Electronic music has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the early 20th century. From early experimental compositions to the mainstream chart-toppers of today, electronic music has constantly evolved and redefined itself. In this article, we explore how electronic music became popular and the role technology has played in its rise to fame.
The Early Days: From Experimentation to Innovation
Electronic music had its roots in experimental compositions from the early 20th century, with the earliest known electronic music composition dating back to 1917. With the advent of new technologies such as the Theremin and the Ondes Martenot, composers and musicians were able to create new and unique sounds that were not possible with traditional instruments. This experimentation laid the foundation for the future of electronic music.
The Emergence of Dance Music: The Rise of Disco and House
Dance music played a significant role in the rise of electronic music's popularity. In the late 1970s, disco music dominated the charts and dance floors, with electronic instruments and synthesizers becoming increasingly prevalent in the genre. The rise of disco was followed by the emergence of house music in the 1980s, which marked a new era in dance music. House music used electronic instruments and techniques to create a new sound that was characterized by its repetitive beats and upbeat rhythm.
The Digital Revolution: The Emergence of EDM
The 1990s saw the rise of electronic dance music (EDM), which was characterised by the use of digital technologies such as drum machines, synthesisers, and computers. With the increasing popularity of personal computers and digital audio workstations, EDM artists were able to produce and distribute their music more easily, leading to a proliferation of new sub-genres such as trance, techno, and dubstep.
The Mainstream Breakthrough: Electronic Music Goes Mainstream
The early 2000s saw electronic music break into the mainstream, with artists such as Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers, and Moby achieving widespread commercial success. Electronic music festivals such as Coachella and Tomorrowland also gained popularity, attracting large crowds and helping to popularise the genre.
Electronic music has come a long way since its early experimental beginnings, and technology has played a critical role in its rise to popularity. From the early days of disco and house to the digital revolution and the mainstream breakthrough of EDM, electronic music continues to evolve and captivate audiences around the world.
Today, electronic music is one of the most popular and influential genres of music, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. One of the most popular instruments of EDM is the digital keyboard. Contact us for a trial lesson to learn the digital keyboard.