Unless you’ve been completely out of the loop when it comes to music for the past decade and a half, you’ve undoubtedly heard the term EDM. But what exactly is EDM? You hear it everywhere, from radio stations to nightclubs, and even at casual gatherings. You might have even heard your parents or grandparents refer to it, perhaps a little generically, as “electronic music”.
But what does EDM truly encompass? How can you distinguish between music that is EDM and music that isn’t? And how is this genre actually created?
Whether you’re an aspiring music producer or DJ eager to dive into EDM production, or simply someone curious about this ubiquitous genre, this guide is for you. We will explore:
- The evolution of EDM and its journey to becoming the global phenomenon it is today.
- Clear definitions of what constitutes electronic dance music, addressing common confusions within the electronic music community.
- How to begin creating your own EDM tracks (spoiler: you likely have the basics already).
- An overview of the diverse landscape of EDM subgenres.
- And much more!
So, let’s not wait any longer. Let’s start by answering the fundamental question: what is electronic dance music?
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Defining Electronic Dance Music
Electronic Dance Music, or EDM, is essentially any music genre that is primarily produced using electronic instruments – both digital and analog – and is fundamentally designed for dancing. While the acronym EDM is relatively recent, the concept has been around for decades.
It’s usually identifiable by its sonic characteristics: think synthesizers, drum machines, manipulated samples, and processed recordings. There’s an undeniable “electronic” quality to its sound.
EDM often sounds polished, powerful, and loud.
Image alt text: Detailed view of a digital audio workstation mixer in FL Studio, displaying a prominent audio waveform, highlighting the precision achievable in electronic music production.
This sonic clarity and impact are particularly noticeable when compared to acoustic genres. Acoustic music often requires extensive audio engineering to achieve a similar level of cleanness and loudness as is naturally present in electronic music.
The digital production environment grants EDM producers unparalleled creative control. Unlike traditional recording scenarios limited by “live” performances, EDM allows for meticulous manipulation of every aspect of a track.
Want a perfectly timed kick drum at a precise tempo? Done. Synth sound not quite right? Tweak it endlessly. Vocal sample not working? Replace it instantly from a vast library.
This level of control results in EDM tracks that often sound inherently “bigger” and more pristine, as every element can be sculpted from the initial spark of an idea to the final master.
Electronic Music vs. Dance Music: Is There a Difference?
It’s important to acknowledge that some purists differentiate between “electronic music” and “dance music.” Their argument is that not all electronic music is intended for dance floors; some electronic music is designed for listening, experimentation, or other artistic purposes. Think of ambient electronic music or experimental electronic soundscapes – these aren’t typically categorized as EDM.
However, for practical purposes and general understanding, EDM functions as a broad umbrella term encompassing all electronic music created with danceability in mind. This is the definition we’ll primarily use here to avoid unnecessary complexity.
Ultimately, these defining characteristics – electronic production and dance orientation – solidify EDM as a major genre category, comparable in scope to rock, jazz, or hip-hop.
Even major platforms like Spotify recognize this, featuring a dedicated “Dance/Electronic” category. And as we’ll soon discover, creating EDM is more accessible than many might think.
However, accessibility shouldn’t be mistaken for simplicity. Mastering EDM production requires dedication, time, and a commitment to honing your craft. It’s not a matter of simply pressing a button and instantly generating a hit track.
But before we delve deeper into production techniques, let’s take a look back at the origins of EDM.
A Brief Journey Through EDM History
EDM’s lineage can be traced back to “Musique Concrète,” a French term meaning “concrete music.” This pioneering form of music emerged in the mid-20th century and involved creating musical compositions by assembling recorded sounds – essentially, musical collage using early recording technology.
Primitive synthesizers soon entered the scene and began to be incorporated into Musique Concrète and other experimental forms of music. These early electronic instruments laid the groundwork for future developments.
Image alt text: Historical black and white photograph showcasing early pioneers of electronic music experimenting with bulky, vintage synthesizers and sound equipment in a studio setting.
Over time, electronic instruments and techniques started influencing established acoustic genres and simultaneously spurred the creation of entirely new genres. House music is often cited as one of the first true forms of electronic dance music.
Drawing inspiration from disco, funk, soul, and jazz, house music developed a distinct electronic sound. It was characterized by the rhythmic pulse of drum machines, the melodic textures of synthesizers, and the creative use of sampled sounds.
A defining feature of early house music was its four-on-the-floor rhythm – a consistent kick drum beat on every beat of the bar – making it inherently danceable. While the term EDM wasn’t yet in use, this music was simply known as “dance music.”
House music’s influence is immense. It’s considered a foundational genre that gave rise to countless subgenres, including not only newer styles of house but also UK garage, trance, techno, and virtually all subsequent forms of EDM.
Around the late 1990s and early 2000s, electronic dance music transitioned significantly from primarily analog equipment to computer-based production. This shift towards digital production made music creation far more accessible, removing the financial barrier of expensive hardware.
Image alt text: Image of a music producer intently working on music production software on an older Apple Macintosh computer, surrounded by studio equipment, illustrating the early adoption of computers in EDM production.
The digital revolution unleashed an explosion of EDM subgenres: jungle, garage, hip-hop (which heavily incorporated electronic elements), techno, trance, electro house, progressive house, eurodance, and many more.
In the last 10 to 15 years, electronic dance music has moved from being a niche genre to achieving mainstream popularity and critical recognition. It transcended its club roots and became a global cultural phenomenon.
This period saw the rise of the term “EDM” as a convenient and easily understood label to describe any form of electronic music designed for dancing. It became a catch-all term for a rapidly expanding and diversifying musical landscape.
Perhaps you’ve just returned from a music festival or a night out, and typed “What Is Edm” into Google – which led you here.
But as you’re beginning to realize, EDM is a vast and multifaceted genre with a multitude of distinct styles and subgenres. Let’s explore some of the key branches of this musical family tree.
Exploring the Diverse Subgenres of EDM
As you’ve likely gathered, the world of electronic dance music is incredibly diverse, encompassing a vast array of subgenres.
Some of the most commercially successful and widely recognized subgenres today include future bass, big room house, hybrid trap, dubstep, electronic pop, and future house.
Image alt text: Energetic crowd shot at Contact Festival, Vancouver, Canada, with DJ Marshmello performing on a brightly lit stage, exemplifying the visual and auditory spectacle of contemporary EDM festivals.
These are the sounds you’re most likely to encounter at major music festivals and in popular nightclubs, championed by leading artists like Hardwell (big room house), Skrillex (modern dubstep), and Diplo (trap, electro house, and various other styles).
However, venturing beyond the mainstream reveals a deeper and even more intricate world of EDM subgenres, including deep house, trance, drum & bass, hardstyle, garage, and countless others.
The list is practically endless, especially when you consider the ever-finer subdivisions and niche genres that emerge, sometimes jokingly, like “hyper jazzstep” or “hardcore breakbeat trance.”
If you’re interested in producing a specific style of EDM, it’s beneficial to identify a general genre you want to explore as a starting point.
For instance, if you’ve attended festivals like Tomorrowland, you’ve likely experienced big room house and trap. Understanding the characteristics of these genres is crucial if you aim to create similar music.
However, it’s equally important not to restrict yourself too rigidly. The most exciting and innovative music often arises from artists who blend genres and bring their unique creative voice to the table.
If you’re eager for a more comprehensive overview, we offer an A-Z genre guide that covers over 20 major EDM subgenres.
And for the truly dedicated subgenre enthusiast seeking an exhaustive historical perspective, Ishkur’s Guide to Electronic Music is an invaluable resource, offering a timeline of over 100 subgenres with audio examples.
Image alt text: Screenshot of the user interface of Ishkur’s Guide to Electronic Music, showcasing its interactive genre timeline and extensive catalog of electronic music subgenres.
Ultimately, EDM subgenres are fluid and constantly evolving. Some gain widespread popularity, others fade into obscurity, and new ones emerge continually.
Don’t become overly fixated on genre labels. Focus on creating the music you’re passionate about, regardless of how it’s categorized.
Is “EDM” Synonymous with “Commercial” Music?
A recurring debate within electronic music circles revolves around the very definition of EDM and its connotations.
Does “EDM” encompass all forms of electronic dance music, or does it exclusively refer to the commercially popular styles frequently heard on mainstream radio and top Spotify playlists?
Can artists with vastly different styles – such as Martin Garrix, Carl Cox, and Goldie – truly be categorized under the same “EDM” umbrella?
My perspective is that, yes, broadly speaking, they can.
While genre purists might argue that “authentic deep house” or “classic jungle” are distinct from EDM, the fundamental reality is that these genres are, by definition, electronic and dance music.
They are created using electronic production tools – computers, hardware synthesizers, and drum machines – and they are designed, at their core, for dance floors or dance-oriented listening experiences.
Image alt text: Close-up photograph of a classic LinnDrum drum machine, highlighting its retro design and physical buttons, a piece of hardware instrumental in early electronic and dance music.
In fact, prior to the widespread adoption of the term “EDM,” the overarching terms used to describe electronic dance music included:
- Electronica
- Electronic music
- Dance music
Around 2010-2011, “EDM” emerged as a catchy and marketable term, coinciding with the surge in popularity of genres like big room house, trap, and future bass.
This shift led to some established producers and DJs distancing themselves from the term “EDM,” perceiving this new wave of electronic music as significantly different from the styles they were accustomed to and passionate about.
Image alt text: Image of a DJ energetically performing in a club, with a vibrant crowd visible in the background, representing the culture and live performance aspect of electronic dance music.
Interestingly, the United States was relatively late in widely embracing electronic music culture. The term “EDM” gained traction precisely during the period of mass adoption of electronic music in America.
However, musical genres are inherently dynamic and constantly evolving, giving rise to new sounds and styles. Whether one prefers “old school” or “new school” electronic music, the unifying element remains: it’s all EDM – electronic dance music.
Think of it similarly to rock music, which encompasses diverse subgenres like metal and punk. While aesthetically distinct, both are undeniably categorized under the broader “rock” umbrella (though perhaps metal purists might disagree!).
As electronic technology permeates more and more musical genres, the defining characteristic of EDM remains its primary reliance on electronic sounds and its fundamental purpose as dance-oriented music.
This broad definition encompasses everything from Chicago house to cutting-edge tearout dubstep.
Aesthetically different? Absolutely.
Still EDM? In my view, definitively yes.
Moving on to the practical side…
How is EDM Actually Made?
In contemporary music production, electronic dance music is predominantly created on computers by electronic music producers.
(While some producers are also DJs, these are distinct roles. You can be a producer without being a DJ, and vice versa).
Image alt text: Image of a focused music producer in a home studio environment, working on a computer with music production software and various studio monitors and equipment.
Computers have become the central hub of EDM production due to their unparalleled flexibility. They enable producers to create and manipulate virtually any sound imaginable, whether recorded or synthesized.
This accessibility is fantastic news for aspiring producers because you likely already possess a computer capable of handling music production tasks.
While a high-spec computer can certainly enhance workflow and processing power, it’s not a prerequisite for getting started.
Beyond a computer, a few essential tools form the foundation of an EDM production setup.
Recommended Reading: How To Make Electronic Music
The Minimalist EDM Studio Setup
In a previous article discussing setting up a home studio, I introduced the concept of a “minimum viable studio.”
Essentially, to begin producing EDM, you only need a laptop or desktop computer, headphones, and a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
Image alt text: Night scene of a producer working in a dimly lit, minimalist home studio, focused on a laptop with headphones on, emphasizing the accessibility of EDM production.
That’s it.
Of course, you’ll need to populate your DAW with high-quality sample packs and potentially some plugins and other resources, but the core setup is remarkably simple.
So, that chart-topping EDM track you heard at a festival last year was likely crafted by someone in their home studio, not necessarily a multi-million dollar facility.
Beyond the technical tools, effective learning resources are crucial.
If you’re serious about learning electronic music production effectively, investing in quality education is highly recommended.
While online tutorials are valuable supplements, structured learning is often more efficient and comprehensive.
For some, this might involve attending a music production college or school (though arguably less essential in the age of online learning). For many, a more effective path is taking a comprehensive online course.
While we are admittedly biased, structured courses offer distinct advantages:
- Structured learning: Information is presented in a logical order, building foundational knowledge progressively.
- Comprehensive content: Well-designed courses address knowledge gaps and provide a holistic understanding.
- Support and guidance: Reputable courses offer access to instructors and communities for questions and feedback.
Image alt text: Screenshot showcasing the EDM Foundations online music production course interface, highlighting its structured curriculum and modules designed for comprehensive learning.
Regardless of your chosen learning path, prioritize education that is valuable, relevant to your goals, and well-structured.
Investing in your education will save you considerable time, frustration, and potential discouragement in the long run.
Ready to Embark on Your EDM Journey?
If you’re excited to learn electronic music production and explore the world of EDM creation, you’ve come to the right place.
We take a unique approach to music production education.
To guide you on the right path as a new producer, we’ve created a free video training that will teach you:
- How to avoid common pitfalls that new producers encounter.
- The essential skills and knowledge to prioritize at the beginning.
- Why mastering fundamental concepts is more crucial than chasing fleeting trends and advanced techniques.
Sign up below to access this free training:
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Is there anything else you’d like to know about EDM? Feel free to reach out and connect with us at [email protected].
