Electronic dance music, sometimes called just electronic dance, club music, or just dance, is an expansive category of percussive, electronic musical styles created mostly for clubs, raves, and weddings. Electronic dance music generally mixes traditional music elements with a wide variety of sounds and beats from a large variety of sources. Some artists create their own original sound mixes while others rely on well-known producers to provide them with samples and tracks. Sampling is common in most forms of electronic dance music. A DJ may play samples from a CD or an online library of royalty free music.
While many people are familiar with popular forms such as house, trance, and drum & bass, new genres are arising every day. One example of an up and coming electronic music genre is dubstep. Dubstep is taking over the United States and is now being heard at many events internationally. Dubstep combines the best of traditional club styles (including drum programming and samples) with top 40 hits. The sounds are based on traditional instruments (and in some cases, even vocals), but are often “clothitized” to create a new feel.
Dance music producers often use samplers, distortion processors, and sampler kits. A popular sound used in dubstep is hip-hop rhythm. It involves using samples from a wide range of musical instruments (and sometimes vocals) and looping tracks from live performances. Other sounds commonly included in electronic dance include piano sounds, pitched-up vocals, and sample sounds from different instruments. Sometimes drum programming is used.
Dubstep has a complex sound palette consisting of more than sixty samples and loops arranged in various octaves. These are generated using a series of audio software tools that produce sounds by digitally sampling and manipulating the signal. Some examples of these instruments are the Vibrato, which produces a sparkling movement similar to a human voice. Other examples include hats, claps, snare effects, bell drums, hi hats, and cymbals. Many producers also add additional instruments, such as percussion and samples of acoustic instruments.
What is Electronic Dance Music? Dubstep and other “dance-track” genres had become hugely popular over the past decade. While they share certain characteristics, there are some key differences, too. Many dance music producers focus on one or a few main genres, while others develop a portfolio of sound art that mixes and matches several popular styles.
What is Electronic Dance Music? Other than pop music and disco, it’s probably not the first thing you’d think about when considering what is electronic. Electronic music is becoming increasingly popular as it is a perfect fit for the dance community, especially as it produces less noise and a greater sense of space. Many producers are using new techniques such as “dubs”, which are relatively recent innovations that allow producers to communicate directly with their audience.
What is Electronic Dance Music? Technically, it’s any music that uses keyboards and synthesizers as the primary instruments. Many artists who dabble in electronic dance are using modern instruments like samples, vocals, and synthesizers, although this is becoming more common as well. There are even some artists who incorporate traditional instruments in their songs, yet produce highly distinctive electronic sounds that are very appealing to listeners.
What is Electronic Dance Music? In short, it’s music that is made entirely with electronic sounds, which are manipulated via digital means (ridges, speakers, samplers, etc.) Most commonly, rave, house, hip hop, pop, and techno sounds are fusing together to create complex and exciting music that is popular among young people today. Today’s artists are using new technology to make unique sounds that are impossible to obtain from conventional sources.