The History of EDM
The History of EDM
Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has a deep history that began in the 1970s, with pioneers like Kraftwerk from Germany using synthesizers and drum machines to create innovative sounds. The electronic dance music that would later become a global cultural phenomenon originated in the American Midwest during the early 1980s. The influence of disco and funk during this era set the stage for future developments in dance music. The 1980s marked the birth of distinct electronic genres, notably Chicago house, which emerged with a repetitive beat and synthesizers, thanks to artists like Frankie Knuckles, who was the resident DJ at the exclusive African American gay club the Warehouse. Frankie began creating his own edits of popular disco tracks by using reel-to-reel tape. His remixed disco tracks kept the dance floor moving and helped to shape the sound that would later become house music. Meanwhile, Detroit techno evolved with figures such as Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, blending house elements with a more futuristic sound.
2000's
In the 1990s, EDM expanded globally, driven by the rise of rave culture and the popularity of subgenres like trance, drum and bass, and acid house. Artists such as The Prodigy and Fatboy Slim brought electronic music into the mainstream, making it more accessible to broader audiences. The 2000s witnessed a significant boom as new technology such as digital audio workstations and the internet emerged, making it easier for DJ’s to make and share music. The creation of diverse subgenres such as dubstep and electro house, alongside the rise of major music festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival, which showcased EDM's growing popularity.
Present
By the 2010s, EDM had firmly established itself as a cultural phenomenon, with many pop artists collaborating with EDM producers, resulting in chart-topping hits. Today, the genre continues to evolve, blending with various musical styles and maintaining a massive global following that influences music, fashion, and youth culture.
