What is EDM?
Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is an umbrella term for music primarily made with electronic instruments, computers, and software. Born in underground clubs in Chicago, Detroit, and Berlin in the 1980s, EDM has evolved into a global phenomenon with festivals drawing hundreds of thousands of fans.
What unites all EDM is its purpose: to make people dance. Whether it's the soulful grooves of house, the hypnotic pulse of techno, or the euphoric builds of trance, EDM is designed to move your body and connect you with others on the dance floor.
Main Genres
Dubstep
140 BPMHeavy wobble bass, drops, aggressive
Future Bass
130-160 BPMEmotional chords, vocal chops, uplifting
How to Get Started
1. Explore Genres
Listen to different EDM genres to find what resonates. Start with mainstream EDM, then go deeper into house, techno, or trance.
2. Follow Artists
Find DJs you love on Spotify, SoundCloud, or YouTube. Check their tour dates and listen to their sets.
3. Attend Local Events
Start with local club nights before jumping to big festivals. It's cheaper and you'll discover local talent.
4. Connect with Community
Join online communities on Reddit, Discord, or Facebook. The EDM community is welcoming to newcomers.
Essential Terms
- Drop:The climax of a track where the bass and beat hit hardest
- Build-up:Rising tension leading to the drop, often with snares and synths
- Four-on-the-floor:Kick drum on every beat - the foundation of house and techno
- BPM:Beats per minute - how fast the music is
- Set:A DJ's performance, typically 1-2 hours of mixed music
- Headliner:The main attraction DJ at an event, usually plays last
- B2B:Back-to-back - two DJs playing together, taking turns
- Resident DJ:DJ with a regular slot at a club or event series
Where to Listen
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| Spotify | Curated EDM playlists, new releases, artist radios |
| SoundCloud | DJ mixes, unreleased tracks, underground music |
| YouTube | Festival sets, music videos, DJ live streams |
| Beatport | New releases, charts, professional DJ tracks |
| 1001Tracklists | Identify songs from DJ sets, track histories |
| Resident Advisor | Event listings, reviews, artist news |
First Festival Tips
- Start with a one-day event before committing to a multi-day festival
- Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be on your feet for hours
- Bring earplugs to protect your hearing (seriously!)
- Stay hydrated and take breaks from the crowd
- Check the lineup and plan which artists you want to see
- Don't miss sunrise/sunset sets - they're often magical
Ready to Explore?
Now that you know the basics, dive deeper into the world of EDM with our comprehensive guides.