What’s EDM All About?
So, what is EDM? EDM stands for electronic dance music, and it’s exactly what it sounds like—music produced electronically that makes you want to dance. Think of the driving beats at Ultra Music Festival or Electric Daisy Carnival that get huge crowds moving. It’s not just one sound; EDM is a big umbrella term covering tons of electronic music genres like house music, techno, trance, drum and bass, and even future bass. Whether you’re at a music festival or a club scene, EDM’s catchy rhythms and huge drops are designed to keep you moving.
EDM isn’t just about loud beats, though. It’s a vibe—a cultural phenomenon that brings people together to dance, feel the music, and lose themselves in the moment. From rave culture to main stages at festivals, EDM’s sound is all about energy and connection.
Where Did EDM Come From?
EDM’s story starts way back in the 1960s with Jamaican dub music, which used cool rhythms and creative production to set the stage. By the 1970s and 80s, disco era beats and early hip hop started mixing with electronic sounds. Artists like Giorgio Moroder and Kraftwerk used drum machines and synthesizers to create music that was totally new at the time. This laid the foundation for electronic music as we know it.
In the 80s, Chicago house music and Detroit techno took things to the next level. DJs started using vinyl to create seamless selections, blending tracks to keep the dance floor going. By the 1990s, rave music exploded, especially in the UK, with secret parties where people danced to techno, acid house, and trance music. Artists like The Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy mixed electro and hip hop vibes, making EDM even more exciting.
Then, in the 2010s, EDM went huge. Tracks like Avicii’s “Levels” and Swedish House Mafia’s “Don’t You Worry Child” brought EDM to mainstream audiences. Major festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival became global events, drawing millions with their epic visuals and massive EDM sound. Today, EDM’s a dominant force in the music industry, even popping up on radio stations and in pop music collabs.
What Makes EDM Special?
EDM’s all about music production using tools like synths, plugins, and DAWs (digital audio workstations) like Ableton Live or FL Studio. These let EDM producers create sounds that are bold, catchy, and perfect for dancing. Whether it’s the uplifting melodies of progressive house, the hypnotic beats of techno, or the dreamy vibes of uplifting trance, EDM’s got something for everyone.
Here’s what makes EDM stand out:
- Catchy melodies: Think big, memorable hooks that stick in your head.
- Huge drops: Those moments in a track that make the crowd go wild.
- Electronic vibes: Everything’s made with tech, from synth pop to techno producers crafting hypnotic beats.
EDM also borrows from other styles like hip hop, disco, and even synth pop, making it super versatile. Tracks like Daft Punk’s “One More Time” or Darude’s “Sandstorm” are classics that still light up dance floors.
EDM’s Various Genres
Electronic dance music got a ton of different genres, each with its own flavor. Here are a few sub genres:
- House music: Think groovy beats and soulful vibes, like Swedish House Mafia’s tracks.
- Techno: Dark, repetitive beats, born in the Detroit techno music scene.
- Trance: Emotional melodies and epic build-ups, perfect for EDM festivals.
- Big room house: Huge, simple drops, like Martin Garrix’s “Animals”.
- Drum and bass: Fast, complex beats for high-energy dancing.
- Trap music: Heavy bass and snappy snares, often mixed with hip hop.
- Future bass: Melodic and chill, with a futuristic twist.
- Electro house: Driving and groovy with aggressive basslines.
Each sub genre of EDM has its own fans, and DJs like Calvin Harris, FISHER, or Eric Prydz mix these styles to create seamless experiences that keep the dancefloor going.
Iconic EDM Tracks
Some songs define EDM. Here’s a quick list of various styles:
- Daft Punk – “One More Time”: A house music anthem with a funky groove.
- Darude – “Sandstorm”: A classic that’s still a festival staple.
- Avicii – “Levels”: A progressive house track that brought EDM to radio airplay.
- Swedish House Mafia – “Don’t You Worry Child”: Emotional and perfect for festivals.
- Martin Garrix – “Animals”: A banger that defined the 2010s.
These tracks show how EDM music can go from underground to mainstream popularity, inspiring tons of artists and fans.
Why EDM Matters
Electronic dance music is more than music—it’s a global movement. Music festivals like Ultra Music Festival and Electric Daisy Carnival bring people from other countries together, celebrating creativity and community.
It has also influenced pop music, with stars like Calvin Harris and David Guetta teaming up with artists like Rihanna or Swedish House Mafia with The Weeknd to make chart-topping hits for mainstream audiences.
Plus, electronic music has changed how we experience music. From rave culture to social media hyping up EDM producers to incredible mind blowing visuals, it’s everywhere—fashion, art, even how we party. It’s a broad category that keeps evolving, mixing various genres to stay fresh.
How to Make Your Own EDM Productions
Want to try making your own EDM music? It’s easier than you might think. Start with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like Ableton Live or FL Studio. These programs let you play with sound design, mixing synths, drums, and samples to create your own tracks.
Here’s how to get started:
- Pick a DAW: FL Studio is beginner-friendly, while Ableton Live is great for live performances.
- Learn the basics: Experiment with synths and sample packs to find your EDM sound.
- Practice mixing: Make your tracks sound clean and professional.
- Share your music: Post online or play at local events to join the EDM scene.
With some practice, you could be making tracks as fire as your favorite artists and spinning at electronic music festivals!
Summing It Up
Electronic dance music is an evolving and booming world that’s been growing since the disco era. From melodic techno and deep house to uplifting trance and future bass, it’s an experience that’s all about dancing and having fun.
Whether you’re losing it to Anyma's music and visuals, vibing at Electric Daisy Carnival, or trying your hand at electronic music production, there’s something in EDM for everyone.
So, next time you press play on a track or hit up a music live event, you’ll know the story behind those beats. Keep exploring, keep dancing, and let EDM move you!
Quick FAQs
What is EDM?
It’s electronic dance music—think danceable tracks made with synths and plugins, covering styles like house, techno, and trance.
Where did EDM start?
It kicked off with Jamaican dub music in the 60s, then grew through disco, Chicago house, and Detroit techno in the 70s and 80s.
Who are some big EDM artists?
Tiesto, Calvin Harris, Daft Punk, and Armin Van Burrin are some notable artists shaping the EDM scene.
How do I make EDM?
Grab a DAW like Ableton Live or FL Studio, learn sound design, and practice mixing.
