Currently, Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has become a phenomenon in entertainment loved by millions of fans in various countries. This genre of music continues to evolve and innovate with more innovative and engaging music.
What is Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
EDM music is a genre known for being dynamic and energetic. Its rhythm sounds unique, its melodies are catchy, and its various derivative genres make it popular among modern music lovers. Nowadays, various music festivals often feature electronic music.
Basically, EDM music consists of various electronic music types that are percussive in nature and are created for various festival events and nightclubs. This music is generally produced by a disc jockey (DJ) who selects song tracks to mix and transition into a single recording.
This genre of music generally has a fast tempo of around 120-160 beats per minute. The focus of the music is more on strong beats with unique and engaging melodies. Various electronic effects through synthesizers to drum machines are the main characteristics of this music.
Many people consider EDM music synonymous with nightclub music. It’s fast rhythm and tempo can make listeners dance. However, this music can be played for various occasions, especially concerts or festivals.
History and Development of EDM Music
EDM is a genre of music believed to have existed since the 1970s to the 1980s as a form of music that combines instruments and electronic technology. This is what makes the sounds of electronic dance music created sound more energetic and engaging.
However, other electronic musical instruments began to be introduced in the 1960s, paving the way for the creation of music different from traditional music that already existed. In the 1970s, this electronic music began to develop in various clubs in America and Europe.
This electronic music was greatly influenced by hip hop and disco music that was widely popular at the time. Percussion techniques occasionally combined with rap music often made music enthusiasts dance to the rhythm and unique melodies.
Gradually, the term electronic dance music (EDM) itself began to gain popularity in the United States in the early 1980s. This was marked by the use of digital music tools such as synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers, which allowed the creation of music with various effects and sounds.
As time went on, disc jockeys (DJs) began to experiment by combining various musical elements and genres to create unique and energetic sounds. It’s no wonder that music genres like disco, house, and techno began to be recognized by music enthusiasts.
With the advancement of increasingly modern technology, various technologies and electronic equipment supporting EDM music began to emerge. Today, there are many EDM music known through remixes of old songs rearranged.
Not only that, this music has also developed into a culture and has formed various communities. You may have heard of EDM music festivals like Tomorrowland or Ultra Music Festival. Both serve as gatherings for EDM fans to come together and enjoy music.
Various awards for EDM music have also become more diverse. Take, for example, the World Music Award with awards for Best DJ and Best Dance Music Artist, the American Music Awards with awards for Favorite Electronic Dance Music Artist, and the Grammy Award with awards for Best Dance Recording and Best Dance/Electronica Album.
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EDM Sub-Genres with Their Characteristics
When listening to electronic dance music arrangements, many people will easily recognize them because the music is full of bass and “thumping” that excites listeners. It turns out that this music itself has sub-genres with their own characteristics such as:
1. House Music
House music is one of the EDM genres that is considered popular to this day. This genre of music was first introduced in Chicago, United States. House-style music itself has characteristics such as a tempo ranging from 126-128 bpm (beats per minute).
In addition, this music is also often characterized by 4/4 beats with synthesized melodies and vocals with deep feelings. Several sub-genres of music such as progressive house and electro house have also begun to be favored by DJs and modern-era musicians.
Musicians like David Guetta, Zedd, Avicii, and Swedish House Mafia are among the musicians in this EDM House genre. Almost all of their songs have fast tempos and are often played with groovy and popular tones.
2. Trance
Trance music developed in Germany in the 1990s. This music is known for its fast tempo, ranging from 125-160 BPM with a fluctuating rhythm. One characteristic of this music is the repetition of music that increases towards a climax with a combination of captivating layers.
If translated, this music is known to be able to attract listeners and let them be in their subconscious mind while listening to the music. This is because of its beautiful melodies with jaw-dropping visuals that will make you feel hypnotized.
This emotional sensation is mixed with rhythm and layer of music accompanied by repetitive melodies and vocals as often found in remixes. Many DJs play this genre of music like Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto, and Dash Berlin.
3. Techno
It is one of the EDM genres that has existed since the early 1980s from the Detroit area. True to its name, this music has the characteristic of using technology in its music. This genre is similar to house music but with a faster beat and darker tones.
Techno music is also known for its repeated beats and gradual, slow changes. Techno also has other sub-genres like minimal techno with minimal music sampling and tends to be repetitive.
Most of this music is a combination of drum beats, synthesizers, and sequencers. This music is produced with Electronic Music Equipment such as Midi Controllers and various analog media. Some DJs like Jeff Mills, Joris Voorn, and Carl Cox play in this genre.
4. Dubstep
Dubstep music is a genre that is perfect for bass lovers. This music will produce maximum bass effects in the ears of its listeners. This music also tends to focus on the use of sub-bass and scattered, squeaky sounds.
This music genre is considered different from several other types of music. This is because this music is not intended to create a more emotional impression, but rather to give an energizing impression. Music from England in the 1990s is also called robot music with its distinctive rhythm.
Several famous musicians like Nero, Skrillex, and Rusko are known as DJ musicians who popularize dubstep music. In their hands, various dubstep streams such as brostep, luvstep, and thugstep with their own characteristics emerge.
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5. UK Garage
Although this type of music is not as popular as house or techno music, this one should not be underestimated. As the name suggests, this music originated in the United Kingdom with the characteristic of a hard music style that evolved from house music genres.
This music genre, which originated from the early to mid-1990s, combines 4-4 beatown using instruments such as cymbals and snare drums with a tempo of around 130 BPM. The use of these instruments uses separate parts from other songs.
UK Garage reached its peak of popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, although it still has many loyal fans today. Some famous musicians like Craig David, MJ Cole, and Todd Edwards apply this type of music to their works.
6. Drum and Bass
Drum and bass music is often mistakenly not considered part of EDM music itself. This is because this type of music is closely related to popular music genres such as jazz, soul, and even hip hop. However, drum beats and bass lines in songs make it unique and suitable for EDM soul.
This music genre has a fast beat like 160-180 BPM with heavy bass and sub-bass, and is influenced by various other music genres. Not only combining various music genres but also strong electronic and industrial techstep impressions.
Since 1996, most of the tempo in drum and bass has been between 170-180 BPM. Even recently, some producers have begun to produce songs with slower tempos. Musicians like Goldie, SubFocus, and DJ Zinc play this type of music a lot.
7. Trap
Trap music is one of the EDM sub-genres that is also widely favored. This music is often used by international DJs to create hit songs. This music genre combines two to three sounds with strong drum beats and catchy hip hop music.
The word “trap” itself is slang from Atlanta referring to places for illegal drug transactions. However, this music is more synonymous with enjoyable lyrics, fewer instruments, and focuses on snare drums and fractured notes on the hi-hat.
This music has now become one of the most popular forms of American music and often dominates the Billboard charts. Several musicians like T.I., Major Lazer, and Drake and Post Malone often reach the top of the charts with this type of music.
8. Hard Dance
It is one of the popular music genres that has developed a lot in Europe as music that grows from hardcore rock, metal, to hardcore techno. The beats tend to be fast and expressive, making it popular as EDM music at various major music festivals.
Tempo 140-180 BPM, heavy bass pull, high music intensity, to great energy make the electronic music culture in this genre so thick. Several musicians like Headhunterz to DJ Isaac have popularized this type of music.
Those are some things about electronic dance music or Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Its rapid development with its increasing popularity has made many people like it. Digital musicians are competing to create quality music.