Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has grown in popularity over the past several decades. It evolved from underground rave culture to become one of the biggest genres in the global music industry. With its pulsating beats and earth-shattering bass, EDM genres, such as house and trance, have dominated music festivals, clubs, personal playlists, and even pop culture.
Today, electronic music is a shared experience enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The rise of massive events like the Ultra Music Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Tomorrowland has allowed EDM to spread far beyond conventional music venues. These events host the biggest EDM producers and artists, creating immersive experiences for fans.
In this article, we will introduce you to the rich diversity of electronic music genres. Our goal is to give you a comprehensive guide on the various forms of EDM, shedding light on their characteristics, subgenres, and the pioneers who produced the music.
Let's find out what distinguishes different EDM genres from each other, but first, let's roll back the hand of time and understand what exactly EDM is and look into its origins.
What is Electronic Dance Music? A Brief Definition of EDM
Electronic dance music is an umbrella term that includes a broad range of music designed for dancing and clubbing. It's greatly dependent on electronic instruments and synthesized sound to create powerful, rhythm-based beats. Although electronic music genres span a wide spectrum of styles, they all share the common goal of getting people to dance to the beat.
Key Characteristics of Electronic Dance Music
What sets EDM apart from the rest of the music is its unique use of technology. Instead of playing with traditional instruments, EDM producers settle for synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers to generate sounds. These are the characteristics that set electronic music apart:
- Pulsating Basslines: At the heart of EDM, basslines drive the energy of a track, ranging from dubstep's deep growls and heavy drum kicks to the smooth flow of house music.
- Synthesized Melodies: Producers use synthesizers to develop futuristic EDM sounds. They create complex arrangements and push the boundaries of sound design.
- Electronic Percussion: Drum machines and sampling software produce beats, resulting in powerful and dynamic rhythms that energize the crowd.
- Repetitive Structures: All EDM sub-genres make use of repetitive loops, and they build up to explosive drops.
What Makes Electronic Dance Music Different From Other Genres
Unlike most classical genres that focus on vocals and instruments, EDM focuses more on rhythm and ambiance. Producers create immersive soundscapes that connect with listeners on a deeper, near-primal level.
They build tracks from percussive instruments, basslines, and heavy beats to create sounds that cannot be made with traditional instruments. The use of electronic percussion allows experimentation in EDM production, leading to relentless innovation and development.
History of Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
EDM's roots trace back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when technology and the discovery of the synthesizer created new genres of electronic music. The genre started as an underground club phenomenon, with early pioneers experimenting by using new tones to create dance music for clubs.
The Early Years: 1970s to 1980s
The origin of EDM lies in early electronic music production. Kraftwerk from Germany and Jean-Michel Jarre from France were the pioneering musicians who first used synthesizers and drum machines to create ethereal, mechanical sounds never heard before. Their techniques developed over time, and their music spread quickly to other countries. Another pioneer of EDM at this time was the Yellow Magic Orchestra, a Japanese band popular for their innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines.
The '70s was also the time when the techno and electro genres were born. They were very experimental, and they didn’t follow the conventional structure of songs. Electronic music genres soon gained popularity in clubs as DJs began messing around with mixing and manipulating tracks featuring upbeat sounds, such as early hip hop, funk, and pop.
The Explosion of House and Techno: Late 1980s to 1990s
House music burst out of the funk Chicago club scene in the late 1980s, with techno coming out of Detroit. Both were indebted to funk and disco tracks like those of Donna Summer, but had a minimalist, electronic feel.
Acid house concurrently brought a more psychedelic, experimental sound, further developing the underground status of EDM. Other subgenres like UK garage also became popular in Europe.
This era also saw the rise of massive festivals like the Ultra Music Festival, which began in 1999 and rose to global prominence in the early 2000s. Festivals propelled EDM into the mainstream, turning what was once an underground movement into a worldwide phenomenon.
The Global Explosion: 2000s to Today
The early 2000s were a landmark time for electronic music. With the rise of social media and streaming platforms, EDM producers got massive exposure to global audiences.
Artists like David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, and Skrillex pioneered the transition of EDM into the mainstream by collaborating with pop stars and establishing themselves in the pop music scene. These acts, combined with the rise of other iconic festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) and Tomorrowland, cemented EDM's place as a global force in music.
Today, EDM is no longer a subculture. It has become a global phenomenon, with millions upon millions of individuals pouring into festivals and raving to the beat of their heroes. As different genres continue to evolve, we see newer subgenres and fusion sounds open up the possibilities of what EDM can accomplish.
Popular EDM Genres & Pioneering Artists
EDM is a giant and diverse galaxy filled with genres that appeal to a range of tastes and experiences. While the general term "EDM" usually refers to music played at large festivals, technically it encompasses a wide range of styles, each with its own distinct sound and following.
Let's take a closer look at some of the most widespread and influential electronic music genres and break down why they so compellingly connect with their listeners.
1. House Music
House music is among the most renowned and loved EDM genres. It has soulful, pulsating rhythms and a tempo that ranges from 115 to 130 BPM. House is identified through its "four-on-the-floor" beat. This means that a strong kick drum hits on every beat in a 4/4 measure. House music has roots in disco, funk, and soul music.
Subgenres of House Music:
- Deep House: Deep house features smooth bass and jazzy chords that typically have soulful vocals and a laid-back, relaxed ambiance. Some of the artists renowned for working in deep house include Frankie Knuckles, Disclosure, and Rüfüs Du Sol. Note: Tropical house is a lighter, more melodic offshoot of deep house, popularized by artists like Kygo. While it shares deep house roots, it's now recognized as its own genre.
- Progressive House: With its emotive and melodic elements, progressive house is all about build-ups and developing a journey through sound. Eric Prydz and Oona Dahl are well-known artists under the progressive house subgenre.
- Electro House: This subgenre is more aggressive and energetic. Electro house is defined by heavy basslines, distorted synth pops, and high-intensity build-ups, which makes it a crowd-favorite. Steve Aoki and Calvin Harris are the legends of the genre.
- Big Room House: With its euphoric anthems and festival-ready drops, big room house has become a first-rate sound at global festivals. Martin Garrix and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike are pioneers of this subgenre.
2. Techno Music
Techno was born in the 1980s in Detroit, with mechanical, repetitive beats and sci-fi atmospheres. The pace of techno is usually placed in a range of 120 to 140 BPM. Techno music is less melodic and more focused on rhythm. It depends heavily on layers of synthesized sound to develop hypnotic sensations on the dance floor.
Subgenres of Techno:
- Minimal Techno: Just as the name suggests, this subgenre features minimal, reduced movements and loops that induce a trance. A perfect example is clear in Richie Hawtin's music.
- Acid Techno: Characterized by the signature "squelching" sounds of the Roland TB-303 synth, acid techno has a raw, gritty tone. Aphex Twin and Hardfloor are among its early artists.
- Detroit Techno: Juan Atkins and Derrick May, pioneers of the techno sound, blended funk, soul, and electronic precision to create a sound that's futuristic and raw. Newer artists still look up to Derrick May's sound.
- Melodic Techno: Merging deep, atmospheric beats with breathtaking and unfolding melodies, melodic techno brings an emotive aspect to the genre. Tale Of Us and Stephan Bodzin are standout acts in this category.
3. Trance Music
Trance music is packed with emotional intensity and fast, euphoric melodies with extended build-ups, meant to create a "trance-like" state. Tempo is generally between 130 and 150 BPM, and it's often accompanied by arpeggiated synths and euphoric breakdowns, which lead people to believe they are journeying.
Subgenres of Trance:
- Uplifting Trance: Uplifting anthems and euphoric sounds characterize uplifting trance, as seen in the music of Armin van Buuren.
- Vocal Trance: Produced with emotional vocalization, vocal trance is best suited for those who prefer a melody to walk them through the song. A leading name in this subgenre is Above & Beyond.
- Progressive Trance: With changing beats and ambient music, progressive trance offers a slower, emotive experience. The works of artists like Markus Schulz and James Holden embody the trance style in form and production.
- Psy-trance: Higher tempos and complex soundscapes, with or without psychedelic effects and synthesizer pop sounds, are the hallmark of this subgenre of dance music. They are a fave element of the music for psy-trance fans. Popular artists in this subgenre include Infected Mushroom and Astrix.
4. Hardstyle
Hardstyle is perhaps the most aggressive and adrenaline-fueled EDM genre out there. Originating in the late '90s and early 2000s Dutch rave culture, hardstyle brings together earth-shattering kicks, euphoric melodies, and gritty basslines (reverse bass is a main feature of hardstyle) to form a sound that's as aggressive as it’s inspiring. Tempos typically range from 140 to 150 BPM (and sometimes even higher). Hardstyle is a favorite among ravers who like to go hard from the start until the end.
Subgenres of Hardstyle:
- Euphoric Hardstyle: With its uplifting melodies, sentimental vocals, and movie-inspired buildups, euphoric hardstyle is a genre that harmonizes intensity and inspiration. Da Tweekaz and Headhunterz have spearheaded this movement, bringing emotional storytelling to a genre that was formerly known for power.
- Rawstyle: A darker, tougher spawn of hardstyle, rawstyle features distorted kicks, aggressive synths, and a decidedly more assertive attitude. Darker in mood, it caters to diehard fans who want pure energy. Keep an ear out for Warface, Radical Redemption, and E-Force.
- Hardcore (Gabber): Technically a distinct genre, hardcore emerged at the same time as hardstyle and shares its roots. Hardcore pushes tempos deep into the 160s and beyond with unrelenting rhythms and manic energy. Artists like Angerfist and Neophyte are legends of this genre. It doesn’t matter if you're launching kicks at Defqon.1 or blasting songs in your headphones, hardcore hardstyle delivers raw, unfettered intensity.
5. Bass-Oriented EDM Genres
For fans of heavy bass and more edgy, experimental music, bass-oriented genres are the path to follow. These genres are all about the low-end notes, commonly incorporating syncopated rhythms and heavy, deep bass drops that rattle the room.
Subgenres of Bass-Oriented EDM Genres:
- Dubstep: Featuring wobbly basslines and half-time drum beats, dubstep has become a main sound in the electronic music universe. Skrillex and Benga popularized dubstep in the mainstream scene.
- Brostep: A more commercial, heavier version of dubstep, brostep prioritizes aggressive, heavy drops and intense, distorted basslines.
- Future Bass: It features rich, atmospheric melodies and trap-inspired rhythms that use catchy synths and basslines. This genre is popular among artists like Flume and Marshmello.
- Drum and Bass (D&B): Fast-paced, high-energy, and heavily layered, drum and bass (160+ BPM) features rolling basslines and intricate drum patterns. Figures like Andy C and Noisia are popular artists in drum and bass. One popular subgenre of D&B is called Liquid Drum & Bass, known for its smooth, melodic flow and atmospheric vibes.
- Trap: A mix of electronic music and hip-hop, trap music uses booming 808s and slashing hi-hats to create a gritty, aggressive sound. RL Grime and Baauer are leaders in this subgenre.
Massive EDM Events and Festivals
EDM is being fueled by the growing popularity of international music festivals that showcase the world's best producers and artists. EDM festivals have become central to the genre, where both new and experienced artists market their music and connect with a bigger audience.
The Most Iconic EDM Music Festivals
- Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC): EDC is notable for its over-the-top stages, sophisticated visual effects, immersive electronic dance music, and A-list performers. It started in Los Angeles but has now spread to cities all around the globe, from Las Vegas to Japan. It's a party that brings together the underground rave scene with the scale of a humongous mainstream festival. When you decide to attend EDC, choose a killer style from the best rave outfits.
- Ultra Music Festival (UMF): UMF is the oldest and most iconic EDM festival in the world, taking place annually in Miami. It has been instrumental in shaping modern-day EDM, with performances from some of the biggest dance music artists in the genre. Ultra was instrumental in shaping what it means to be a "festival stage," where huge production, pyrotechnics, and lighting are on par with the music.
- Tomorrowland: Based in Belgium, Tomorrowland is the largest EDM festival worldwide and is renowned for its brain-twisting structures and global popularity. With its breathtaking installations, including huge sculptures and gorgeous lighting effects, Tomorrowland lures fans from all corners of the world.
These EDM music festivals, among others like Creamfields, Electric Zoo, and Awakenings, have established EDM events as a cultural exchange. People come together, they celebrate the culture, and escape into the realm of electronic dance music.
It doesn’t matter if 500 people or 500,000 gather; these outdoor festivals are an integral part of the EDM experience. Learn more about the best rave festivals here.
The Impact of Electronic Instrumentation on Pop Music
One of the most significant contributions EDM has made to pop is the utilization of electronic elements. Synthesizers, drum machines, and digital production techniques are now a standard of modern pop music. Even non-EDM artists, including Beyoncé and Ariana Grande, have incorporated electronics into their music.
In addition, the influence of EDM has led to the adoption of certain production techniques, such as the drop and build-up structure, now a common element of pop tracks. Those same techniques, once the sole reserve of EDM, now permeate pop music, injecting mainstream singles with a pulsating, dynamic feel.
FAQs About Electronic Dance Music
What are the Three Types of EDM?
The three main types of electronic dance music are:
- House Music: Energizing, steady beats with a soulful, dance-friendly vibe.
- Techno Music: Minimal, rhythmic, and mechanized, often incorporating futuristic timbres.
- Trance Music: Emotional, melodic, and euphoric with extended build-ups and drops.
What Kind of EDM is Popular These Days?
Current popular electronic dance music subgenres and artists are:
- Future Bass: Rich, drum drops, atmospheric melodies, and vibrant basslines (e.g., Flume, Marshmello, David Guetta).
- Dubstep: Heavy bass drops, syncopated rhythms, and aggressive sound design (e.g., Skrillex, Excision, Benga). Note: You can recognize dub music from its beat-by-beat wobbly bassline.
- Techno: Dark, hypnotic beats with an industrial feel (e.g., Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens).
- Tropical House: Chilled, soul-filled, relaxed sounds with a summer feel (e.g., Kygo).
What is the Difference Between EDM Vs. Techno?
EDM is a broad term that consists of numerous dance music genres like house, trance, dubstep, and techno. Techno is one of the substyles or subgenres of EDM. It features repetitive beats, mechanized notes, and a futuristic atmosphere.
What is the Genre of Charli XCX's EDM?
Charli XCX is known to work in various electronic dance music genres like electropop, future bass, and pop, which share a common element with EDM. Charli XCX draws her inspiration from producers like SOPHIE and A.G. Cook to create experimental and futuristic sounds.
What is the Most Intense Genre of EDM?
The hardest-hitting electronic dance music genre is likely hardstyle. With aggressive tempos (usually ranging from 150 BPM) and heavy drum kicks, distorted basslines, and heavy drops, hardstyle creates an extremely high-energy atmosphere on the dance floor. It's often combined with euphoric melodies or gritty dark soundscapes.
What is the Best EDM Song of All Time?
One of the biggest EDM songs ever is Avicii's "Wake Me Up." It mixed folk music with house beats in 2013 and became a massive global hit. It's a pop game-changer because it was among the genre-bending singles that crossed over and helped bring EDM into the mainstream scene.
Is Lady Gaga an EDM Artist?
Lady Gaga is not technically an EDM artist, though some of her most popular songs do have plenty of EDM sound. She’s worked with EDM-adjacent producers like DJ White Shadow (‘Applause’) and RedOne (‘Poker Face’) to blend electronic elements into her pop sound.
What EDM Genre is Skrillex?
Skrillex became known for creating dubstep music, specifically the harder, wobbly bass of the genre (referred to as brostep). He has also explored other genres like trap and electro house, making him one of the most diverse producers there is.
What is Martin Garrix's EDM Genre?
Martin Garrix is best known for big room house and progressive house, as his first single, "Animals," was an anthem for big room house. He has also tried his hand at future bass house and electro house, showing us his versatility in the EDM universe.
Celebrate EDM Today With Scummy Bears, Your No. 1 Rave Stylist
The realm of electronic music genres is vast, diverse, and continuously evolving. From soulful house music beats to the euphoric melodies of trance, EDM has something for everyone.
As you roam about in the world of electronic dance music, always remember that more is waiting to be discovered. For now, embrace the immersive beats of techno sounds and get lost in progressive house soundscapes.
Just like the world of EDM, your style and vibe are limitless. At Scummy Bears, we embrace individuality, celebrate rebellion, and do so while making a statement. Don’t just be a part of the scene, be one with it.
Our festival outfits are for EDM lovers who live life defiantly loud. Check out our gear today and join the movement. Born from bass, created for all.