Jamaican Music History
Electronic Dance Music (EDM): A Sonic Revolution
EDM, or Electronic Dance Music, is a genre that emerged from the electronic underground, transforming dance floors and festivals worldwide. It is generally music produced for playback by DJs who create seamless selections of tracks, called a DJ mix, by segueing from one recording to another, a practice very popular among Jamaican sound system selectors from as far back as the 1970s. Rooted in the innovative spirit of electronic experimentation, EDM’s explosion can be traced back to the late 20th century, with its early pioneers laying the groundwork for a genre that would captivate audiences around the globe.
The roots of EDM are intertwined with the rise of electronic music in the 1970s and 1980s. Genres like dub, disco, house, and techno paved the way for the evolution of EDM. Audio engineers, remixers and sound system operators like Jamaica’s King Tubby, Scientist and Mikey Dread At The Controls set the stage for experimentation with electronic sound effects to produce and perform music. Artists such as Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, and Frankie Knuckles contributed to the genre’s foundation. The 1990s saw the explosion of rave culture, characterized by all-night dance parties fueled by electronic beats and psychedelic visuals.
EDM’s popularity skyrocketed in the 21st century, marked by the rise of superstar DJs and the mainstream success of festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival. Iconic tracks like Daft Punk’s “Around the World” and Fatboy Slim’s “Right Here, Right Now” became anthems of the genre, propelling electronic music into the mainstream.
Major Lazer, a collaborative project led by producer Diplo and DJs Jillionaire and Walshy Fire, has been at the forefront of blending Jamaican sounds with electronic beats. Major Lazer’s track “Lean On” featuring DJ Snake and MØ, with its reggae-influenced rhythms, became a global hit, showcasing the fusion of Jamaican and EDM elements. Major Lazer’s collaborations with pop and hip-hop artists have brought Jamaican-flavored EDM to a mainstream audience. “Light It Up” featuring Nyla and Fuse ODG, blend dancehall vibes with EDM sensibilities. So does Sean Paul’s collaboration with EDM producer David Guetta on “Mad Love.”
EDM’s journey from dub mixes and underground raves to global stages is a testament to its universal appeal. Draft Punk’s “One More Time” and Major Lazer’s “Get Free” exemplify why EDM stands as a global phenomenon, a celebration of electronic creativity that transcends borders.