Human Expression in EDM

Following the insightful presentations of last Friday, and inspired by a previous class debate on the intersection of AI and EDM, I wanted to share my take on EDM and how it is a genre driven by culture, human emotion, and social movements.

Despite how it can be perceived as a genre, EDM isn’t merely an amalgamation of electronic beats, devoid of meaning. On the contrary, it’s a testament to human connection; a sound of rebellion and self-expression. The essence of EDM, which encompasses a multitude of genres including jungle, dubstep, grime, techno, is deeply intertwined with societal changes, movements of people, and expressions of rebellion and human connection.

Exploring the roots of these genres reveals the unique contexts from which they emerged. For instance, jungle’s ‘cosmopolitan and hybrid’ nature was a reflection of the diverse influences and cultures that coexisted in London during the 1990s and 2000s. This genre was a beacon of positive influence, helping to counteract societal divisions and promote shared experiences through its unique sound, materialising as a sound of resistance for the Windrush generation. Grime, yet another iteration of Caribbean-influenced British music, has become a powerful voice for the marginalised British African diasporic youth. Its lyrics often critique institutional racism and the narrative of black on black violence within British inner-cities. On the other hand, techno, particularly in Berlin (the techno capital of the world), emerged as a symbol of freedom and unity following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Abandoned buildings were transformed into temporary nightclubs, giving rise to a unique scene for electronic music. This was not just about music; it was about freedom, relief, and the human spirit. Similarly, dance music in Ireland served as an alternative reality to ‘the Troubles’ and a response to the peace process. It provided a space for identities and experiences to be shared and understood in a way that transcended the conventional norms of Irish popular music culture. It continues to hold significance for Irish young people from opposite sides of the community who meet in nightclubs and warehouses to unite over their love for EDM. Northern Irish duo Bicep said that in Belfast, clubs ‘full of people from both sides of the tracks and they’d be hugging.’ They continued, saying that people went to be ‘part of a collective that didn’t exist anywhere else in Northern Ireland.’ I share this experience, and continue to see the importance of dance music to bring together communities who have been conditioned to not mix with ‘the other side.’

Throughout its history, EDM has consistently embraced technological advancements as opportunities to innovate and explore new sounds and styles, rather than allowing them to stifle creativity. Take, for instance, the introduction of the Roland TR-808 drum machine in the early 1980s, which played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of early hip hop and dance music. I view AI as no different; its purpose is not to replace human creativity but to enhance it. AI has the capacity to assist artists in delving into new musical territories, pushing boundaries, and potentially revolutionising dance music. However, it is crucial to recognize that AI cannot replicate the human element that is deeply ingrained in EDM, such as the emotional expression and its joyous, euphoric experience.

As we look ahead, AI holds the promise of augmenting human creativity in EDM, providing new avenues for DJs and producers. Yet, the emotional depth, authenticity, and human connection intrinsic to EDM will ensure that this genre remains centred around human experience.

Music:

• https://youtu.be/3QMiCBJ7yRM?si=jJ4RlmSEGOM7fd4_ (A jungle classic)
• https://youtu.be/PjCVcVw8f1Y?si=lXyZIltaFhXGHHAl and https://youtu.be/ppBBlJ739XU?si=IGQYneWUAZYhpFyH (Nia Archives has in recent years contributed to the revival of jungle music in the UK)
• https://youtu.be/YnsOJstQ-t8?si=WbaKX3jf4emz-X21(HorsegiirL in general is just crazy: horsegiirL on equine style, hating unicorns & smoking with the Crazy Frog | Dazed (dazeddigital.com))
• https://youtu.be/Cj3A2IeL8DY?si=Xy0SUYLppk9CGmut (Bicep – new music)
• https://youtu.be/A7ZxRs45tTg?si=BifRT8u4tjDoiA0s (Mega famous – so euphoric)
• https://youtu.be/yJkKVVLwPvk?si=-onD-uE7BIDUx5MR (see interview with Bicep here, they touch on their creative process)
• https://youtu.be/Uu170wz0Mbg?si=gYF_0rp7CXIyIcvm (Blk live in SHINE in Belfast – this is where Bicep discovered EDM)
• https://youtu.be/LUZYejJgxJQ?si=GzAOpq3UZNVCTwPZ (More Berghain-esque – acid house)