I implored a group of strangers to think for a moment about music, in its most general sense. Without having introduced any implications about certain genres or artists, I asked that they describe music -- what it is, what it means to them, what it represents -- but in just one word. Among the ums and hmms, a few words struck me: talent, expression, freedom, escape. It occurred to me, not just then, but as it always has, that music is art. It's an art form. And what is art? It's an act of expressing oneself through creation, innovation, and imagination.
If you cannot consider yourself a well-rounded music aficionado, and happen to be unfamiliar with our world's newest and most electrifyingly cultural phenomenon, allow me to brief you on the aura of EDM. Electronic dance music is an art form composed of deep instrumentals and thick rhythm, switching beats, reverberant drum patterns, heavy bass lines, old school undertones, funky jazz, vocal riffs, hip hop, reggae, futuristic lullabies, and pleasantly aggressive vibrations -- all mixed together leaving you in a transcendental state of being. EDM breaks the boundaries of sound. Can you think of another genre that embodies each of these elements, combined? Next time you hear someone classify EDM as just techno music you might suggest they take a look at this.
Music purists label EDM as the rot of the music industry's respectably built timeline of talent. Why? They accuse DJs of a lack of creativity when in reality, DJs are the courageous craftsmen of the ever-growing music technology that a lot of musicians have not even tested. Sure, as in every area of entertainment, there will exist countless bad apples, but to bunch the sell-out losers with the true visionary music makers in EDM who generate quality material is unjust. “But electronic music is just fast-paced remixes of other songs that have already been made," some say. Wrong. While EDM is sometimes a mixture of songs and sounds from different artists, DJs have still invented their own unique spin on the original, whether you like it or not. Besides, what is considered purely original now, anyways? If you are not a fan of its upbeat nature, that's fine, but to devalue the essence of electronic music because of its savvy exploitation of technology is simply an ill-informed and outdated cheap shot.
If that does not convince you, EDM's incredibly vast fan base will. In fact, it has created a culture of its own. Marked by their love for this happy music, fans exist in, and promote, a global community in which they are free to express themselves. They often unite in lieu of festivals hosted by hundreds of artists and DJs from all over the world. And just as any large congregation of free-spirited music lovers would be, the wild behavior is still far subordinate to the artistically positive impact that the EDM movement has had on its youthful audience.
Don't discredit me; I was raised on bands like Pearl Jam and Audioslave, among others. I have an endlessly profound respect for the classics, but I have also grown with the newcomers. It's the New Age. Wake up and hear the beat.
