26 EDM Genres Explained, With Examples

Summary

This video script offers a subjective introduction to electronic dance music (EDM), highlighting its diverse sub-genres and the unique fandom centered on producers. It emphasizes the studio-based creation process, live DJ performances with pre-recorded tracks, and the use of technology in music production. The script also touches on the cultural origins of EDM, its values of peace, love, unity, and respect, and the American experience's focus on self-expression and social interaction. The summary invites viewers to explore the rich and varied world of EDM.

Takeaways

• 🎶 EDM is a broad genre with many sub-genres, and this video aims to provide a subjective introduction to the world of EDM.
• 💻 Modern pop music, including EDM, is largely created using computers and synthesized elements.
• 🎵 EDM is distinguished by its focus on producers and the studio process, rather than live performance or vocalists.
• 🎧 Producers often DJ their pre-recorded songs, mixing them live with creative transitions.
• 🎹 Some producers are skilled musicians who incorporate live layering or manipulation of sound during performances.
• 🎥 Others rely on complex stage setups with synchronized elements like video, lighting, and pyrotechnics for their performances.
• 💻 The accessibility of computers and music software has democratized music creation, enabling young talent to emerge in the EDM scene.
• 🌈 The EDM scene originated from black gay clubs and underground parties, emphasizing peace, love, unity, and respect.
• 🇺🇸 There are cultural differences between the American and global EDM scenes, with the American scene being more focused on self-expression and social interaction.
• 🏷 Genres, while arbitrary, serve as a useful language to discuss and categorize musical preferences.
• 🎉 The video script includes various musical clips and applause, suggesting a lively and engaging presentation style.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video script?

The video script focuses on electronic dance music (EDM), discussing its sub-genres, the role of producers, and the cultural aspects of the EDM scene.

What differentiates EDM from other music genres according to the script?

EDM is differentiated by its fandom centered around producers rather than vocalists, and the fact that the music is typically created in a studio and performed live as pre-recorded songs mixed into sets.

Why is the script described as subjective and opinionated?

The script is described as subjective and opinionated because it serves as a starting point for the viewer's journey into EDM, rather than being an exhaustive and unbiased catalog of the genre.

How does the script describe the role of producers in EDM?

The script describes producers as the central figures in EDM, being the composers of the music and often performing their pre-recorded songs live with creative transitions.

What is the significance of the studio in the creation of EDM music?

The studio is significant in EDM music creation as it is where the real work of making an EDM song happens, and it is typically where the music is composed and pre-recorded.

How has the affordability of computers and music software impacted the EDM scene?

The affordability of computers and music software has democratized music creation, allowing for the rise of very young talent in the EDM scene.

What cultural origins does the script attribute to the EDM scene?

The script attributes the origins of the EDM scene to black gay clubs and underground warehouse parties, emphasizing the values of peace, love, unity, and respect.

What are some of the cultural differences between the American and global EDM scenes mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that the American EDM experience is centered around self-expression through costumes, bracelet trading, and social encounters, while the global scene may have different cultural expressions.

How do sub-genres in EDM contribute to the overall scene?

Sub-genres in EDM contribute by providing a language to discuss what people like, each with its own vibe, but most are united by values of acceptance and immediacy.

What is the role of live performance in EDM according to the script?

Live performance in EDM involves DJs mixing pre-recorded songs into a set with live creative transitions, and some producers may also use DJ gear to layer or manipulate sound live or bring instruments and vocalists on stage.

How does the script describe the use of technology in live EDM performances?

The script describes the use of technology in live EDM performances as including complex synchronized video, lighting, laser, pyro, and other onstage elements, often with a rehearsed setlist and live transition mixing.

Outlines

00:00

🎧 Introduction to EDM and its Culture

This paragraph introduces Electronic Dance Music (EDM) as a broad genre with many sub-genres. It emphasizes the subjective nature of the video, which is intended as a starting point for viewers' exploration of EDM rather than an exhaustive catalog. The script highlights the role of producers in EDM, who often use computers and synthesized elements to create music that is typically pre-recorded and performed live with DJ sets. It also touches on the democratization of music creation due to affordable technology and the cultural significance of the EDM scene, which originated from black gay clubs and underground parties, emphasizing values of peace, love, unity, and respect. The American EDM experience is distinguished by self-expression through costumes and social encounters, while sub-genres have their own unique vibes but generally share a sense of acceptance and immediacy.

05:17

🎶 Emotional Expression in EDM

This paragraph seems to be a part of a song lyrics with a focus on emotional expression. It includes phrases that suggest a plea for acknowledgment and understanding, such as 'oh I need you by myself' and 'do you think you're better'. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and a struggle with self-worth, possibly reflecting the emotional depth that can be found in some EDM tracks. The use of applause suggests a live performance aspect, indicating the interactive nature of EDM events where the audience is an integral part of the experience.

10:19

💔 Heartfelt Struggles in Music

This paragraph, likely part of a song, delves into themes of emotional struggle and the difficulty of coping with love and loss. Phrases like 'cause my heart goes' and 'how can I learn to see if I can't breathe' suggest intense emotional turmoil. The repetition of the word 'foreign' could be a metaphor for feeling out of place or disconnected. The use of music and applause indicates a live performance setting, emphasizing the emotional impact of the music on the audience.

15:40

🚫 Pushing Boundaries in EDM

This paragraph, possibly from a song, discusses the struggle of maintaining a relationship and the feeling of being pushed away. The lyrics 'no matter how hard I try, you keep pushing me' reflect a sense of frustration and the difficulty of overcoming obstacles in a relationship. The repetition of 'foreign' and 'for me' could signify a plea for understanding or a declaration of self-worth. The mention of 'one more time' and 'think about you all the time' suggests a循环的思念和对重复机会的渴望。

20:43

💔 The Pain of Falling Apart

This paragraph, likely from a song, explores the theme of heartbreak and the complexities of love. The lyrics 'feels like we're falling for the first time' and 'with a broken heart I guess that's sometimes Good Things Fall Apart' convey the pain of a relationship ending and the bittersweet realization that sometimes love can lead to heartbreak. The phrase 'does it almost feel like you've been here before' suggests a sense of déjà vu or a recurring pattern of emotional pain. The mention of 'Turn Down for What' could be a reference to a specific song or an expression of the desire to let go and enjoy the moment despite the pain.

25:45

🤘 Energetic Call to Action in EDM

This final paragraph repeats the phrase 'Turn Down for What', which is the title of a popular EDM song known for its high energy and call to party. The mention of 'another house' and 'foreign' could be references to sub-genres within EDM or to the global nature of the music. The paragraph ends with an energetic and upbeat tone, encouraging listeners to embrace the lively spirit of EDM.

Keywords

💡EDM

Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is a broad genre of music primarily produced using computers and synthesized elements. The script highlights that EDM's fandom is centered around producers who compose the music, differentiating it from other genres where vocalists are the main focus. Examples include the emphasis on studio work and the role of DJs in performing pre-recorded songs.

💡Producers

Producers are the individuals who create and compose EDM tracks. Unlike traditional musicians, their primary work happens in the studio using music software. The script emphasizes that producers are often the focal point in the EDM community, with some performing live using DJ gear while others rely on pre-recorded sets with creative transitions.

💡DJ

A DJ, or disc jockey, is someone who plays and mixes recorded music for an audience. In the context of EDM, DJs mix pre-recorded songs into a seamless set, often adding live transitions and effects. The script mentions that some DJs are also skilled performance musicians who manipulate sounds live or include live instruments and vocalists in their shows.

💡Sub-genres

Sub-genres are specific styles within the broader EDM category. They provide a way to discuss and categorize different types of electronic music, despite being seen as arbitrary by some. The script mentions that these sub-genres have unique vibes and fandoms, all united by values of acceptance and immediacy.

💡Fandom

Fandom refers to the community of fans who follow and support EDM and its producers. The script describes how EDM fandoms are centered around the producers rather than vocalists, highlighting the community's appreciation for the technical and creative aspects of music production. This is evident in how fans engage with the music and the culture surrounding it.

💡Studio

The studio is the primary workspace for EDM producers, where they create and refine their music. The script emphasizes that the real work of making an EDM song occurs in the studio, which is equipped with computers and music software. This environment allows for extensive creativity and precision in music production.

💡Live Performance

Live performance in EDM often involves DJs mixing pre-recorded tracks with creative transitions. Some producers also perform live, using DJ gear to manipulate sounds or bring live instruments and vocalists on stage. The script highlights the difference in live performance skills among producers, with some focusing more on studio production and others on live manipulation of sound.

💡PLUR

PLUR stands for Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect, which are core values of the EDM community. The script mentions that the EDM scene, which originated from black gay clubs and underground warehouse parties, is built on these principles. These values promote a culture of acceptance and positive social interaction among fans.

💡Democratized Music Creation

Democratized music creation refers to the accessibility of music production tools, which has allowed a wider range of people to create music. The script notes that computers and music software are relatively inexpensive, enabling young talent to enter the EDM scene without needing traditional instruments or recording spaces. This has led to a diverse and vibrant community of new artists.

💡American vs. Global Scene

The script contrasts the American EDM scene with the global scene, noting cultural differences. In the American experience, self-expression through costumes, bracelet trading, and social encounters is emphasized. Meanwhile, the global scene may have different customs and traditions but shares the core values of acceptance and immediacy.

Highlights

EDM is a massive umbrella term that encompasses many sub-genres

This video is a subjective starting point for your EDM journey, not an exhaustive catalog

Virtually all modern pop music is made using a computer and synthesized elements

EDM is differentiated by a fandom centered around producers rather than vocalists

The real work of making an EDM song happens in the studio and typically can't be performed live

Producers DJ their pre-recorded songs, mixing them into a set with live creative transitions

Some producers are skilled performance musicians who layer or manipulate sound live

Others have complex synchronized video, lighting, laser, pyro, and other onstage elements

Computers and music software are relatively inexpensive compared to traditional instruments

This democratized music creation and gave rise to very young talent in the EDM scene

The EDM scene arose out of black gay clubs and underground warehouse parties

It is built on values of peace, love, unity, and respect

There are significant cultural differences between the American and global EDM scenes

American EDM is centered around self-expression through costumes, bracelet trading, and social encounters

Fandoms of individual subgenres have their own vibe but are united by values of acceptance and immediacy

Genres are arbitrary but useful as a language to discuss what you like

The video features various EDM tracks and genres to showcase the diversity of the scene

Transcripts

electronic dance music or EDM is a

massive umbrella term that encompasses

many many sub-genres this video is meant

to be as subjective and opinionated

starting place for your EDM Journey

rather than an exhaustive and unbiased

catalog

virtually all modern pop music is made

using a computer and synthesized

elements what I think differentiates EDM

is a fandom centered around producers

the people who compose the music rather

than vocalists

the real work of making an EDM song

happens in the studio and typically

can't be performed live so producers DJ

their pre-recorded songs mixing them

into a set with live creative

transitions between tracks some but not

all producers are skilled performance

musicians and use DJ gear to layer or

manipulate sound live or bring

instruments and vocalists on stage with

them others have complex synchronized

video lighting laser pyro and other

onstage elements and have stronger

Studio than performance skills so tend

to stick to rehearsed setlist with just

transition mixing happening live

computers and music software are

relatively inexpensive compared to

instruments a van practice space and

recording sessions this democratized

music creation and gave rise to very

young Talent the EDM scene which arose

out of black gay clubs and then

underground warehouse parties is built

on peace love unity and respect there

are significant cultural differences

between the American Racine and the

global scene with the American

Experience centered around

self-expression through costumes

bracelet trading and social encounters

the fandoms of individual subgenres also

have their own Vibe but most are united

by values of acceptance and immediacy

genres are stupid arbitrary boxes but

they're useful as a language to discuss

what you like let's get started

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

haha

this

is this

this

[Music]

is this

this

[Music]

other galaxies

[Music]

[Music]

thank you

[Applause]

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

[Music]

I will find you

lose

[Music]

[Music]

oh I need you by myself

[Music]

[Music]

I thank you

[Music]

[Music]

if you love me

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

do you think you're better

[Music]

thank you

[Music]

way too like a love

foreign

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

take it

you should have said it before

I'm trying to hide it

fake it

I can't pretend anymore

[Music]

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

cause my heart goes

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

how can I

learned to see

if I can't breathe

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

that is

it is

foreign

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

[Music]

foreign

[Applause]

[Music]

[Music]

no matter how hard I try

you keep pushing me

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

for me

[Music]

for me

[Music]

one more time

[Music]

think about you all the time

[Music]

[Music]

thank you

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

[Music]

feels like we're falling for the first

time

[Music]

with a broken heart I guess that's

sometimes Good Things Fall Apart

foreign

[Music]

[Music]

does it almost feel like you've been

here before

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

you just grab somebody don't live in

this party with nobody nobody

[Music]

I love you

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

[Music]

thank you

Turn Down for What

Turn Down for What

Turn Down for What

all right

[Music]

another house

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

foreign

[Music]