Milchh
March 15th, 2011, 04:22 am
-- [ Electronic Dance Music ] --
AWARENESS THREAD!!
OKay! As Ichigo's is mainly a music community, there are many different styles that are regulars -- that being: classical, modern/soundtrack-ish (the "anime" style as I like to call it), and even some rock and jazz. Now, of course, all of these have some give and take, and you could basically sum up EVERYTHING that's put out today as "modern" (stuff like rock, rap, etc.). However, I've seen one of the biggest musical movements not quite being introduced here: Electronic Dance Music (or, EDM, for short).
Now, I'm not complaining -- not one bit -- but I just feel as if the whole world of EDM isn't understood or appreciated very well. Too much I see it as it being swept under the rug as, "Oh, techno?! That's just others people music looped over and over and over while the beat goes four to the floor." Actually, in all reality, that's a pretty good generalization, however, there are people who say they LOVE Classical music yet add, ”...it helps me fall asleep.” But that's a totally different story. (And I'd like to note that when you're done reading this, you'll also catch that generalizing EDM as “techno” is the same as calling something like Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev or even Chopin as “classical.”) My job here is to try and just at least turn a couple ears on to how wonderful EDM really can be – even if it's 50 people who immediately start loving it, or just one person who dips their feet into the water.
NOTE: I'd love for this topic to be a very descriptive information thread on the topic, however, I will just give people links if they further wish to get in depth with things such as styles, history, etc. After-all, this is an “awareness thread” – something simple and fairly short!
1 – ”'EDM?' Is that a b-rated sci-fi from the 70s?”
As with everything else that you learn about, it's good to have a definition in mind. Here's the Wikipedia “first-section-definition” of EDM:
Electronic dance music (EDM) is electronic music that is produced primarily for the purposes of use within a nightclub setting, or in an environment that is centered upon dance-based entertainment. The music is largely created for use by disc jockeys and is produced with the intention of it being heard in the context of a continuous DJ set; wherein the DJ progresses from one record to the next via a synchronized segue or "mix".
Electronic dance music is a broad set of percussive music genres that largely inherit from the electronic music of Kraftwerk and 1970s disco music. Such music was originally born of and popularized via regional nightclub scenes in the 1980s. By the early 1990s, the presence of electronic dance music in contemporary culture was noted widely and its role in society began to be explored in published historical, cultural and social science academic studies. It is constructed by means of electronic instruments such as synthesizers, drum machines and sequencers, and generally emphasizes the unique sounds of those instruments, even when mimicking traditional acoustic instrumentation. It sometimes encompasses music not primarily meant for dancing, but derived from the dance-oriented styles.
So, as you can tell, EDM – fundamentally – is music that is to be danced to, and that ends up being combined with other songs made by different people. In all reality, it's the modern “courante,” if you will. EDM takes music back to it's original state and purpose: to simply be enjoyed and danced to.
2 – ”Electro, Electro-pop, Electronic...Techno, Hardcore Techno, Speedcore, Hardstyle...DnB, Dubstep... isn't it just all 'techno'!?”
In short – not even close! You'd actually be surprised how overly specific and genre-ridden the world of EDM really is. If you thought people who debate either or not Beethoven was a “Classical” of “Romantic” composer, then you're in for a whole new world of hurt. Instead of tonality of form being the main culprit of distinction, tempo (as well as some sound characteristics, like “industrial” or “heavy sub-bass”) is the main decider of genre.
There are A LOT of different styles of EDM – too many to count, really. To make it even more disgusting how many genres there are, the names of styles from the past have been changed, yet at the same time being accepted as a synonym. One of these examples comes from Drum 'n Bass, which happens to be one of my all-time favourite styles. Originally an unnamed style, the first DnB music was played in “rave” clubs in the early 80s. Clubs would play hip-hop music, but the beats had a focus on syncopation, and were generally pretty quick, too (~160-180bpm). This would later be dubbed as “jungle,” because of the “two-feel” that the music has. In the mid-90s the term “Drum 'n Bass” was picked up on, because the style had a lot of emphasis on quick drum-patterns and low, heavy sub-bass lines.
Here is a list with some of the more popular and less “specific” styles of EDM, linked to Wikipedia for an in-depth description on their musical style. A musical example will also be provided:
Disco (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disco#Musical_characteristics)
Examples of Disco music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEPz4Vsnfg4&feature=related)
Drum and Bass (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum_and_bass#Importance_of_drum_and_bassline_elem ents)
Example of Drum and Bass music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9Z7WND01xE)
Downtempo/beat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtempo)
Example of Downtempo/beat music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTc2rU5Ef64)
Dubstep (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubstep#Characteristics)
Example of Dubstep music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On-gl8D1X3Q)
Electro (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro_music#Definition_and_characteristics)
Example of Electro music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv4K3UX3rIs)
Hardstyle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardstyle)
Example of Hardstyle music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf6LfbwzHhk)
*Note: a lot of Hardstyle has lyrics containing extremely explicit (trust me) drug and some sexual references...therefore, this is probably one of the best examples without it being “said” right out there! (And one of my favourite Hardstyle songs too)
House (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_music#See_also)
Examples of House music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQzI-0pxLxk&feature=related)
Techno (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Techno#Stylistic_considerations)
Example of Techno music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-191OuTbu0)
Trance (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trance_music)
Example of Trance music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUen-l6M-jU)
After reading a little bit and listening to some of the examples, I'm sure you can already hear the distinct characteristics in each of the different styles – I hope! I also want to cover my tracks quickly, and say that the styles that I posted are purely for introduction and explanation into what is “out there” in the world of EDM. Yes, Dubstep is sub-genre of Drum and Bass, but personally, they're incredibly different in how they sound – as dubstep sound like it should have nasty rap lyrics over the top of it, while DnB has a more of a lighter-jazz feeling to it, “lyrically.”
3 – ”DJs are over-rated...I can play songs off of my iPod too!”
As much as I've debated the skill it takes to be a (good) DJ many times before with people, I am going to skip all of the jibbing and jabbing that comes along with it. In short, a DJ (Disc Jockey) is somebody who plays songs for people to listen and/or dance to. Generally speaking, that kind of DJ is called a “Radio DJ,” however, once you get into the club scene and basically anywhere else from casual radio, DJs become someone much more than that – they rule your entire inner-being and take control of the dance-floor. In all reality, he's the “puppet master” (that's what I call a...good...DJ).
Club DJs don't just play a track one after another, they “mix” songs together to make one big track. For example, when a DJ “mixes” he (this is very a general and fundamental exmaplation of mixing) will take the last part of one song, “mix” (or layer) the beginning of a new song with it, and then transition into that second song once the first one ends – this is also keeping the same tempo too, so people can continually dance without having to awkwardly change up their dance moves, so to speak. This is called beatmatching. That second part is the most important aspect of a “good” DJ. Another thing to consider is the key of each song. A lot of amateurs tend to simply mix a song into another one, with no regard to how they will sound when they're BOTH being played at the same time. A “great” DJ will be able to mix both of the songs (beatmatch them correctly, that's a given) and also have the songs compliment each other in tonality.
The main tool a DJ uses for mixing, is...well, a mixer, but it also has (at least) two turntables, or the ability to load and play two songs simultaneously. The mixer allows the DJ to manipulate the levels on a given track in order to bring in another track for a transition.
I want to briefly mention “mash-ups.” These are extremely popularized, however, they are also extremely underestimated to how much skill it takes to create a good mash-up, let alone doing it live. Unlike mixing, a mash-up is playing two tracks at the same exact time, in which the two songs combine to create an entirely new song – one that incorporates elements of both tracks at once. I wanted to mention this, because many DJs who start out tend to automatically think they can do mash-ups without even knowing how to simply mix two trance songs together...I know too many people who make the same mistake [in my hometown, at least] and get frustrated with people's opinions on how it all sounds. /endrant!
Learn more about DJs, mixing, etc. from this link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_jockeys).
Well, I hope that you were able to learn a little bit more about the world of EDM! Like I said, this is in no way supposed to be an in-depth guide, but rather an introduction and “awareness thread” to it.
Now go out there and enjoy the sounds :)
AWARENESS THREAD!!
OKay! As Ichigo's is mainly a music community, there are many different styles that are regulars -- that being: classical, modern/soundtrack-ish (the "anime" style as I like to call it), and even some rock and jazz. Now, of course, all of these have some give and take, and you could basically sum up EVERYTHING that's put out today as "modern" (stuff like rock, rap, etc.). However, I've seen one of the biggest musical movements not quite being introduced here: Electronic Dance Music (or, EDM, for short).
Now, I'm not complaining -- not one bit -- but I just feel as if the whole world of EDM isn't understood or appreciated very well. Too much I see it as it being swept under the rug as, "Oh, techno?! That's just others people music looped over and over and over while the beat goes four to the floor." Actually, in all reality, that's a pretty good generalization, however, there are people who say they LOVE Classical music yet add, ”...it helps me fall asleep.” But that's a totally different story. (And I'd like to note that when you're done reading this, you'll also catch that generalizing EDM as “techno” is the same as calling something like Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev or even Chopin as “classical.”) My job here is to try and just at least turn a couple ears on to how wonderful EDM really can be – even if it's 50 people who immediately start loving it, or just one person who dips their feet into the water.
NOTE: I'd love for this topic to be a very descriptive information thread on the topic, however, I will just give people links if they further wish to get in depth with things such as styles, history, etc. After-all, this is an “awareness thread” – something simple and fairly short!
1 – ”'EDM?' Is that a b-rated sci-fi from the 70s?”
As with everything else that you learn about, it's good to have a definition in mind. Here's the Wikipedia “first-section-definition” of EDM:
Electronic dance music (EDM) is electronic music that is produced primarily for the purposes of use within a nightclub setting, or in an environment that is centered upon dance-based entertainment. The music is largely created for use by disc jockeys and is produced with the intention of it being heard in the context of a continuous DJ set; wherein the DJ progresses from one record to the next via a synchronized segue or "mix".
Electronic dance music is a broad set of percussive music genres that largely inherit from the electronic music of Kraftwerk and 1970s disco music. Such music was originally born of and popularized via regional nightclub scenes in the 1980s. By the early 1990s, the presence of electronic dance music in contemporary culture was noted widely and its role in society began to be explored in published historical, cultural and social science academic studies. It is constructed by means of electronic instruments such as synthesizers, drum machines and sequencers, and generally emphasizes the unique sounds of those instruments, even when mimicking traditional acoustic instrumentation. It sometimes encompasses music not primarily meant for dancing, but derived from the dance-oriented styles.
So, as you can tell, EDM – fundamentally – is music that is to be danced to, and that ends up being combined with other songs made by different people. In all reality, it's the modern “courante,” if you will. EDM takes music back to it's original state and purpose: to simply be enjoyed and danced to.
2 – ”Electro, Electro-pop, Electronic...Techno, Hardcore Techno, Speedcore, Hardstyle...DnB, Dubstep... isn't it just all 'techno'!?”
In short – not even close! You'd actually be surprised how overly specific and genre-ridden the world of EDM really is. If you thought people who debate either or not Beethoven was a “Classical” of “Romantic” composer, then you're in for a whole new world of hurt. Instead of tonality of form being the main culprit of distinction, tempo (as well as some sound characteristics, like “industrial” or “heavy sub-bass”) is the main decider of genre.
There are A LOT of different styles of EDM – too many to count, really. To make it even more disgusting how many genres there are, the names of styles from the past have been changed, yet at the same time being accepted as a synonym. One of these examples comes from Drum 'n Bass, which happens to be one of my all-time favourite styles. Originally an unnamed style, the first DnB music was played in “rave” clubs in the early 80s. Clubs would play hip-hop music, but the beats had a focus on syncopation, and were generally pretty quick, too (~160-180bpm). This would later be dubbed as “jungle,” because of the “two-feel” that the music has. In the mid-90s the term “Drum 'n Bass” was picked up on, because the style had a lot of emphasis on quick drum-patterns and low, heavy sub-bass lines.
Here is a list with some of the more popular and less “specific” styles of EDM, linked to Wikipedia for an in-depth description on their musical style. A musical example will also be provided:
Disco (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disco#Musical_characteristics)
Examples of Disco music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEPz4Vsnfg4&feature=related)
Drum and Bass (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum_and_bass#Importance_of_drum_and_bassline_elem ents)
Example of Drum and Bass music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9Z7WND01xE)
Downtempo/beat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtempo)
Example of Downtempo/beat music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTc2rU5Ef64)
Dubstep (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubstep#Characteristics)
Example of Dubstep music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On-gl8D1X3Q)
Electro (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro_music#Definition_and_characteristics)
Example of Electro music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv4K3UX3rIs)
Hardstyle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardstyle)
Example of Hardstyle music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf6LfbwzHhk)
*Note: a lot of Hardstyle has lyrics containing extremely explicit (trust me) drug and some sexual references...therefore, this is probably one of the best examples without it being “said” right out there! (And one of my favourite Hardstyle songs too)
House (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_music#See_also)
Examples of House music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQzI-0pxLxk&feature=related)
Techno (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Techno#Stylistic_considerations)
Example of Techno music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-191OuTbu0)
Trance (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trance_music)
Example of Trance music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUen-l6M-jU)
After reading a little bit and listening to some of the examples, I'm sure you can already hear the distinct characteristics in each of the different styles – I hope! I also want to cover my tracks quickly, and say that the styles that I posted are purely for introduction and explanation into what is “out there” in the world of EDM. Yes, Dubstep is sub-genre of Drum and Bass, but personally, they're incredibly different in how they sound – as dubstep sound like it should have nasty rap lyrics over the top of it, while DnB has a more of a lighter-jazz feeling to it, “lyrically.”
3 – ”DJs are over-rated...I can play songs off of my iPod too!”
As much as I've debated the skill it takes to be a (good) DJ many times before with people, I am going to skip all of the jibbing and jabbing that comes along with it. In short, a DJ (Disc Jockey) is somebody who plays songs for people to listen and/or dance to. Generally speaking, that kind of DJ is called a “Radio DJ,” however, once you get into the club scene and basically anywhere else from casual radio, DJs become someone much more than that – they rule your entire inner-being and take control of the dance-floor. In all reality, he's the “puppet master” (that's what I call a...good...DJ).
Club DJs don't just play a track one after another, they “mix” songs together to make one big track. For example, when a DJ “mixes” he (this is very a general and fundamental exmaplation of mixing) will take the last part of one song, “mix” (or layer) the beginning of a new song with it, and then transition into that second song once the first one ends – this is also keeping the same tempo too, so people can continually dance without having to awkwardly change up their dance moves, so to speak. This is called beatmatching. That second part is the most important aspect of a “good” DJ. Another thing to consider is the key of each song. A lot of amateurs tend to simply mix a song into another one, with no regard to how they will sound when they're BOTH being played at the same time. A “great” DJ will be able to mix both of the songs (beatmatch them correctly, that's a given) and also have the songs compliment each other in tonality.
The main tool a DJ uses for mixing, is...well, a mixer, but it also has (at least) two turntables, or the ability to load and play two songs simultaneously. The mixer allows the DJ to manipulate the levels on a given track in order to bring in another track for a transition.
I want to briefly mention “mash-ups.” These are extremely popularized, however, they are also extremely underestimated to how much skill it takes to create a good mash-up, let alone doing it live. Unlike mixing, a mash-up is playing two tracks at the same exact time, in which the two songs combine to create an entirely new song – one that incorporates elements of both tracks at once. I wanted to mention this, because many DJs who start out tend to automatically think they can do mash-ups without even knowing how to simply mix two trance songs together...I know too many people who make the same mistake [in my hometown, at least] and get frustrated with people's opinions on how it all sounds. /endrant!
Learn more about DJs, mixing, etc. from this link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_jockeys).
Well, I hope that you were able to learn a little bit more about the world of EDM! Like I said, this is in no way supposed to be an in-depth guide, but rather an introduction and “awareness thread” to it.
Now go out there and enjoy the sounds :)