The New Rave Generation Essay Example for Free

The New Rave Generation Essay Electronic Dance Music, better known as EDM, has the potential to be the largest genre of music in the near future. From the start this music has acted as a spiritual and emotional release for anyone who listens, this being one of, if not the most innovative forms of music in the history of entertainment. Throughout the existence of this genre there were many struggles amongst the industry. After nearly 40 years of efforts, EDM has revealed itself to the mainstream of music entertainment. â€Å"For an industry increasingly reliant on aging headliners like Bruce Springsteen, Madonna and the Rolling Stones the appeal of a genre with fresh stars and a huge young audience is undeniable.†(The New York Times) In other words, the older generations of music are fading out for a new wave to come in. Without this new generation, the rise of EDM may not have occurred. The origin of this music varies depending upon the specific type of EDM. The United States progression from traditional acoustic music to Electronic Music started in the 1970’s and now grows larger than ever expected. The true origin of this genre was in the 1960’s in Jamaica. Artists would overlay multiple tracks (normally instrumentals of existing tracks) on reel to reel tape players, which were commonplace at the time, to create their own unique tracks. They’d hook the reel to reel tape player up to an amp, along with an MC, and then throw large parties. Disco being one of the original forms of EDM was heard during the mid to late 1970’s among a very diverse but specific crowd which included the black, Latino, gay, and psychedelic communities. Donna Summer’s 1977 hit â€Å"I Feel Love† took the recent birth of this music put a slight twist on it which in turn expanded the electronic music culture. Although Donna Summer experimented with many genres, her impact on electronic dance music was substantial. Pairing with producer Giorgio Moroder was a defining moment for not just the sub-genre disco but for all of EDM. Disco’s combination of beats, strings, horns, and synths significantly impacted, whether directly or indirectly, every electronic artist from burgeoning house music DJs and New Order in the ‘80s to modern producers, like Calvin Harris and Avicii, revisiting those same sounds. Donna Summer’s career and more specifically her hit song â€Å"I Feel Love† is in some way responsible for every mainstream genre of EDM due to the explorative diversity of her music. Upon entering the 1980’s disco’s short lived popularity diminished. From the ashes of disco arose many new genres of EDM featuring electro, freestyle, techno and house. The musical aspect of the Jamaican culture, dub music was soon carried over to the US where artists such as Frankie Knuckles, known as the â€Å"Godfather of House†, began to introduce this magical genre. Due to the low demand for this electronically crafted music concerts were non-existent. In place of concerts, fans heard this music at warehouse parties and nightclubs. Using RB records, Frankie Knuckles and other artists used a mixer and two turntables. These records were not just left to play, the DJs reconstructed their sounds by mixing two records together at the same time, adjusting their tempos, and layering percussive beats over the top. This was the start of mainstream House Music. Night clubs and discos such as Paradise Garage and Studio 54 in New York City, or The Wharehouse in Chicago started employ DJs for every night they were open with the demand for EDM rising. These venues would have their sound system prepared more for DJs rather than the traditional live acts. At this point the interest for the DJs themselves had surpassed any expectation. In other words, fans began to appreciate the talent and dedication these artists possessed. With sudden interest in the DJs, they began to produce more of their own music. The increase in production led to the making of remixes. Remixing music proceeded to increase the popularity of this music and the individual DJs. By the 90s there was enough content and a large enough response to EDM where large concerts would be held indoors or outdoors casually known as raves. Raves feature loud, live music with breathtaking light shows which will put almost any person in awe. â€Å"Happy people, dancing happily without a hint of cynicism.†(Huffington Post) describes the atmosphere of any rave, perfectly. Raves gave off a sense of happiness among the whole crowd which is an indescribable feeling. Over years raves varied in styles to broaden the appeal, the venues started adding additional interactive entertainment including paint, glow sticks, foam and other stimulating accessories. Although the rave scene should have boosted the fan base substantially, EDM had reached the boundaries of its popularity for many years. Recently the electronic dance music scene has expanded past any expectations. Currently EDM is one of the most popular genres among all cultures. â€Å"If you’re 15 to 25 years old now, this is your rock ‘n’ roll,† said Michael Rapino, the chief executive of Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s largest concert promoter. This young audience is known as the new rave generation and they are nearly growing in numbers and variety. There are more performers, better technology and larger events every year. This scene is expanding with no intentions of slowing down. Electric dance music festivals are the hosts of the craziest events in the United States. These festivals took the average rave and super-sized it in every way possible. Most festivals are held over multiple days some providing overnight accommodations. Fans will spend thousands of dollars in preparation for these unforgettable couple days. The Electric Daisy Carnival in 2011 had over 200,000 guests at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. These fans gathered from all around the world to hear the top DJs of the industry give the crowd everything they had. As the crowd roars across the many stages thousands of people share something they will take with them forever. This remarkable experience gives out a vibe like no other and greatly impacts the lives of everyone attending. Electric Dance Music has not only impacted the music entertainment industry forever but also the lives of millions of people. With roots from all over the world EDM has collectively created something nobody could have ever had predicted. Bringing thousands of enthusiasts from around the world together for a spiritual journey creates a surreal experience nobody can dislike. EDM is a genre that is here to stay and will continuously influence generations to come.