A Brief History of Electronic Music and Today’s Best Modern Artists

Electronic music has been around for decades and is still going strong today. It has evolved from its roots in experimental and avant-garde music to become a mainstream genre. Electronic music has been used to create soundtracks for films and video games, and it has been featured in popular music.

In this blog post, we will take a look at the history of electronic music and some of the best modern artists who are pushing the boundaries of this genre. We will explore the development of electronic music over the years and discuss how it has influenced the current music landscape.

Read More Article: Peter Yarrow

The Origins of Electronic Music

Electronic music can be traced back to the early 20th century, when pioneering composers like Erik Satie and Edgard Varèse experimented with new sounds and techniques. One of the earliest recorded uses of electronic instruments was made in 1928 by German composer Paul Hindemith. He used an Ondes Martenot, an early electronic keyboard, in his piece “Ludus Tonalis.”

The 1930s saw a number of important developments in electronic music. During this time, scientists and inventors like Theremin and Hammond created many of the now classic instruments that would become staples of electronic music production. These inventions, including the synthesizer, opened the door for experimentation and further development of electronic music.

The Rise of House

In the 1950s, musique concrète emerged as one of the first forms of electronic music. This style utilized tape loops and other experimental techniques to create soundscapes and collages from found sounds. It was also during this period that many of the fundamentals of today’s electronic music were developed, including sampling, sequencing and multi-track recording.

The 1960s saw the emergence of psychedelic rock, which utilized many of the techniques pioneered in musique concrète. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that electronic music truly began to emerge as its own genre. German bands like Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream and Can pushed the boundaries of what could be done with synthesizers and drum machines, laying the groundwork for the birth of modern electronic music.

The Development of Electronic Music

In the late 70s and early 80s, the use of digital technology began to have an influence on the sound of electronic music. These new digital devices gave musicians unprecedented control over their music and allowed them to experiment with different techniques. Many classic records from this era are considered milestones in electronic music history, such as Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” and Kraftwerk’s “Computer World”.

Throughout the decades, electronic music has continued to evolve, branching off into many different genres. New styles such as techno, house and drum & bass have become popular all over the world, while other forms such as ambient, downtempo and IDM remain underground. No matter what form it takes, electronic music continues to be a source of creativity and innovation.

The Birth of Techno

At this time, the technology available was limited, but these pioneers found creative ways to use it to their advantage, combining various styles such as funk, soul, jazz and African music. They also drew influence from classical composers such as J.S. Bach, who famously used the newly invented harpsichord to create complex musical structures.

The result was a unique sound that quickly gained popularity amongst clubbers and dancers, who referred to it as ‘Techno’. It wasn’t until the late 1980s and early 1990s that Techno truly reached its peak, when artists like Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson and Juan Atkins created tracks that are now considered classics.

These iconic tracks laid the foundations for other genres such as Acid House, Trance, Hardstyle and Drum & Bass, all of which still draw influence from Techno today.

Nowadays, there are many modern artists creating incredible Techno music. Some of the best include Jeff Mills, Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin and Chris Liebing, all of whom have been pushing boundaries and innovating within the genre for decades.

Read More Article: Peter Yarrow

The Future of Electronic Music

As electronic music continues to evolve, new and innovative trends are emerging. In recent years, genres such as trap and future bass have become more popular, while EDM has diversified into several subgenres. The rise of streaming platforms such as SoundCloud and YouTube have made it easier than ever before for new artists to reach a larger audience.

In addition, the growing trend of DIY production has enabled bedroom producers to achieve international success. These days, it is no longer necessary to have expensive studio equipment or to be signed to a record label in order to make a successful career in electronic music. As a result, the industry is becoming increasingly competitive and is seeing a new generation of talented producers emerging.

It is clear that the future of electronic music is bright. As new technologies continue to develop, the possibilities for creative expression in the genre will expand even further. We can expect to see more diversity in the sound and style of electronic music, as well as innovative collaborations and projects. From experienced veterans to up-and-coming newcomers, electronic music will continue to evolve and delight audiences for many years to come.