In the early 1990s the electronic dance music scene was at its infancy. The fact that rave parties were becoming more common place in cities around the world was a significant factor behind this evolution. This music had been inspired by and was often named after the legendary dance music group the Fatboy Slim. At this time there were very few DJs that were skilled enough to work with an array of genres and equipment.
Thanks to the invention of the PC and MIDI controller software it has become possible for even inexperienced people to produce their own electronic dance music. Nowadays a wide range of gear is available that can be used by any type of DJ. One of the first gear demos that was released during the early years of this new style of dance music was a device called the sampler. This helped the DJ to locate and accurately locate the beat that he was playing.
While the popularity of trance tracks and popular music has declined slightly over the last few years, producers and DJs are still finding new and innovative ways to mix and manipulate this ever-expanding audio format. The introduction of MP3s and other formats has increased the possibilities to a level that was never previously seen. Now tracks can easily be compressed or enhanced and the quality of sound is superior to what it once was. Mixing and matching tracks to produce a single track that will fit seamlessly into a set or mix has never been easier.
Another factor behind the creation of this new dance music was the adoption of new musical styles. One of the biggest influences was the “ravelling” genre that developed in the United Kingdom and Europe during the late 1980s. These artists brought a whole new approach to dance that was more open and experimental. Electronic dance music often included sounds coming from the surrounding environment, such as wind chimes and earth tones. These were used to create a background that was completely random and unpredictable. This was a major influence on the new textures and sounds being added to Trance tracks.
When the world started to open up again with the onset of new technology, new ideas and styles started to take shape. Everything from new forms of music to new approaches to DJ mix sets emerged. Much of this is credited to the growth of electronic dance music.
Even though electronic dance music became a huge hit with the younger generation in the 1990s, it is still very much at home among people of all ages. Many DJs continue to push the boundaries and experiment with new sounds and styles. It is this dedication to pushing the envelope that keeps electronic dance music constantly exciting. There is always something new and improved in the world of electronic dance music.
This continuous exploration is what has allowed electronic dance music to develop in so many different directions. Music mixing can be as complex as an acoustic and vocals combination or as simple as using only one track for the lead sound. The possibilities are endless. Of course, technology never seems to stop trying to improve on the existing tools and equipment used to create music.
Some DJs are even starting to add video to their mixes. This is a trend that will only continue to grow as more people become more accustomed to technology. More producers are beginning to realize the impact that video has on electronic dance music. Audio-visual productions are becoming more popular throughout electronic dance music. By adding video to a mix, the artist can expand his audience significantly.