EDM, or Electronic Dance Music, has developed significantly throughout the years. Electronic dance music (EDM) has evolved from its roots in basement parties to become a worldwide sensation by consistently testing new musical territory in both studio recordings and live shows.
Period-Specific EDM
This article will trace the intriguing history of electronic dance music across its many forms.
Electronic Dance Music or EDM in ’70s & ’80s
The introduction of electro-disco synthesizers and drum machines in the 1970s and 1980s can be seen as the genesis of electronic dance music. Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder were among the first to explore with electronic sounds, providing the groundwork for electronic dance music.
The Rise of Rave Culture in 1990s
Rave culture, characterized by secret dance parties and a new musical subgenre called Acid House, emerged in the 1990s. A Guy Called Gerald’s “Voodoo Ray” and Joey Beltram’s “Energy Flash” are two of the most recognizable songs to ever emerge from the rave music genre.
The Mainstream Breakthrough in 2000s
The decade of the 2000s saw the rise of electronic dance music from the fringes to the mainstream. Some of the most successful producers of the time were the Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, and The Prodigy.
The Era of Subgenres in 2010s up to Present
Dubstep, trap, future bass, and many other electronic dance music subgenres emerged in the 2010s. Skrillex, Avicii, and Calvin Harris were the most popular acts at festivals and on the charts.
Wrapping Up
The continued success of EDM shows how versatile and resilient the genre is. From its early days using synthesizers and disco beats to its current status as a worldwide phenomenon, EDM has always been at the cutting edge of musical innovation.