Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is a genre of music that originated in the 1970s and 1980s as a form of dance music that incorporated electronic instruments and technology. It has evolved over the years to encompass a wide range of sub-genres, including house, techno, trance, dubstep, and many others.
Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is a genre of music that is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and technology to create a danceable and energetic sound. While the genre has evolved over the years and encompasses a wide range of sub-genres, there are some common characteristics that define what constitutes as EDM:
- Electronic Instruments: The use of electronic instruments is a defining feature of EDM. Synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, and other electronic instruments are used to create the sounds and beats that are characteristic of the genre.
- Repetitive Beat: EDM is known for its repetitive and driving beat, usually with a tempo of 120-140 BPM. This beat is designed to keep people dancing and moving for an extended period.
- Synthesized Sounds: The sounds used in EDM are often synthesized and manipulated through digital software and hardware to create unique and complex soundscapes.
- Heavy Bass: EDM often features a heavy bassline that drives the track and adds to the energetic and immersive nature of the music.
Sub-genres
Sub-genres of EDM may differ in terms of their tempo, the sounds they use, the overall mood of the music, and other factors, but they all share these common features that make them part of the broader EDM genre.
Some of the most popular EDM sub-genres:
1. House: House music originated in the 1980s in Chicago and is characterized by a 4/4 beat, synthesized melodies, and soulful vocals. It has since evolved into various sub-genres, including deep house, tech house, and future house.
2. Techno: Techno is a genre of electronic music that originated in Detroit in the mid-1980s. It typically features a driving, repetitive beat, synthesized sounds, and a futuristic vibe. Sub-genres of techno include acid techno, Detroit techno, and minimal techno.
3. Trance: Trance is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the early 1990s and is characterized by a melodic, emotional sound, with a focus on creating a euphoric and uplifting experience. Sub-genres of trance include progressive trance, vocal trance, and uplifting trance.
4. Dubstep: Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the UK in the early 2000s. It features a heavy bassline, a slow tempo, and a focus on bass drops and intense sound effects.
5. Drum and Bass: Drum and bass (D&B) is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by fast breakbeats, heavy basslines, and chopped-up samples of vocals and other sounds.
6. Electro: Electro is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the early 1980s and is characterized by the use of drum machines and synthesized sounds. Sub-genres of electro include electro-funk, electroclash, and electro house.
7. Future Bass: Future Bass is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the early 2010s. It is characterized by the use of synths, heavy basslines, and a focus on melody and emotional themes.
EDM is closely associated with DJs because the genre relies heavily on the use of DJ equipment, such as turntables, mixers, and software, to create and perform live sets. DJs are responsible for selecting and sequencing tracks, creating a cohesive mix, and often adding effects and manipulating the sound in real-time to create an engaging and immersive experience for the audience.
EDM and DJ culture have become increasingly popular over the years, with major festivals and events drawing massive crowds and featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. DJs have become superstars in their own right, commanding large audiences and commanding high fees for their performances. EDM’s energetic and upbeat sound has also made it popular in clubs and parties around the world.