and London acting as hotspots for DJs and producers, the rise of social media, music streaming platforms, and international music festivals propelled the genre to a new level of global popularity.

A key turning point was the rise of superstar DJs like David Guetta, Tiësto, Calvin Harris, and Swedish House Mafia, whose crossover hits began to dominate the charts. Tracks like Guetta’s "Titanium" (featuring Sia) and Harris’ "We Found Love" (featuring Rihanna) blurred the lines between EDM and pop music, drawing in massive mainstream audiences. This crossover appeal was crucial in turning EDM from a niche genre into a global phenomenon.

Music festivals like Ultra Music Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), and Tomorrowland became massive spectacles, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees and millions of online viewers. These festivals were not just about the music; they offered an immersive, multi-sensory experience with elaborate stage designs, pyrotechnics, light shows, and a sense of community that made them feel like modern-day tribal gatherings. The festival scene allowed EDM to thrive, giving it the physical space and cultural platform to continue growing.

The Rise of Superstar DJs

One of the most striking aspects of EDM’s rise to dominance is the elevation of the DJ to superstar status. In the past, DJs were often seen as background figures, curating music for the dancefloor rather than being the center of attention. But the rise of EDM transformed the DJ into the main attraction. Artists like Avicii, Calvin Harris, Skrillex, and Deadmau5 became household names, earning tens of millions of dollars per year through festival gigs, club residencies, and brand endorsements.

The role of the DJ shifted from someone mixing records to a full-fledged performer and producer, with many EDM DJs producing their own tracks that would then be remixed and played at festivals worldwide. The cult of personality surrounding superstar DJs has helped to grow the genre, with fans flocking to see these figures perform live, often regardless of what songs they play.

Avicii’s meteoric rise and tragic death in 2018 highlighted both the incredible heights and personal tolls associated with EDM stardom. His hit single "Wake Me Up" became an anthem for the genre, blending elements of folk and country with EDM, showcasing the versatility of the genre. However, the pressure of constant touring, media attention, and an intense work schedule contributed to his untimely demise, casting a light on the darker side of the industry.

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The Diversity of EDM Subgenres

One of the most remarkable aspects of EDM is its diversity. The term "EDM" is an umbrella that covers a wide array of subgenres, each with its own distinct sound, culture, and fanbase. From the pulsating bass of dubstep to the euphoric melodies of trance, the genre continues to expand and evolve, making it a versatile and dynamic form of music.

• House: Originating from Chicago, house music remains one of the most enduring subgenres of EDM. Its four-on-the-floor beats and soulful melodies have influenced countless artists and continue to dominate dancefloors worldwide. Subgenres like deep house, tech house, and tropical house further add to its diversity.

• Techno: Techno, with its mechanical, repetitive beats, has its roots in Detroit but has since spread globally, particularly in European cities like Berlin. It has a minimalist approach, often focusing on the intricate layering of sound rather than catchy hooks or vocals.

• Dubstep: Dubstep, originating in the UK, is known for its heavy bass drops and complex rhythms. Artists like Skrillex brought dubstep to mainstream attention in the early 2010s, creating a wave of popularity for the genre.

• Trance: Trance music is characterized by its uplifting, melodic sound and repetitive structures that induce a euphoric, meditative state. Artists like Armin van Buuren and Paul van Dyk helped make trance a dominant force in the early 2000s.

• Drum and Bass: Drum and bass is a high-tempo subgenre that features fast breakbeats and heavy basslines. It emerged in the UK rave scene in the early 1990s and remains popular in underground scenes.

• Future Bass: Future bass is a more recent subgenre that blends elements of trap, dubstep, and pop, characterized by its melodic, shimmering sound and use of modulating synths. Artists like Flume and Marshmello have helped popularize this genre in recent years.

• Hardstyle: Known for its aggressive sound and heavy kick drums, hardstyle is a favorite at festivals like Defqon.1. This genre appeals to those seeking an intense, high-energy experience on the dancefloor.

EDM's Influence Across Genres

EDM's influence has permeated other genres beyond the dance music scene. Pop music has increasingly adopted EDM elements, especially in its production. Hits from artists like Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and The Weeknd frequently incorporate electronic beats, synths, and drops commonly found in EDM tracks. The blending of pop vocals with EDM production has resulted in some of the biggest hits of the past decade.

Moreover, EDM’s influence is also seen in genres like hip-hop and rock. Many hip-hop tracks now feature electronic production, and artists like Kanye West and Travis Scott have incorporated EDM elements into their work. Even rock bands have collaborated with EDM producers to create hybrid tracks, such as The Chainsmokers working with Coldplay on "Something Just Like This."

The Future of EDM: Innovation and Challenges

As EDM continues to evolve, it faces both exciting opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, the genre shows no signs of slowing down, with innovations in technology allowing for more creative soundscapes and immersive live experiences. Virtual reality concerts, AI-generated music, and increasingly sophisticated production tools are pushing EDM into uncharted territory.

However, the commercialization of EDM has also sparked debate within the community about its future. Some purists argue that the genre has lost its underground roots, becoming too focused on mainstream success and profit. The rise of ghost producers—behind-the-scenes professionals who create tracks for superstar DJs—has also led to questions about authenticity in the genre.

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Despite these challenges, EDM remains one of the most dynamic and diverse genres in modern music. Its ability to bring people together, push boundaries, and adapt to new influences ensures that it will continue to dominate and diversify for years to come. Whether in underground clubs, massive festivals, or online spaces, EDM's pulsating beats will continue to resonate with fans around the world, evolving as a genre that refuses to be boxed in.