Electronic dance music (EDM) consists of various music genres which are generated electronically and then played back by a DJ in a mix. DJs spin the music on a turntable that is controlled by a mixer attached to their computer. The DJ will then control the speeds and pitch variations of the songs being played back in accordance with the desires of the listener. EDM also refers to a specific style of music, such as house, breakcore, trance, hip-hop, and others. It’s quite easy to tell the difference between electronic dance music and other types of music because most of it is performed in a highly structured manner.
Electronic dance music was created for the sole purpose of use by disc jockeys (DJs) who make it for personal intent of the music being listened at a given context of a single continuous DJ setup. This is exactly where a DJ make a constant set of tracks which progresses from one disc to the other in a highly synchronized manner. Technically, electronic dance music doesn’t only refer to the dj but also to any other type of music that is generated or played back in such a way. Basically, the term can also be used to describe any form of music that is generated or played back using a computer or other electronic means. However, the specific definition of electronic dance music refers to the specific genre of music that were made in the 1980s – and which is now known as breakbeat.
Breakbeat is a particular style of electronic dance music that emerged from the UK. It is characterized by high tempo, rapid beat and hard hitting sounds. Most breakbeats are based on popular music instruments such as drums, piano and keyboards but some artists also played with the sounds of traditional dance music such as Latin and New Orleans jazz. Some of the most notable producers of breakbeat are Don du Lac, Don Chanel, Russell Simmons and Will Smith.
There is no doubt that breakbeat has been able to bring many rave fans back into the dance music scene especially since it is so different from other forms of electronic dance music. Its unique sound is very difficult to emulate. For instance, hip hop is considered by many to be one of the hardest styles of electronic dance music to perform and master since it is based on complex rhythms. But breakbeat is a form of music which is extremely easy to perform and understand. It is also very melodic and is often comparable to musical beats.
Since breakbeat is a form of electronic music that uses simple and fast rhythms, it is usually played on a wide range of electronic equipment. In fact, breakbeat was one of the first electronic styles of music to be played directly on vinyl records – but this trend eventually died down due to the popularity of hip hop and techno. However, breakbeat is still making waves today on various forms of electronic dance music such as house and techno. As you would expect, these types of music also have helped to popularize breakbeat.
Although it is debatable whether or not electronic dance music in the 1980s was ahead of its time, one thing is for sure: this style of music laid the foundation for what would come next. This genre of electronic dance music was groundbreaking in many ways, especially when you consider the fact that it was the first electronic dance music to feature vocals and was the first to include samples (or DJ beats) in the mix. Electronic dance music artists such as Los Angeles native David Gutta would use sample packs to create complex drum patterns and lead guitars. Even though the sound of these elements may have seemed foreign to hardcore dance fans, they were a huge influence on the formation of rave culture.
Throughout the years breakbeat inspired artists such as the late Michael Jackson have released some of the most popular and memorable songs in history, including “Beat It” and “Haitian Divorce” (both recorded with the late Jackson’s band the Thrillers). Furthermore, artists such as DJ Craze, Carl Cox, John Martin and many others have helped to popularize the sounds of breakbeat and continue to do so. In fact, the advent of electronic dance music made breakbeat one of the most influential styles of electronic dance music of all time.
Nowadays electronic dance music continues to be a huge part of electronic dance music events all over the world. In fact, some events have been built around particular artists and their individual styles such as Miami Florida’s “Mixology” and Chicago’s” Walls Collision”. These shows are an exciting extension of the artists’ personal brand and are a great way to learn more about them and see how they perform. Additionally, these types of shows are a fantastic opportunity for new artists to get the recognition they deserve and a chance for fans from out of town to come see them play as well. For these reasons and many others, electronic dance music remains a popular, vibrant, creative and nostalgic style of music and will continue to be for years to come.
