Music Genres Explained: EDM

Music genres are important. Us humans like order. We like to put things into boxes so they make sense to us. And we like to use these boxes to help us form an identity ourselves. That’s why music genres are so important. 

From underground clubs to massive festival stages, EDM has brought together fans worldwide, offering not just music, but an immersive  experience fueled by lights, sounds, and emotions. 

We already have a wrap up on what genre is, and a deep dive into Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, Country and R&B, so now it’s time to look at the world of EDM. 

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What is EDM?

EDM stands for Electronic Dance Music, a broad genre of music that primarily revolves around digitally-produced beats and synthesised sounds designed to be played in dance clubs, festivals, and parties. 

EDM is known for its energetic, high-tempo beats, repetitive rhythms, and heavy use of electronic instruments like synthesisers, drum machines, and digital audio workstations (DAWs). Some argue that EDM is not one single genre, but an umbrella term that covers subgenres such as:

• House: Smooth, groovy beats and soulful vocals.
• Techno: Industrial, mechanical rhythms.
• Trance: Melodic and emotional with long, sweeping builds.
• Dubstep: Heavy bass, glitchy effects, and the iconic “wobble” sound.
• Trap: Hip-hop-influenced beats with a slower, rhythmic feel.
• ‍Future Bass: Uplifting, melodic, and experimental.

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The sound

1. Electronic Production: Unlike traditional music made with guitars, drums, or pianos, EDM is created using computers and electronic equipment. Producers use software like Ableton, FL Studio, or Logic Pro to compose music by layering sounds and beats electronically.
2. Repetitive Beats: EDM typically features repetitive, hypnotic beats that encourage dancing. The genre often employs a four-on-the-floor rhythm, meaning a bass drum hits on every beat in a 4/4 time signature, which is common in dance music.
3. Build-ups and Drops: A defining characteristic of EDM tracks is the use of build-ups (when the music gradually intensifies) and drops (when the beat suddenly hits with maximum impact). This creates an adrenaline-pumping experience, especially in live settings like festivals.

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The history of EDM

EDM’s roots trace back to the late 1970s and early 1980s when electronic music production began to take hold, thanks to advancements in synthesisers, drum machines, and computers. 

Disco music, with its emphasis on rhythm and groove, laid the foundation, but EDM’s birth is often associated with genres like house music (originating in Chicago) and techno (emerging from Detroit). These early forms of electronic music were produced and played primarily in underground clubs, characterised by repetitive beats, synthesised sounds, and a focus on rhythm over traditional songwriting.

The rave scene of the 1990s pushed EDM into wider cultural consciousness. In Europe, particularly in countries like the UK and Germany, warehouse parties and large-scale raves became breeding grounds for new subgenres like trance, jungle, and drum & bass. The scene exploded with dance tracks that prioritised a communal, euphoric experience. DJs became the new rockstars, their sets dictating the energy of massive crowds.

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Why is EDM so popular?

1. Festival culture: One of the biggest reasons for EDM’s explosion in popularity has been its integral role in global festival culture. Events like Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) attract hundreds of thousands of fans, offering larger-than-life performances with pyrotechnics, light shows, and immersive art installations. 
2. DJs: Unlike traditional band performances, EDM is often delivered by a single person: the DJ. This transformation of DJs into superstar performers, like Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, and Deadmau5, has redefined how we think of live music performances. 
3. Accessibility: With affordable production software like Ableton and FL Studio becoming more popular, anyone with a laptop can create electronic music. This has made music production more accessible, allowing bedroom producers to reach global audiences via platforms like SoundCloud, Spotify, and YouTube. 
4. Cross-genre collaborations: EDM’s appeal has only broadened as it collaborates with other genres, from pop to hip-hop to rock. Tracks like The Chainsmokers' "Closer" or Avicii’s "Wake Me Up" showcase how EDM has transcended its club origins and entered the mainstream.

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One of the key characteristics of EDM music is its ability to build and release energy through long risers, drum layering, and pulsating synths that lead up to the 'drop' moment. These quick bursts of energy are well-suited to busy environments like bars and pubs, especially in the evenings. Also, since some of the biggest EDM artists dominated the charts during the early to mid-2010s, this style of music can bring a sense of nostalgia, enhancing the feel-good experience when combined with its energetic moments.

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- Magnus, Startle's Music Consultant