Say What?

 

Just when you thought you could escape the grip EDM has on the music industry, think again. The genre is now venturing into unchartered territory leaving many wondering whether or not it’s a good move or a bad one.  That territory, of course, is country music. Several figureheads within the country-music community, many of which are acclaimed artists, have stepped up to the plate to embrace EDM’s incorporation into their work: in short, they think it’s a good idea!

 

According to country-music star, Jason Aldean, in regards to EDM’s emergence, he stated, “It’s our generation…and I don’t think it’s a big deal.” After hearing his statement, I personally have to side with him. Why? Because that’s the beauty of music, and the epitome of talent. If you can successfully combine multiple genres into one performing entity that sounds good, you’re doing something right.

 

Up to this point in time, EDM has come a far way: it’s developed, changed, and has become more mainstream. However, it should be noted that EDM is not the only variable here that is subjected to change: every other genre of music goes through some transformation during some point in time. Music is not finite and only contained to one thing: it is indefinite, and as time progresses, the winds of change will become more prevalent. For example, look at the evolution of rock.

 

What artists are essentially doing are that they are combining two already popular genres, and making it one. Many support this; however, many fear this, too. Why? Because it’s something that hasn’t really been talked about or attempted before. I foresee a phenomena manifesting similar to when EDM began becoming more widely accepted: the rise of the idiots.

There will always be the critics, the skeptics, and the what nots, whom attempt to bash something they have no control over, (and usually no experience with). If people simply had more patience and humanity, especially with music, things would go so much smoother in today’s world. The beautiful thing about EDM is that although it may seem like a struggle sometimes, artists/producers/etc. of the genre do not fear fighting that uphill battle. It’s all about breaking down those psychological barriers, because in the realm of EDM, it is mutually shared that negative emotions should be put aside, so as we can all achieve an elevated, and most importantly, peaceful, state of mind!

 

P.S. If you didn’t know, Luke Bryan’s popular song, “That’s My Kind of Night”, has a musical foundation that is influenced by EDM. Enjoy!

A Global Gathering

 

Because of the recent rise in popularity of EDM in the United States, like any other type of music would be subjected to, avid listeners and fans of mainstream artists are itching to hear their favorite songs, full fledged, in a live setting, and one that also promotes group unity and togetherness, such as a music festival. EDM festivals are becoming more noticeable, and more readily available after their initial introductions, and successes, in the country’s larger cities. Events like Electric Daisy Carnival, Ultra Music Festival, and All Good Festival, are a few of the country’s larger, more popular ones, to say the least. 

   

 

A festival is most definitely a unique place, both for the artist and for the festival-goer. Many assume that an artist or DJ’s job is simple, especially when playing at an event as described, because hey, why does it matter? It’s not like the crowd won’t be on enough drugs up until now to sedate a commune of rhinoceroses, right? Just load up a song, press play, and reap the rewards of your fame. Wrong. There is a method to their madness, and contrary to what one may assume about their duties, a lot of what they do goes unnoticed. Incorporating effects, cueing up future tracks to be played, ensuring songs are mixing together fluently, and controlling pyrotechnics, are few of the many responsibilities an artist or DJ performing may have at their control; however, most importantly, they are their audience’s shepherd. Live performances, such as one put on by dubstep/electronica trio, Destroid, are some of the more memorable ones to say the least. Performers want to make their time on stage memorable not only for themselves, but for their audience, too. They keep the vibe of the crowd up, make sure the music’s flowing nicely, but most importantly, they give their audience the piece of heaven, or sense of enlightenment, some may say they are trying to find when attending a festival, ultimately ensuring that venues hosting a festival will continue to sell out, year after year.

Fans of artists seek haven at large events. Once a location is determined for an event, fans from literally every corner of the Earth scrounge together for the durations of the country’s top EDM get-togethers. DJs and artists have taken it upon themselves to headline at such festivals in a collaborative effort, mostly because they know of how much the profound effects of their music, and the environment, can be for their fans. Fans come in thinking one thing, and leave thinking another. Biases, inhibitions, negative feelings, etc., are tossed aside, and the overall feel of the festival environment is friendly, forthcoming, and welcoming, almost to where it seems everyone is equal or on the same page with everything. Anything that may have been on their mind before entering is left at the door, because boy oh boy, when you experience an EDM festival head on, it is one that is not easily forgotten…that is, if you can remember it! 

 

 

 

 

The Future of EDM

Everyone’s a Critic

Today’s music scene is constantly evolving. Of the many niches that make up the music industry, one that has recently exploded within the last few years or so was the Electronic Dance Music industry. In the past, EDM was subjected to much scrutiny: many stated that those who listened to the genre were crazy because the music did not make any sense, had little vocals, and got annoying over time. Several critics felt that electronica and EDM artists were cheating the system and taking the easy way out, saying that they were cutting corners by using synthesizers and other analog equipment to make the sounds “actual” musicians would create in the studio.

Well, they were wrong. Not because of their critiques of the artists and how they make their music; but because those being skeptical failed to see the potential in the genre. At the end of the day, do you think electronica pioneer, Moby, cares about what blogger “XYZ” thinks about how he makes his sounds? Heck no. He would just throw a Grammy at them, and walk away. Like anything new, things evolve and improve with time. Additionally, with more mainstream exposure and incorporation, EDM is becoming more acceptable with people belonging to my generation, than ever before. Today, the EDM scene is comprised of some of the most powerful musicians in the entire music industry, and is also one of the most expensive niches, too. Chances are that “sick beat” found in the background of that trending rap song was created or inspired by one of these musicians. Contrary to some thought, EDM artists are not robots: they definitely do a lot more than push buttons and look at a computer screen all day.

Infection

So why is EDM becoming so popular? It is because it is a virus. Beginning as a single category of music, the concept of EDM has so many sub-categories, it is not funny. As mentioned previously, one can assume the reason behind this is because it is becoming more accepted and main stream in our younger cultures. Chances are that what you will hear in a club in a city will be some form of EDM. In addition to its presence within the club scene, EDM events, most importantly music festivals, are becoming increasingly more in demand in the United States. For example, an event dubbed a block-party from label Mad Decent, one of which harbors Philadelphia native and acclaimed producer, Diplo, started from a small event that was thrown a few years ago, and has now grown into a global phenomenon. 

How is this accomplished? Through marketing of course; however, most importantly, through trial and error. Groups of DJs and producers of all nationalities have banded together to bring their audiences what they want to hear, employing ideas so cavalier many would think they were crazy. The unique thing about the EDM scene is that PR conducted about a said artist or DJ is not always created by the entity themselves. Rather, it is done by their fans through word of mouth. For example, I was introduced to an artists a few years back by a friend, went to a few shows, and now I absolutely love them.

Social media has assisted this process tremendously, too. Artists know that they can rely on their fans to spread the word, and introduce others to their music. They strive to create “hype”, posting pictures from their events, letting their fans know where they will be next, what may be going on in the studio, and even communicate directly with them. In some cases, EDM recognition is even achieved by accident. Success stories of someone reputable stumbling upon an artist’s work, seeing their talent, and getting them signed so they continue their production process, are nothing new to the industry. Artist Skrillex is the epitome of this happening. Through social media and sharing websites such as SoundCloud or Beatport, not only artists can publicly share their work with the world, but anyone can, too.

That said, the sky is the limit in regards to EDM. It is taking the world by storm, so why not jump on the bandwagon if you have not already, and give it a chance?