Why EDM Is Here To Stay

The other day I was playing Marshmello's EDC 2016 set while I was at work and a customer came up to me and said verbatim, "What is this shit?"

I was a little taken aback by the crude question but managed to respond with a measure of civility (tips don't make themselves). I explained to the young woman who Marshmello was and what EDM was.

I told her about EDC and how the festival is one of the highlights of the year for ravers. She then treated me to a diatribe about how EDM is just a fad, how DJs have no appreciable talent and how my music (and me by extension) was trash. 

Okay. Hold my gloves. 

If there's one surefire way to frustrate me (or any other PLUR-pledged raver) it is to insinuate that EDM is only a passing fad. EDM is here to stay and I'm here to explain why. 

Firstly, let's think logically. EDM is electronic music, electronic music is made with technology, and technology has been advancing in exponential leaps and bounds. The tight linearity between EDM and technology is one reason why EDM isn't going anywhere.

As technology becomes more and more advanced, producers have more options when it comes to music production. More advanced synthesizers, drum machines and mixing software gives DJs an absolute arsenal of tools.

Why would EDM go anywhere when the technology that fuels it only grows and improves every day? 

Secondly, EDM is incredibly versatile. What I mean by this is that EDM is emotive music, it evokes feelings that are simultaneously unique to each and every individual, while unifying at the same time. A lot of music tells you how to feel but EDM gives you a sound and invites you to interpret it however you want.

There's a reason why tracks like Porter Robinson's "Language" and Gareth Emery's "Saving Light" can move their fans to tears. Apart from euphoric builds and melodies, these tracks resonate with listeners because everyone interprets it in their own way, and the track transcends simple music.

It becomes almost individualized to the listener. Sure, Illenium didn't write "Sound of Walking Away" expressly for me and my toxic ex, but it feels like he did. And that's what matters. 

Thirdly, let's look at the numbers. EDM has been on an upward swing and for many ravers it's hard to remember a time when electronica was limited to underground warehouse raves when festivals like EDC, Coachella, and Ultra are hugely mainstream. But EDM has been around for a long time, and with its growing popularity, it's here to stay.

Take EDC for example, EDC 2008 saw over 60,000 attendees. EDC 2017 had over 135,000 on the first night. EDM's popularity is going nowhere but up, and if it is truly a 'fad' - it's been going strong for decades years now. 

I'll be the first to admit that I'm biased when it comes to EDM. Ask me to name ten songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and I'm at a loss. Ask me to list the tracks played in an Ultra set from two years ago, I got this. However, bias and subjectivity aside, the fact remains that EDM won't be going anywhere anytime soon. From trap to trance, bass to house, dubstep to future, EDM promises to stay for a long time. 

Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Make sure you're rave ready with pieces from our Rave Gear Collection HERE or check out newest styles HERE. If you haven't already, you'll fall in love with the community, the lifestyle, and the family that transcends everything else.