8.1 Evolution of electronic dance music (EDM) genres

Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has a rich history rooted in cultural movements and technological advancements. From its origins in Chicago and Detroit to its global impact, EDM has evolved through various genres, each with unique characteristics and influences.

The development of EDM is closely tied to the rise of synthesizers, drum machines, and digital production tools. These technologies have shaped the sound of different subgenres, allowing artists to create innovative and diverse electronic music styles that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Historical Development and Cultural Influences on EDM Genres

Historical development of EDM genres

Top images from around the web for Historical development of EDM genres

• 

  EDM | (Roughly) Daily View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  EDM ¿Género o Marketing? ~ Adnan Suara View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Techno - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  EDM | (Roughly) Daily View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  EDM ¿Género o Marketing? ~ Adnan Suara View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Historical development of EDM genres

• 

  EDM | (Roughly) Daily View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  EDM ¿Género o Marketing? ~ Adnan Suara View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Techno - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  EDM | (Roughly) Daily View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  EDM ¿Género o Marketing? ~ Adnan Suara View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• House music
  • Originated in Chicago in the early 1980s drew inspiration from disco, soul, and funk
  • Pioneered by influential DJs like Frankie Knuckles and Marshall Jefferson who experimented with mixing and remixing records
  • Characterized by a strong 4/4 beat, prominent basslines, and extensive use of samples (drum breaks, vocal snippets)
• Techno
  • Emerged in Detroit in the mid-1980s parallel to the development of house music
  • Influenced by house music, electro, and futuristic themes often exploring dystopian or sci-fi concepts
  • Pioneered by artists like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson known as the "Belleville Three"
  • Features a more mechanical and industrial sound compared to house with emphasis on repetitive, hypnotic rhythms
• Trance
  • Developed in the early 1990s, with roots in Germany and the UK evolved from the techno and house scenes
  • Evolved from techno and house, incorporating elements of new age and ambient music creating a more ethereal and emotional sound
  • Popularized by artists like Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, and Tiësto who helped bring the genre to a global audience
  • Characterized by melodic synthesizer riffs, breakdowns, and anthemic buildups designed to induce a sense of euphoria and unity on the dancefloor

Cultural influences on EDM evolution

• Marginalized communities
  • House and techno emerged from African American and LGBTQ+ communities in Chicago and Detroit where these genres served as a form of expression and resistance
  • These genres provided a sense of unity and escapism for marginalized groups facing discrimination and social challenges
• Rave culture
  • The rise of illegal raves in the UK and Europe in the late 1980s and early 1990s created underground spaces for EDM to thrive
  • Raves fostered a sense of community and shared experience among attendees united by the love for the music and the culture
  • Contributed to the spread and evolution of genres like techno and trance as DJs and producers experimented with new sounds and styles
• Globalization and internet
  • The internet facilitated the rapid dissemination of EDM across the globe making it easier for artists to share their music with a wider audience
  • Online communities and forums allowed producers and fans to connect and share music leading to collaborations and cross-pollination of ideas
  • Led to the cross-pollination of genres and the emergence of new subgenres as artists from different regions and backgrounds influenced each other's work

Musical Characteristics and Technological Influences on EDM Subgenres

Characteristics of EDM subgenres

• Dubstep
  • Originated in the UK in the early 2000s as an offshoot of the UK garage and drum and bass scenes
  • Characterized by heavy sub-bass, wobble basslines, and syncopated rhythms creating a dark and aggressive sound
  • Often features a two-step drum pattern with a strong emphasis on the third beat and a half-time feel
• Drum and Bass (DnB)
  • Emerged in the UK in the early 1990s, derived from breakbeat and jungle which were influenced by hip-hop, reggae, and techno
  • Characterized by fast, syncopated breakbeats (typically 160-180 BPM) and heavy sub-bass creating an energetic and frenetic sound
  • Incorporates elements of funk, jazz, and reggae in its basslines and samples reflecting its diverse musical roots
• Progressive House
  • A subgenre of house music that gained popularity in the early 2000s as a more melodic and emotive alternative to traditional house
  • Features longer track durations, complex melodic progressions, and builds creating a sense of journey and narrative
  • Incorporates elements of trance, with a focus on atmospherics and emotional content appealing to a more mainstream audience

Technology's role in EDM sound

• Synthesizers and drum machines
  • The Roland TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines were crucial in shaping the sound of house and techno providing the iconic kick drums and snare sounds
  • Synthesizers like the Roland TB-303 and Yamaha DX7 defined the timbres of acid house and trance with their squelchy basslines and lush pads
• Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
  • The advent of DAWs like Ableton Live and FL Studio democratized music production making it accessible to a wider range of artists
  • Allowed producers to create complex arrangements and manipulate audio with greater ease facilitating experimentation and innovation
• Advancements in sound design
  • The development of new synthesis techniques (FM synthesis, granular synthesis) and effects processing (compression, reverb) expanded the sonic palette of EDM
  • Enabled producers to create unique and innovative sounds that define modern EDM subgenres pushing the boundaries of what's possible with electronic music
  • Examples include the use of FM synthesis in dubstep (Skrillex) and granular synthesis in glitch hop (Tipper)