Introduction

Electronic dance music (EDM) has been a popular genre for decades, and it continues to evolve every year. With advancements in technology, new sub-genres and styles have emerged, giving rise to a diverse range of electronic music.

The history of electronic dance music

The origins of electronic music can be traced back to the mid-1900s. Early pioneers like Karlheinz Stockhausen and Pierre Schaeffer experimented with tape recordings and electronic manipulation, laying the groundwork for the genre. But it wasn't until the 1980s that electronic music began to gain mainstream popularity.

The genres of house and techno emerged during this time, with artists like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson leading the way. In the 1990s, electronic music continued to expand, with new sub-genres like trance, drum and bass, and trip-hop gaining popularity.

The current state of electronic dance music

Today, electronic dance music is more popular than ever. Festivals like Ultra Music Festival and Tomorrowland draw huge crowds, and some of the biggest DJs in the world are earning millions of dollars playing shows around the globe. But with this popularity comes criticism and scrutiny.

Some critics argue that electronic music has become too commercialized, with many artists focusing more on producing radio-friendly hits than pushing the boundaries of the genre. Others argue that the rise of "EDM bro culture" has led to a lack of diversity and inclusivity in the scene.

As we move into the future, it's difficult to predict what the next decade will hold for electronic dance music. However, there are a few trends that seem likely to continue shaping the genre. Here are a few predictions for the future of electronic dance music:

1. The continued rise of underground scenes

While mainstream electronic music may have become more formulaic and commercialized, there are still thriving underground scenes around the world. From Berlin's techno scene to Brooklyn's experimental dance music scene, there are artists pushing boundaries and keeping the genre fresh.

• https://www.electronicbeats.net/the-feed/how-berlin-techno-became-king-a-history-lesson/
• https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/20/arts/music/club-nightclubs-brooklyn-bossa-nova-civic-club.html

2. The fusion of genres

Electronic music has always been a genre that incorporates elements from a wide variety of other styles. However, in the future, we're likely to see even more cross-genre experimentation. Artists are already blending electronic music with hip-hop, R&B, and even classical music. The possibilities are endless.

• https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/8552413/polo-g-pop-out-remix-electronic-twist
• https://www.npr.org/2019/05/22/725788520/classical-musicians-who-are-blurring-the-boundaries-of-genre

3. The increasing use of virtual reality and other technology

As technology continues to advance, we're likely to see more and more experimentation with electronic music and new forms of technology. Already, there are DJs using virtual reality to create immersive experiences for their fans. It's not hard to imagine a future where concerts and festivals incorporate even more cutting-edge technology.

• https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/technotronic-pioneer-thinks-virtual-reality-dance-clubs-are-the-future-121913/
• https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2019/03/08/virtual-reality-raves/

Conclusion

Electronic dance music has come a long way since its origins in the mid-1900s. Today, it's a genre that encompasses a wide variety of styles and sub-genres, and it continues to evolve every year. While there are certainly some challenges facing the genre, there's no denying that electronic music is here to stay.