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Show 8 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2016 EDM: revolutionary or redundant? By CHRIS NICHOLS A&E Reporter Music lovers have different criteria as to why they prefer a certain artist or genre. Some love the rhythm or tempo. Others are drawn to the lyrical content. But variety within any given genre is critical criteria for most fans, regardless of genre. EDM, or electronic dance music, is heavily condemned by critics for its alleged lack of variety or artistic integrity. Nevertheless, EDM aficionados recognize an array of subgenres: electronica, dubstep, house and techno, among many others. Whether you’re at a rave or walking through H&M, EDM is ubiquitous in America. EDM is characterized by its distinct formula of mixing synthetic sounds with fluctuating equalizer levels. Dubstep, for example, is recognizable by its characteristic heavy bass — or the oft-cited “wub wub wub.” EDM artists and DJs take note of the genre’s criticisms. “I mean, EDM all sounds the same to me,” said Deadmau5, electronic music producer and performer, in an interview with Australian music site inthemix. “But with techno — minimal techno, or heavy techno, or neo-progressive techno — it’s all techno!” Recently renown artists like Deadmau5, Skrillex and Diplo are contemporary frontrunners of electronic music, but the genre itself, in one incarnation or another, has been around for decades. Several relevant musicians began their EDM journey in the early 1990s. Artists like Beck, The Chemical Brothers and Moby have been using electronically manufactured sounds in their music for decades. But even they are critical of the music genre today. “We played in America recently, and every record sounded like Benny Benassi,” said Ed Simons of The Chemical Brothers in an interview with The Guardian. “I know that sounds like your dad … saying it all sounds the same, but it did all sound the same.” While Deadmau5 remains critical of the genre, he gives his best explanation as to why so many artists and DJs adhere to similar sounds in EDM. “I don’t think enough EDM artists are taking risks right now, and that’s the big problem,” he explained in a CP24 interview. “Everyone wants to be safe and do that thing you know is going to work.” Comment on this column at signpost.mywebermedia.com So, which song did you like best? they all sound the same ... EB16 EDM isn’t for everyone, but for fans, it’s a dynamic, diverse genre. For the wub wub of EDM CYDNEE GREEN Nonetheless, digging into EDM’s sub-genres, listeners find that each is divergent in its own way. Dubstep is produced at a higher BPM, or beats per minute, typically 138–142, and focuses on the resonating sub-bass at different speeds. Sports Editor Anyone can argue that all (insert any music genre here) sounds exactly the same. However, if you ask me, it is not about the music sounding the same but about how well it’s produced, the artist(s) taking a well-known music formula and altering it to be their own and how the music makes its listeners feel. No one argued when pop singer Conor Maynard covered Drake’s “One Dance” because he made it his own. The same can be said for country-pop star Sam Hunt remaking Keith Urban’s hit “Cop Car” — same song, different style. Electronic dance music is perhaps the most intricate music genre I have ever come across. I won’t argue that most mainstream EDM sounds the same — the tracks you hear on your way to work, in clubs or on Spotify’s top 100. Source: Kike7x Hardwell plays live at Tomorrowland 2015 in Belgium. Dubstep artists include Skrillex, Datsik, Excision and Nero. However, there are plenty of less popular Dubstep artists, such as Bro Safari, Getter, Herobust and Infected Mushroom. Hardstyle, another sub-genre of EDM, doesn’t receive a lot of attention in the mainstream world. Hard- style mixes house, trance, techno and hardcore, using drum and reversed bass-lines. How many people have heard of Technoboy, Wildstylez or Noisecontrollers? Not very many, I assume. Most who claim that all EDM sounds the same primarily focus on mainstream EDM, which usually falls under the sub-genre of progressive house, with artists like the Chainsmokers, Calvin Harris, David Guetta and Martin Garrix (who was ranked No. 1 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJ list for 2016). But a number of mainstream artists are blurring the lines between EDM, pop, rock and hip-hop. EDM artist Zedd collaborated with pop sensation Ariana Grande to make her song “Break Free,” while Avicii worked with Coldplay to produce “A Sky Full of Stars.” So before you commit to the misconception that “all EDM sounds the same,” “DJs just push play,” “EDM is just one genre” or “the mainstream appeal will ruin dance music,” take a minute to listen to a track that’s not featured on the Spotify Top 100, and tell me if you still feel the same about electronic dance music. Follow Cydnee on Facebook @CydneeGreenWSU EDC ››continued from front own skin,” WSU student Courtney Taylor said. “It is such a wonderful feeling to forget all of your worries for three days and come together for the same reason.” Although this event takes place just under 500 miles away from Ogden, many Weber State students make the trip for this iconic experience. “I have made the trip for the last two years,” Weber State student Christian Sandberg said. “Just before EDC 2015, I was in an accident and was on bed rest for three months. The doctors told me EDC wasn’t possible, and I became severely depressed. Although I was in pain, I decided to make the trip, and it lit a fire inside of my heart. The lights, the vibes, the sound and the beautiful people — it is something I will never forget.” Insomniac Events, an electronic dance music tour promoter, has experienced much scrutiny over the past few years due to the amount of deaths taking place at their festivals. Deaths have ranged anywhere from illegal substance consumption, to over- Plasma Donation Center Walk-ins are welcome. 3073 Harrison Blvd, Ogden (801) 392-2296 375 S. State, Clearfield (801) 825-1999 www.grifolsplasma.com REQUIRED ITEMS: Matching Social Security Card & photo I.D. ERIK BREMER | The Signpost heating, to being trampled in a crowd. According to some, psychedelic drugs and electronic dance music go hand-inhand, but others don’t believe drugs are necessary to get the full experience. “I have never even considered doing drugs at a festival,” Weber State student Katie Beecher said. “Being around so many amazing people, listening to the music I love and being surrounded by positive vibes is euphoric enough. ... Drugs are not necessary to have an amazing experience.” There are many reasons why EDM fanatics choose to attend EDC, but most agree that it’s because of the common love for music positivity. “When I walk through entrance gates to EDC, a rush of excitement jolts through my body, and every year, it feels like a dream,” Weber State student Whitley Tom said. “June couldn’t come fast enough. I can’t wait to be home.” Tickets for EDC Las Vegas 2017 go on sale Nov. 28 at noon PT, 1 p.m. MT. Follow Cydnee on Facebook @CydneeGreenWSU You ca n earn up to $ 300 your fi rst month ! |