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.