Electronic Evolution: Tracing the Technology and Cultural Threads of EDM's Global Impact By: Matthew Maykut

In the dynamic realm of music and self-discovery, Electronic Dance Music (EDM) events have evolved into transformative experiences, transcending the boundaries of conventional music gatherings. This evolution finds its roots in the characteristics inherited from Disco, a genre characterized by its upbeat tempo, danceable rhythms, and fusion of various music styles. Much like Disco's positive and energetic vibes that invited people to the dance floor, EDM carries the legacy forward, creating unforgettable experiences that shape contemporary youth culture.

 

(Source: EDM.com)

The Evolutionary Beat of Disco and EDM 

Disco, with its infectious rhymes and positive vibes, created a blueprint that rippled through different genres within the music industry. The positive rays exhibited by Disco marked a departure from conventional music, inviting people to the dance floor for an unforgettable experience. As the 90s dawned, a new wave of music emerged, fusing the electronic elements of disco with innovative subgenres, giving birth to what we now know as Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Europe, at the forefront of musical innovation, quickly adopted these new styles, integrating them into culture and influencing fashion, lifestyle, and even tourism. This pivotal period allowed the rave scene to grow into the global cultural phenomenon it is today. The integration of electronic disco into mainstream music during the 1990s laid the foundation for the burgeoning rave culture. The youth, drawn to pulsating beats and immersive experiences, embraced this new wave of music wholeheartedly, shaping the trajectory of EDM into what it is today. 

Cultural Impact Beyond Music

The cultural impact of EDM is not confined to the realm of music; it has transcended into people's lives, leaving an indelible mark on fashion and lifestyle. The infectious energy of EDM festivals, with their vibrant colors, peaceful atmosphere, and diverse lineups, attracts enthusiasts from regions all over the globe. Festivals like Tomorrowland in Belgium, Creamfields in the UK, and the legendary Ibiza parties became cultural phenomena, drawing crowds eager to immerse themselves in the electrifying sounds of EDM.

(Source tomorrowland.com)

These “events are not only a temporary escape for someone struggling every day, but gives them a sense of acceptance for their flaws without judgment.” (Harjak paragraph 4)  Integral to the evolution of EDM is its symbiotic relationship with technology. The democratization of music production “opened the door for artists across the globe to create entirely new sounds with computers.” (Kordestani paragraph 3) Virtual synthesizers and software instruments became the building blocks of the genre, offering a vast sonic palette for producers to experiment with. Advancements in technology transformed live performances, blurring the lines between studio production and on-stage expression. Artists, armed with electronic instruments and MIDI controllers, could now craft music in real-time during shows. The 21st century witnessed the convergence of EDM with virtual augmented realities, allowing EDM fans to engage with this genre of music in different ways. This digital shift not only expanded the reach of EDM but also provided immersive alternatives during times when live events faced challenges. Online streaming platforms and social media outlets became powerful tools, providing global accessibility to EDM. The interconnected nature of these platforms facilitated the rapid dissemination of new tracks and trends within the EDM community. Digital communities emerged, allowing fans to connect, share music, and stay updated on the latest developments. For today's youth, EDM is more than just a genre; it's a cultural phenomenon that shapes their experiences and perspectives. The genre's fusion of technological innovation, diverse influences, and celebration of individual expression resonates with the dynamic and interconnected nature of contemporary youth culture. 

(Source: Me- EDC Orlando 2023)

The Emotional Odyssey of EDM

Building on this cultural tapestry, a recent research study delves into the intricate layers of EDM event participation, exploring how it contributes to heightened emotional experiences, shared values, and a sense of community. Surveying the EDM landscape, the researchers conducted a survey involving 103 participants, exploring various dimensions of their EDM event experiences. The survey included questions about social, musical, and emotional dimensions, as well as shared values. The results highlighted strong internal consistency within each dimension, reinforcing the reliability of the findings. Correlational analyses revealed positive associations between EDM event dimensions and well-being scales. Social engagement, musical enjoyment, emotional experiences, and shared values were all linked to higher scores on measures of well-being. 

(Source: iheartraves.com)

This study unravels the emotional rollercoaster of EDM events, offering participants moments of intense euphoria and happiness reminiscent of Disco's infectious rhymes and positive vibes. Participants described these experiences as "peak moments," resembling Maslow's concept of 'peak experiences.' For instance, a participant stated “I think I become more self-reflective and calmer in a sense afterward.’” (cannon paragraph 17) These immersive instances of happiness and fulfillment, often accompanied by goosebumps, contribute to a lasting positive imprint on individuals. The research suggests that the structural attributes of EDM, such as drum build-ups and risers, play a crucial role in creating these emotionally charged moments. Beyond the event itself, participants reported residual positive emotional states post-attendance. Feelings of self-reflection and increased calmness were common, suggesting that EDM events might have therapeutic effects, aligning with Maslow's assertions about the benefits of peak experiences. 

Shared Values and Community Building

One of the standout themes from the study is the strong sense of community fostered by EDM events, reminiscent of the rave culture born out of the marriage between electronic elements and Disco influences. EDM festivals can “provide opportunities for escapism that foster a sense of belonging within an environment where one can express oneself freely.” (Cannon paragraph 4) This sense of liberation is further amplified by the shared values among event-goers. The principles of peace, love, unity, and respect (PLUR), considered fundamental in EDM event culture, echo the positive rays exhibited by Disco, marking a departure from conventional music. 

Well-Being Connections

The research investigated potential links between EDM event attendance and well-being, echoing the cultural impact of EDM that has transcended people's lives. Findings suggest that EDM events contribute significantly to social integration, “Well-being may be promoted through the satisfaction of physiological needs such as relatedness and belonging, as has been found amongst festival attendees, and through the recall of positive episodic memories” (Cannon paragraph 20) positive episodic memories, and a sense of community. The musical experience not only enhances enjoyment but also fosters feelings of social cohesion, mirroring the sense of community that Disco initiated.

In conclusion, the evolution of EDM from its disco origins to the global phenomenon it is today represents a remarkable journey of innovation, cultural integration, and technological advancement. EDM is a creation of music formed from the intricate relationships between technology and its impact on the preferences and experiences of the contemporary generation. EDM events are more than just music festivals; they are transformative journeys that contribute significantly to emotional well-being and a sense of community. In a world where well-being takes center stage, EDM events offer a unique and uplifting space for individuals to connect, express themselves, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. So, the next time you find yourself immersed in the pulsating beats of EDM, remember that you might be experiencing more than just music – you could be on the path to a happier and more fulfilling life.

Resources

Exploring relationships between electronic dance music event ... (n.d.-a). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2059204321997102

Kordestani, M. (2021, July 24). What does the rise of EDM say about gen Z?. Medium. https://medium.com/the-riff/what-does-the-rise-of-edm-say-about-gen-z-481b4de7795b

Lindsay. (2017, August 19). EDM culture: The expanding of Social Understanding. HIGHLARK // Raise Your Own Flag. https://highlark.com/edmc-the-expanding-of-social-understanding-and-acceptance-of-electronic-dance-music-culture/

 

About the Author:

Matthew Maykut is a freshman

at the University of Florida,

majoring in Journalism.

 

Creative Critical Reflection

 Here are both of my Creative Critical Reflections. Thank you all so much for coming along with me on this journey! Until next time <33

CCR1

CCR2 

Film Opening

 Wow, I cannot believe I am saying this, but...HERE IT IS!!!!!!!!!!

Film Opening 

CCRs

 CCRs

I haven’t spoken much about my CCRs on this page, but this week I will be focussing on tackling that last step of this project. I feel that the CCR is such an amazing way for creators to explain the stylistic choices behind their artwork. Explaining our stylistic choices can help others understand our artistic intentions and the meaning behind our work. This can lead to a deeper appreciation and understanding of our art. When we explain our stylistic choices, we can receive feedback from others about our work. This feedback can help us improve our art and develop our skills as artists. It can help us connect with others who appreciate and understand our art. It can also help us connect with other artists who share our artistic vision. Explaining our stylistic choices can help us gain recognition and establish ourselves as artists. When we can articulate our artistic intentions and the meaning behind our work, others may be more likely to appreciate and recognize our art. 

I have two different ideas for my CCRs which I have been implementing. The first is a simple presentation that really emulates the style and design of my film opening. I am choosing the more general thoughts and questions to put onto the slides so that way I can get my ideas across easier. The second CCR will be a video of myself explaining many of the setbacks that I faced during this process. Here I explain why a lot of things did not go as expected, why some ideas in my film opening changed, and really just my overall thoughts about the process of this film. I will be explaining the reasoning behind the development of the characters for my film and how they specifically relate to me. 

Here are the scripts for both: 

CCR stand-up script: 

My new film “Plastique” was a difficult one to work through as I found myself stuck between many creative blocks, passing back and forth many different ideas. I finally came to one and I prepared for weeks for the production of this film. After traveling to California this year, I had a different image of what my film opening would be like. My creative blocks suddenly all disappeared. I altered a few pieces of my film to fit a different narrative that I wanted to follow. The main change was making Ed a newborn in this film. 

• How does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?

The idea was for the mother, Elyssa, to have Munchausen syndrome by proxy in which she was to fabricate her son, Ed, and the illnesses that he has. This is why we can see Elyssa on the phone with the doctor as she is not understanding that nothing can be done, she insists that her baby is sick. I wanted to represent the side of motherhood that isn’t normally shown in mainstream media by adding a thriller twist to it. 

Mental illness after giving birth, also known as postpartum mental illness, is a range of mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth. While the causes of postpartum mental illness are not fully understood, hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and other stressors associated with childbirth and caring for a newborn may contribute. 

Elyssa is stressed out as she has to deal with her newborn baby. It is not uncommon for mothers to feel a sense of loss or struggle with their identity after pregnancy and childbirth. The physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during this time can be overwhelming, and it is not uncommon for mothers to feel disconnected from their former selves or struggle to find a sense of purpose or fulfillment. 

The title of the film is Plastique relating to the fact that we see Elyssa sort through so many different character facades, her identity is almost fake. This is shown through the symbolism when the last shot reveals that the baby is also fake, Plastique.

 

• How does your product engage with audiences and how would it be distributed as a real media text?

The target audience for my film ranges from 15-35. I think my film hits a large target audience because thrillers are most definitely taking up large theaters in today’s age, as many people have been fascinated by the biggest hits such as Nope. To appeal to a certain audience it was of utmost importance to their needs, behaviors, and interests, and what better way to do that was to put yourself into the age range. I thought to myself, what did I want to see come out of this and I ran with it. I conducted research to understand the demographics and behaviors of certain groups, and I spent hours asking peers for their opinions of my thoughts. 

There are many different ways that this film could be distributed considering its versatile target audience. The number one goal would be to get this film into a theatrical release. I feel that movies have always been released in theaters and that's the way that it would go. Having a strong marketing team would help in the long run, because they would need to aid all aspects of the audience. Having a target audience that lives their whole life on the internet is not a bad way to start. Engaging in marketing on social media involves creating content and interactions that spark interest and build relationships with your target audience on social media platforms. After having a theatrical release it could then be moved to a streaming service for those 

Presentation Script 

There were many different ways that my production skills were able to increase during this media production. The most important lesson I learned over this course is efficiency. Efficiency is important because it helps to maximize productivity while minimizing the waste of time, resources, and energy. When you are efficient, you are able to accomplish tasks with fewer errors and in a shorter amount of time, which can lead to higher-quality output and greater productivity overall.  Even when it came to me getting stuck in a creative block, I still took that time to watch movies, do research, and talk to peers trying to gain inspiration. When it comes to production efficiency is a main factor. 

The second most important lesson that I learned through this experience is that peer feedback is always good. Seeking feedback can help you to identify areas where you can improve your skills and knowledge. This can help you to develop as a professional and grow in your career. By getting feedback from others, you can identify areas where you may be making mistakes or could improve your performance. This can help you to refine your skills and perform better in your job. Engaging in the group meetings was the kick for me when I was deciding what to do with my film. If it wasn’t for that meeting I would not be in the same position that I am in now. 

• How did you integrate technologies – software, hardware, and online – in this project?

The computer software program that we use is adobe premiere pro. Adobe Premiere is a top-tier video editing software used by professionals in the film and television industry. Its user-friendly interface, professional-grade editing tools, integration with other Adobe products, cross-platform compatibility, and regular updates make it a versatile and reliable choice for video editors of all skill levels.

The equipment I used consists of a canon m50 mirrorless and for audio a rode microphone. The Canon EOS M50 is a camera that takes high-quality photos and videos. It can shoot 4K video and full HD video, making it a versatile option for photography and videography. 

Rode microphones are designed to capture high-quality audio for a range of applications, including music recording, film and video production, podcasting, broadcasting, and more. These microphones can attach to the head of the camera to capture sound. 

Another software that I am using for this project is Canva. Canva is a web-based design platform that allows users to create a wide range of visual content, including social media posts, marketing materials, presentations, and more. I’ve used Canva on multiple occasions, whether it be for a mood board, a storyboard, or a presentation just like this one. 

Updates

My film opening didn’t go the way that I planned…

I don’t mean this in a bad way! The outcome of the film opening was different from what I expected and honestly some major factors were changed. It's not uncommon for ideas to evolve and change as you work on a project. It's important to remain flexible and open to new possibilities. It's rare for a creative project to turn out exactly as planned, especially with filmmaking where there are many variables at play, such as weather, location availability, and the performance of actors. The characters are the same but I was still able to incorporate the original aspects of the film opening into the final product.

I honestly think I spent too much time trying to develop a whole story rather than focusing on the OPENING aspect. It's not uncommon to get caught up in the creative process and lose sight of the specific goals or constraints of a project. In the case of the film opening, it can be easy to become invested in the story and characters and forget that the opening is intended to set up the rest of the film. I really was trying to look at the bigger picture this entire time. As an artist, I always want to strive for more when creating something, and I felt that the constraints of just making a two-minute film opening were making my brain burst. I wanted to fully flesh out this idea, and I lost sight of the actual goal. 

(screenshot from adobe premiere timeline)

Filming

 Hey everyone!!!! This weekend I finished filming and editing my film opening and it went really well. I was able to work alongside a good friend and amazing filmmaker, Virginia Monasterio as she was a major part of my film opening. Working with an experienced actress like Virginia can certainly be a valuable experience for any filmmaker. Not only can she bring a depth of skill and knowledge to her performance, but she may also have insights and suggestions that can help improve the overall production.

Virginia was able to add a lot to the film, as she added her acting skills and a lot of her film knowledge. She was able to cry on command! Being able to cry on command is a skill that not all actors possess, and it can add a powerful emotional dimension to the performance.  Virginia was also able to get into character quickly and understand your direction. It's always great to work with people you already know and trust, especially when it comes to creative projects. Virginia brought a lot of her own ideas and creativity to the role, which can help make a performance even more nuanced and interesting.

(photo during production)

Virginia's input helped to elevate the overall project and add more depth to the character. As a director, it can be challenging to balance the need for creative input from your actors with your own vision for the project, but I was able to find a good balance. As a director, it's important to have a clear vision for the project and to be able to communicate that vision to your cast and crew. While it's important to be open to suggestions and ideas from your actors, ultimately it's your responsibility to ensure that the final product is in line with your creative vision. I was able to strike a good balance between being receptive to input from Virginia and asserting my own creative authority when necessary.

(selfie of Virginia and me during production) 

Updates

 Hey guys! I just wanted to come on here to say that I have decided that I will be attending the University of Florida, and I am so excited to start a new chapter in my life! In order to do that, I must close out this chapter. That being said, my first day of production for my film opening will be tomorrow! I will keep you all posted!