Electronic

A brief history of Electronic

Electronic music, often abbreviated as EDM (Electronic Dance Music), is a popular genre of music that has been around since the mid-20th century and has been growing in popularity over the last three decades. EDM is a broad term that encompasses many different styles of music, including techno, house, trance, dubstep, drum and bass, and others.

The origins of electronic music can be traced back to the early 1900s when inventors were experimenting with new electrical and electronic devices. The first electronic instrument, the Theremin, was invented in 1920 by Leon Theremin, a Russian physicist. The Theremin is an electronic musical instrument that is played without physical contact. Instead, the musician uses their hands to control the sound by moving their hands in proximity to two antennas.

In the 1940s, electronic and digital technology began to advance rapidly, and composers began to experiment with these new tools. One of the first electronic music pioneers was French composer Pierre Schaeffer, who created musique concrète, a type of music that was made entirely from recorded sound.

In the 1950s, electronic music began to take off, with the invention of the first synthesizer by the American engineer Robert Moog. The Moog synthesizer was a new type of instrument that used oscillators to produce different electronic sounds. It was an instant hit with musicians, and soon synthesizers began to appear in popular music.

Electronic music continued to evolve throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with the advent of new technologies such as the sequencer and the drum machine. These new tools allowed electronic musicians to create more complex and intricate compositions and helped to establish electronic music as an important and legitimate genre.

By the 1980s, electronic music had become a dominant force in popular music, with the rise of genres such as synth-pop and new wave. Many of the electronic music pioneers of the 1970s, such as Kraftwerk and Jean-Michel Jarre, had become household names, and influential DJs such as Frankie Knuckles and Larry Levan had established the electronic dance music scene in America.

The 1990s saw the rise of new genres of electronic music, such as techno, house, and trance, which became hugely popular in the UK and Europe. The rise of dance music culture, including raves and clubs, helped to propel electronic music into the mainstream.

The 2000s saw the rise of new sub-genres of electronic music, such as dubstep and drum and bass, which helped to broaden the appeal of the genre to a wider audience. Electronic music festivals, such as Coachella and Tomorrowland, became hugely popular and began to attract fans from all over the world.

Today, electronic music is a global phenomenon, with a huge fan base around the world. It continues to evolve and adapt, with new sub-genres emerging all the time. In recent years, electronic dance music has become the dominant force in popular music, with electronic dance tracks topping the charts and major festivals featuring electronic artists as headline acts.

Notable Electronic artists

Daft Punk: Daft Punk is a French electronic music duo formed in 1993. They are known for their futuristic and unique sound that combines elements of house, techno, and funk. Some of their most popular songs include “Around the World,” “One More Time,” and “Get Lucky.” In 2021, they announced their retirement after a successful 28-year career.

Deadmau5: Deadmau5 is a Canadian electronic music producer and DJ. His real name is Joel Zimmerman. He has been active in the music industry since 1998 and is known for his progressive house and techno sound. He has released several successful albums and has won numerous awards for his work.

Aphex Twin: Aphex Twin is a British electronic musician and composer. His real name is Richard James. He has been active in the music industry since the early 1990s and is known for his experimental and unconventional sound. He has released several successful albums and has won numerous awards for his work.

Kraftwerk: Kraftwerk is a German electronic music group formed in 1969. They are considered to be pioneers of electronic music and have greatly influenced the genre. Their unique sound combines elements of electronic, pop, and experimental music. Some of their most popular songs include “The Model,” “Autobahn,” and “Trans Europe Express.”

Tiesto: Tiesto is a Dutch electronic music producer and DJ. His real name is Tijs Verwest. He has been active in the music industry since the early 1990s and has released several successful albums. He is known for his trance and progressive house sound and has won numerous awards for his work.

Avicii: Avicii was a Swedish electronic music producer and DJ. His real name was Tim Bergling. He was active in the music industry from 2006 until his death in 2018. He is known for his progressive house and electronic dance music sound and was considered to be one of the most successful electronic artists of his time.

Skrillex: Skrillex is an American electronic music producer and DJ. His real name is Sonny Moore. He has been active in the music industry since the mid-2000s and is known for his dubstep sound. He has won several Grammy Awards for his work and has released several successful albums.

The Chemical Brothers: The Chemical Brothers are a British electronic music duo formed in 1989. They are known for their unique sound that combines elements of electronic, rock, and hip hop. They have released several successful albums and have won numerous awards for their work.

Jean-Michel Jarre: Jean-Michel Jarre is a French electronic music composer and producer. He has been active in the music industry since the early 1970s and is known for his experimental and symphonic sound. He has released several successful albums and has won numerous awards for his work.

Armin van Buuren: Armin van Buuren is a Dutch electronic music producer and DJ. He has been active in the music industry since the late 1990s and is known for his trance sound. He has released several successful albums and has won numerous awards for his work.

25 Electronic records you should hear

1. “Blue Monday” by New Order
2. “Autobahn” by Kraftwerk
3. “Trans-Europe Express” by Kraftwerk
4. “Oxygène” by Jean-Michel Jarre
5. “Good Life” by Inner City
6. “Voodoo Ray” by A Guy Called Gerald
7. “Strings of Life” by Derrick May
8. “Go” by Moby
9. “Born Slippy” by Underworld
10. “Firestarter” by The Prodigy
11. “Smack My Bitch Up” by The Prodigy
12. “Windowlicker” by Aphex Twin
13. “Papua New Guinea” by The Future Sound of London
14. “Insomnia” by Faithless
15. “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer
16. “Chime” by Orbital
17. “Teardrop” by Massive Attack
18. “Unfinished Sympathy” by Massive Attack
19. “Clubbed to Death” by Rob Dougan
20. “Sandstorm” by Darude
21. “Strobe” by Deadmau5
22. “Adagio for Strings” by Tiësto
23. “Breathe” by The Prodigy
24. “Block Rockin’ Beats” by The Chemical Brothers
25. “Chemical Beats” by The Chemical Brothers

Electronic and the charts

One of the earliest examples of electronic music making an impact in the charts is the 1981 hit “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League. The song topped the UK charts for five weeks and went on to become the Christmas number one that year. It also reached number one in the US and several other countries. The song was produced using synthesizers and drum machines, and its catchy melody and relatable lyrics made it a timeless classic.

Another iconic electronic record from the 1980s is “Blue Monday” by New Order. Released in 1983, the song is one of the best-selling 12-inch singles of all time, selling over 3 million copies worldwide. Its popular riff and infectious beats made it a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, and it remains a favorite among electronic music fans to this day.

In the 1990s, electronic music became even more mainstream, with the rise of genres such as trance, techno, and house. One of the most successful electronic acts of the time was The Prodigy. Their 1997 album “The Fat of the Land” sold over 10 million copies worldwide and included hits such as “Firestarter” and “Breathe”. The album also topped the charts in several countries, including the UK and the US.

Another notable electronic record from the 1990s is “Children” by Robert Miles. The 1995 hit topped the charts in several countries and sold over 5 million copies worldwide. Its haunting melody and catchy beats made it a fixture in clubs and on radio stations around the world.

The 2000s saw the rise of electronic acts such as Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers, and Moby. Daft Punk’s 2001 album “Discovery” included hits such as “One More Time” and “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” and sold over 3 million copies worldwide. The Chemical Brothers’ 2002 album “Come with Us” also had commercial success, reaching number one in the UK and selling over a million copies.

In more recent years, electronic music has continued to evolve, with the emergence of new genres such as dubstep and EDM. One of the most successful electronic records of the 2010s is “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams. The 2013 hit topped the charts in over 30 countries and sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Its retro sound and catchy lyrics made it a favorite among both fans and critics.

What people have said about Electronic

One of the most notable books on electronic music is “Energy Flash” by Simon Reynolds. This acclaimed tome documents the rise of rave culture and the explosion of electronic dance music in the 1990s. Reynolds argues that electronic music was a radical and transformative force that challenged traditional notions of art, music and culture. He writes: “Electronic music was not a mere continuation of pop or rock but an entirely new means of sonic expression and cultural production.”

Another influential book on electronic music is “Electronic and Experimental Music” by Thom Holmes. This comprehensive survey covers the history and development of electronic music from its early experiments with tape recorders and synthesizers to its transformational impact on popular music genres such as hip-hop, techno and ambient music. Holmes notes the revolutionary potential of electronic music, writing: “Electronic music has opened up a vast new realm of sounds and ideas that simply did not exist in the acoustic world.”

A more recent book on electronic music is “Club Cultures: Music, Media and Subcultural Capital” by Sarah Thornton. This ethnographic study examines the social and cultural dynamics of electronic dance music scenes in cities such as London, Berlin and Ibiza. Thornton argues that electronic music is not just a form of entertainment but a form of social, cultural and political expression. She writes: “Electronic dance music is a subculture that provides a space for people to connect, express themselves and challenge dominant cultural norms.”

In addition to books, electronic music has inspired a rich and diverse array of quotes from musicians, critics and cultural commentators. Here are just a few notable examples:

“Electronic music is an extension of the human body, a way of augmenting our capabilities to reach new heights of perception and emotion.” - Aphex Twin

“The beauty of electronic music is that it allows you to transcend time and space.” - Moby

“Electronic music is the sonic equivalent of abstract art - it’s about the exploration of pure sound, free from the constraints of melody, harmony and rhythm.” - Brian Eno

“Electronic music is the sound of the future, but it’s also the sound of the present - a reflection of our technological age and our desire for new experiences.” - Richie Hawtin

“Electronic music is not just a genre, it’s a lifestyle - a way of being in the world that challenges conventional norms and values.” - Carl Cox

Electronic in context

At the heart of electronic music’s birth was the advent of technology that allowed for the creation of music outside of traditional musical instruments. The introduction of synthesizers provided artists with the capability to engineer sounds that were previously unattainable. In the 1960s, Robert Moog invented the Moog Synthesizer that paved the way for electronic music experimentation. The use of electronic instruments removed the barriers of traditional musical instruments and made the genre more accessible to a wider audience. The emergence of computer-based platforms and software further accelerated the growth and reach of electronically produced music.

The cultural context of electronic music marked a shift in global culture. With the advent of new technologies in the 80s and 90s, the younger generation was exposed to new genres of music. The proliferation of computer games with electronically produced background music further popularized the genre. Artists started producing electronic music, and clubs increasingly played the music of pioneers like Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, and David Bowie.

Club culture played and continues to play a significant role in shaping electronic music. Todd Terry’s track Can You Party in 1988 became a pivotal song in the club scene, causing a seismic shift in the popularity of house music and subsequently other genres of electronic dance music. As this scene began to grow and spread globally, it gave birth to iconic parties such as The Hacienda in Manchester and Paradise Garage in New York. These clubs became a breeding ground for DJs, producers, and other musical artists to experiment with electronic sounds. The underground club culture led to the emergence of independent record labels such as Warp Records and Ninja Tune.

The social context of electronic music spanned generational gaps, creating an incredible new aesthetic for the next generation. This music translated the anxieties of individuals who felt disillusioned with traditional societal norms and sought new modes of expression and collective experience. Many electronic tracks resonated with these feelings, and as this genre grew, it increasingly became a centerpiece of counterculture across the globe.

The impact of electronic music on society and popular culture was immense, influencing fashion, art, and film. The music and the visuals that it inspired formed a sub-culture with an ever-growing following. Electronic music fueled parties and raves that provided an instant connection for people who shared a love of music and the hedonistic experiences that accompanied it. It was a global revolution that brought together youth cultures from different countries and backgrounds.

Many notable figures played pivotal roles in shaping and popularizing electronic music. Kraftwerk, the German band, is widely considered the pioneer of electronic music and introduced and popularized the heavy use of synthesizers and electronic instruments. The Pet Shop Boys brought electronic sounds into the mainstream in the UK in the 80s, with hits such as West End Girls and It’s a Sin. Trance, one of the most prominent sub-genres, was pioneered by DJs such as Sasha and John Digweed. Other significant artists include Daft Punk, Chemical Brothers, and Underworld.

If you like Electronic you may like..

Techno: characterized by a repetitive beat and synthesized sounds, techno emerged in Detroit during the 1980s and has since spread globally.

House: originating in Chicago during the 1980s, house music is known for its upbeat tempo and soulful vocal samples.

Trance: a relatively new genre, trance is characterized by fast bpm, melodic synthesizers, and an ethereal, soaring sound.

Dubstep: characterized by heavy bass drops and aggressive rhythms, dubstep originated in South London in the early 2000s.

Ambient: a genre focused on creating atmospheric, calming soundscapes, ambient music ranges from sparse and minimal to lush and cinematic.