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The History of EDM music

Proud to be a part of a musical legacy that spans decades

By Allwyn Roman WaghelaPublished about a month ago β€’ 4 min read
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The History of EDM music
Photo by Zac Bromell on Unsplash

**Electronic Dance Music (EDM)** has a rich and fascinating history that spans several decades. Let's delve into its origins and evolution:

1. **Precursors**:

- In the late 1960s, bands like **Silver Apples** were already creating electronic music intended for dancing

- **Jamaican dub music** during the late 1960s to 1970s influenced later electronic dance music

- Italian producer **Giorgio Moroder** contributed to the genre with his Synthesizer-based disco music in the late 1970s

- **Kraftwerk** and **Yellow Magic Orchestra** also played pivotal roles in shaping the electronic sound during the mid-to-late 1970s

2. **Birth of EDM**:

- The genre truly came to life in the **1960s** when **Delia Derbyshire**, often regarded as the first EDM producer and synthesist, released her debut album titled **"An Electric Storm"**

- During the **1970s**, elements of electronic dance music began to emerge, including the use of drum machines and Synthesizers in popular music

3. **Rise of Rave Culture**:

- In the **1980s**, EDM gained momentum and became associated with the burgeoning **rave culture**

- **House music**, **techno**, and other sub-genres started to flourish in nightclubs, raves, and festivals

- **DJs** played a crucial role, creating seamless mixes and energising crowds with their selections

4. **Mainstream Popularity**:

- By the late **1980s** and early **1990s**, EDM achieved **mainstream popularity** in Europe due to raving, pirate radio, and underground festivals

- However, it wasn't as broadly embraced in the United States, except in regional scenes like New York City, Florida, the Midwest, and California

- Despite the influence of pioneer genres like **electro**, **Chicago house**, and **Detroit techno**, mainstream media outlets in the U.S. remained skeptical until the 1990s and beyond

- There was also a perceived association between EDM and drug culture, leading to legal measures against rave culture

5. **Global Expansion**:

- In the new millennium, EDM's popularity surged globally, especially in the United States and Australia

- The term **"electronic dance music" (EDM)** gained prominence as an umbrella term for various genres, including **dance-pop**, **house**, **techno**, **electro**, and **trance**

- Despite industry efforts to create a specific EDM brand, the acronym **EDM** continues to encompass a wide range of musical styles

6. **Continued Evolution**:

- Over the last 40 years, various EDM genres have evolved, leading to the emergence of sub-genres

- **Hybridization**β€”combining elements from different genresβ€”has given birth to entirely new forms of EDM

- From its early roots to today's diverse landscape, electronic dance music remains a dynamic force in contemporary culture

**Electronic Dance Music (EDM)** has a rich history of iconic tracks produced using cutting-edge technology. Let's explore a few influential ones:

1. **Donna Summer - "I Feel Love" (1977)**:

- Produced by **Giorgio Moroder**, this track is considered a milestone in the development of electronic dance music

- Its innovative use of the **Moog synthesizer** laid the foundation for disco and later influenced house 🎢

2. **Frankie Knuckles - "Your Love" (1987)**:

- A legendary track by the **Godfather of House Music**, Frankie dance floor

- It features a blend of soulful vocals, hypnotic synth lines, and a driving beat

- The Roland TR-909 drum machine played a crucial role in shaping its sound

3. **The Prodigy - "Firestarter" (1996)**:

- The Prodigy's fusion of **breakbeat**, **techno**, and **big beat** created an explosive track

- The use of distorted synths, aggressive vocals, and intense beats made it a dance floor anthem

4. **Daft Punk - "Around the World" (1997)**:

- Daft Punk's signature blend of funk, house, and techno shines in this track

- The repetitive bass-line, vocoder vocals, and robotic groove showcase their mastery of electronic production

5. **Underworld - "Born Slippy .NUXX" (1995)**:

- Featured in the film **"Trainspotting"**, this track epitomizes the **rave culture** of the mid-1990s

- The combination of driving beats, ethereal synths, and emotive vocals makes it unforgettable

6. **Deadmau5 - "Strobe" (2009)**:

- Deadmau5's progressive house masterpiece

- The intricate melodies, evolving textures, and precise production demonstrate the power of modern technology

7. **Calvin Harris - "I'm Not Alone" (2009)**:

- A quintessential **electro-house** anthem

- Harris's use of pulsating synths, catchy hooks, and dynamic drops propelled this track to EDM stardom

8. **Avicii - "Levels" (2011)**:

- Avicii's uplifting blend of **progressive house** and **electro**

- The infectious melody, sampled vocals, and energetic drops became a global sensation

9. **Zedd - "Clarity" (2012)**:

- Zedd's production prowess shines in this track.

- The intricate layering of synths, powerful vocals by Foxes, and emotional chord progressions resonate with listeners

10. **Disclosure - "Latch" (2012)**:

- A breakthrough track for **deep house**

- The soulful vocals of Sam Smith, groovy basslines, and crisp production define this modern classic

Remember, these tracks represent just a fraction of the vast EDM landscape shaped by technology. Each one has left an indelible mark on dance music history! πŸŽΆπŸ”ŠπŸ’«.

So next time you're dancing to an infectious beat at a festival or club, remember that you're part of a musical legacy that spans decades! πŸŽΆπŸ•Ί

technosynthhistoryfestivalselectronicadanceconcertbass90s music80s music70s music60s music
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About the Creator

Allwyn Roman Waghela

I am a professional blogger, writing about topics such as travel, food, and lifestyle thus, showcasing my creativity and communication skills.

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Nice work

Very well written. Keep up the good work!

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Comments (3)

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  • Martha Agnes30 days ago

    Are you in a group? What do you play--or are you a singer????

  • Mark Graham30 days ago

    Good work and this is quite the Music History lecture.

  • β€œM”about a month ago

    β™‘

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