Introduction
Electronic dance music also known as dance music, EDM, or club music refers to a series of percussive electronic genres of music produced specifically for environment centered for entertainment purposes. The environments include the nightclubs and dance halls. The electronic dance music employs the use of disc jockeys produces with the core intention of being continuously heard in the natural context of a DJ set. The DJ mixes progressively one record to another using a synchronized mix/segue. Electronic dance music is classifiable under different genres that include techno, UK garage, dubstep, and electro house among other genres. These genes have played a great role in contributing to the popularity and spread of electronic dance music in not only Europe but also globally.
Therefore, this research paper will analyze in detail the historical development in Europe. The analysis takes into consideration the various factors that influenced the growth and development of electronic dance music. Additionally, the analysis will recognize some of the personalities who played a role in contributing to the growth of electronic dance music including occasions identified to have contributed to its growth. The success of this research is highly dependent on the use of wide research materials including journals, articles, and books. Cumulatively, the research will illuminate light on the historical pathway that shaped the electronic dance music.
Historical facts support the obvious realization that cultural impetus spawned electronic dance music in Europe in the early sixties. Factors such as the change in the cultural climate brought by the effects of the Second World War contributed to the realization of the role of music in influencing culture in Europe. The shifting nature of electronic dance music from the traditional orchestration methods to disco music in Europe in the early 1970 led to the adoption of the use of electronic instruments hence, influencing electronic dance music. In the 80’s disco popularity in Europe underwent drastic transformation with the development of the Euro disco scene. Thus, British producers dominated most of the electronic discos across Europe and to a smaller extent, to the America.
In the late 80’s, electronic dance music in Europe was dominated largely by the adoption of the post-disco styles. This included lighter and more serious electronic timbres in the club scenes yielding frequent radio hits. Thus, this led to the introduction of varied styles such as heavy dub sounds, synth-pop, electro-funk, and freestyles of dancing electronic dance music3. Rising consumer demands for disco-based dance music during this period led to the introduction of re-edits, remixes, and combination of electronic dance disco with other dance music styles. Consequently, this led to quick evolution of the electronic dance music to satisfy consumer audiences in various isolated regions in Europe.
In the late 80’s and early 90’s, electronic dance music in Europe witnessed the highest growth and development secondary to the realization and democratization of electronic dance music industry. Raves, warehouse parties, market nightclubs, and outdoor festival scenes fueled the dramatic growth of the electronic dance music. The growth of secondhand market for turntables and instruments during this period democratized electronic dance music since electronic dance music DJs were producers and music players at the same time. The introduction of electronic dance music in the mid 1990 facilitated its growth as Europe realized the role of electronic dance music and begun exploring its growth historically, culturally, and academically.
The growth of the acid house rave in Europe in the late 1980 incorporated the religious ideas and practices with electronic dance music. Prevailing opportunities at this period such as advanced DJ techniques, enhanced electronic dance music aesthetics, and new young people culturalphenomenon facilitated the growth and development of the electronic dance music. Reduction in the costs of electronic dance equipment in the 1990 secondary to the growth of computer technology saw an overwhelming growth in the electronic music industry. Consequently, the electronic dance music took a complete path due to the widespread use of hard disk recording methods and bedroom bands across Europe.
Cultural enthusiasm among Europe population on the use of the new technology in the electronic dance music was unprecedented. It is because of this enthusiasm that, varied experimental music activity including discourse about the use of new instruments music was adopted in Europe. The establishment of house dance in the mid 1990 influenced the growth of the electronic dance music in Europe. House dance was largely used as a platform for passing political messages to those considered as outcast in the society. Consequently, this compounded to the growth of various Medias such as radio and television used to enhance the popularity of electronic music dance among the population.
The emergence of various labels in Europe in the late 1980 signified a great growth in this industry. This includes Jack Trax label that focused on licensing US music in the European music industry, Rhythm King Label that concentrated on hip-hop music in Europe and Jive Record label among other labels. Establishment of various recording houses between 1980 and 1990 enhanced the growth of electronic dance music by promoting its spread. The recording houses that included Network Records and Warp Records targeted the diverse montage full of humor making music interesting. The renovation of house music constructed in the earlier years (1850-1920) in the year 1983 paved way for the rapid growth of the electronic dance music industry. This facilitated an increase in the number of television and radio stations that promoted spread of electronic music.
Furthermore, the second summer of love of the year 1988-89 played a significant role in promoting the growth of electronic dance in Europe. The period was characterized with electronic dance and drug ecstasy. The use of electronic music dance beats during this season created a culture where electronic music was used to create an atmosphere that signifies the importance of the season. The boom of the electronic music in the late 1990 led to realization of artists such as Pierre Schaeffer, Xenakis, and Stockhausen. These artists promoted the spread of electronic work through their skills and talents, which created public attraction to electronic music.
The existence of early nightclubs such as nightclub Amnesia in the Ibiza Island promoted the spread of electronic music and culture that enhanced its massive adoption. However, electronic dance music has experienced dramatic changes between 1990 and 2005. The industry has witnessed changes in the electronic music styles, purposes, and targeted groups. The changes are linked to the increased use of social media, and use of sophisticated technology. Unlike past electronic dance music, which focused on rave culture, current electronic dance music is inclined to rave culture that is highly associated with drug abuse. Increased visual stimulation due to the use of advanced technology and increased consumer awareness account for the changes in the electronic dance music industry. Additionally, consumers of the electronic dance music are inclined to learning changes taking place and the music industry and interacting with the DJs in the social media. Consequently, this has heightened the reputation of the electronic dance music. In the current social context, European consumers of the electronic music perceive it as a vital constituent for rite of passage creating transition to adulthood. Thus, through this perception, the spread and use of electronic music has been enhanced.
Conclusion
Bibliography
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