How
many people have listened to electronic dance music at some
point, whether at a party, club, concert, or on the radio? Names like Swedish
House Mafia, Zedd,
Calvin Harris, and Avicii have become household names and dominate
radio stations daily. EDM is extremely relevant in today’s Western culture, but
it was virtually non-existent about 30 years ago. Electronic
music first originated in the 1980s in
small basements and underground warehouses in
the UK. Now, the EDM scene has expanded to sell
out world-renowned arenas like MSG and Radio City Music Hall and break records
on the billboards and electronic downloads. Those who identify with the “rave
culture” take part in an unspoken companionship
at shows around the world. This culture usually
consists of indoor and outdoor festivals and concerts with DJs, LED strobe
lights, and dance music with a prominent bass beat. Famous festivals include
Electric Daisy Carnival, Life in Color, and Electric Forest. According to Rupa Huq,
popular music such as electronic music becomes a “principal means by which
young people define themselves.” This music scene has become a symbol for 21st century youth, as many young people feel that electronic dance music identifies
their generation and speaks for them when words fail.
Technology has played a huge role
in the spread and production of EDM. DJs use synthesizers and high-tech music
production programs to create original beats. Furthermore, the Internet is a
huge factor in the promotion of this music to reach a huge following of people.
Electronic
dance music and its culture involves a huge range of people. Many people appreciate this movement because
it helps them to forget their problems. According to Graham St. John who wrote “Trance Tribes and Dance Vibes”, electronic music
almost becomes a religion, or a second-nature to some people who take part in
the rave culture. However, the electronic dance music culture has been under
fire for the drug use associated with it. Over the past few years, drugs such
as molly and ecstasy have been notoriously used at EDM festivals and events,
even unfortunately resulting in multiple deaths. In general, though, EDM is a phenomenon that has characterized and revolutionized modern music in terms of its technology, its huge following, and most of all, its catchy beats.