Electronic Dance Music: Informative Speech

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.