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EDM

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EDM, or electronic dance music, is a broad genre of music that encompasses a wide range of styles and subgenres, all characterized by the use of electronic instruments and often featuring dance beats. EDM has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many artists achieving mainstream success and major festivals dedicated to the genre.

History of EDM

The roots of EDM can be traced back to the early days of electronic music in the 1950s and 1960s, with pioneers like Karlheinz Stockhausen and Wendy Carlos experimenting with electronic sounds and compositions. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that EDM began to take shape as a distinct genre, with the rise of house music in Chicago and Detroit, and techno in Germany. These early forms of EDM were heavily influenced by disco, funk, and soul music, and often featured repetitive beats and synthesized melodies.

In the 1990s, EDM continued to evolve and diversify, with the emergence of new subgenres such as trance, drum and bass, and jungle. The genre also gained a wider audience thanks to the popularity of raves and dance clubs, which provided a space for people to experience EDM’s energetic and immersive sound. By the 2000s, EDM had become a global phenomenon, with artists like Daft Punk, Deadmau5, and Skrillex achieving mainstream success and helping to bring the genre to a wider audience.

Characteristics of EDM

EDM is characterized by its use of electronic instruments, including synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers. The genre often features dance beats, with a tempo typically ranging from 120 to 150 beats per minute. EDM tracks often have a repetitive structure, with a buildup to a drop or climax, followed by a breakdown and then a return to the main theme. The genre is also known for its use of samples, loops, and effects, which can create a wide range of sounds and textures.

Subgenres of EDM

There are many different subgenres of EDM, each with its own unique sound and style. Some of the most popular subgenres include:

  • House: House music is characterized by its four-on-the-floor beat, with a tempo typically ranging from 120 to 130 beats per minute. House music often features soulful vocals and piano chords, and is known for its uplifting and energetic sound.
  • Techno: Techno is a subgenre of EDM that is characterized by its repetitive beats, often with a tempo ranging from 130 to 150 beats per minute. Techno tracks often have a hypnotic and driving sound, and are often used in dance clubs and at raves.
  • Trance: Trance is a subgenre of EDM that is characterized by its uplifting and euphoric sound. Trance tracks often have a tempo ranging from 125 to 140 beats per minute, and feature soaring melodies and ethereal synths. Trance is known for its ability to create a sense of escapism and euphoria.
  • Drum and bass: Drum and bass is a subgenre of EDM that is characterized by its fast tempo, often ranging from 160 to 180 beats per minute. Drum and bass tracks often feature complex drum patterns and basslines, and are known for their high-energy and danceable sound.
  • Jungle: Jungle is a subgenre of EDM that is characterized by its fast tempo, often ranging from 150 to 170 beats per minute. Jungle tracks often feature breakbeats and ragga samples, and are known for their energetic and rhythmic sound.

Why Learn EDM?

There are many reasons why someone might want to learn EDM. Some people may be interested in learning EDM to satisfy their curiosity and explore a new genre of music. Others may be interested in learning EDM to pursue a career in the music industry, as a DJ, producer, or sound engineer. Still others may be interested in learning EDM as a way to develop their musical skills and knowledge.

Learning EDM can provide a number of benefits, including:

  • Improved musical skills: Learning EDM can help you develop your musical skills, including your rhythm, timing, and ear training. You will also learn about music theory and composition, which can help you create your own EDM tracks.
  • Increased knowledge of music production: Learning EDM can also help you learn about music production, including how to use synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments. You will also learn about different recording and mixing techniques, which can be useful for a variety of music genres.
  • Career opportunities: Learning EDM can open up a number of career opportunities in the music industry. You could become a DJ, producer, sound engineer, or music teacher. You could also work in the music industry in a non-musical role, such as marketing or management.

Careers in EDM

There are a number of different careers that you can pursue if you are interested in EDM. Some of the most common careers include:

  • DJ: DJs are responsible for selecting and playing music at events, such as clubs, festivals, and parties. They often use turntables or CDJs to mix different tracks together, and they may also use other equipment, such as samplers and effects units, to create their own unique sound.
  • Producer: Producers are responsible for creating EDM tracks. They often use synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments to create their own unique sound. Producers may also work with other musicians, such as singers and rappers, to create their tracks.
  • Sound engineer: Sound engineers are responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering EDM tracks. They work in recording studios to create the final product that you hear on your favorite streaming service or CD. Sound engineers use a variety of equipment, such as microphones, mixing consoles, and outboard gear, to create the perfect sound.
  • Music teacher: Music teachers teach students about music theory, composition, and performance. They may also teach students how to play different instruments. Music teachers may work in schools, music studios, or private lessons.

Online Courses for Learning EDM

There are a number of online courses that can help you learn EDM. These courses can teach you about music theory, composition, production, and performance. Some of the most popular online courses for learning EDM include:

  • Logic Pro X: Dj Snake EDM Music Production in Logic Pro X: This course will teach you how to use Logic Pro X to produce EDM tracks in the style of DJ Snake. You will learn about beat making, sound design, arrangement, and mixing.
  • Music Production – Make Calvin Harris Style in Logic Pro X: This course will teach you how to use Logic Pro X to produce EDM tracks in the style of Calvin Harris. You will learn about beat making, sound design, arrangement, and mixing.
  • Logic Pro X: EDM Electronic Music Production in Logic Pro X: This course will teach you how to use Logic Pro X to produce EDM tracks. You will learn about beat making, sound design, arrangement, and mixing.

Online courses can be a great way to learn EDM at your own pace and on your own schedule. You can access the course materials at any time, and you can learn from anywhere in the world. Online courses also often come with discussion forums and other resources that can help you connect with other students and learn from each other.

Conclusion

EDM is a genre of music that has been around for decades, and it continues to evolve and grow in popularity. Whether you are a fan of EDM or you are just curious about it, there are many ways to learn more about this genre. You can read books, articles, and blogs about EDM, or you can listen to EDM radio stations and podcasts. You can also take online courses to learn about EDM production and performance. With the right resources, you can learn anything you want about EDM and become a master of this genre.

Path to EDM

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We've curated seven courses to help you on your path to EDM. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
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Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in EDM.
Comprehensive guide to EDM production, covering everything from beat making to sound design to mixing and mastering. It is written by Peter Kirn, a Grammy-nominated producer and engineer who has worked with artists such as Skrillex, Diplo, and Deadmau5.
Comprehensive overview of EDM, covering its history, subgenres, and major artists. It is written by Michaelangelo Matos, a music journalist who has written for The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork.
Visual guide to mixing vocals, covering everything from EQ and compression to reverb and delay. It is written by David Gibson, a Grammy-nominated mix engineer who has worked with artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Beyoncé.
Comprehensive guide to mastering audio, covering everything from the basics of level adjustment to advanced topics such as EQ and compression. It is written by Bob Katz, a Grammy-winning mastering engineer who has worked with artists such as Diana Krall, Norah Jones, and Steely Dan.
Collection of essays on dance music studies. It covers everything from the history of dance music to the sociology of dance culture. It is written by Danielle Goldman, a scholar who has written extensively on the subject.
Guide to the business of EDM, covering everything from booking gigs to managing finances. It is written by Peter DiVito, a music industry veteran who has worked with artists such as Tiësto, Avicii, and Calvin Harris.
Comprehensive overview of the relationship between music and dance. It covers everything from the history of dance to the psychology of music and movement. It is written by Helen Thomas and Trevor Herbert, two scholars who have written extensively on the subject.
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