EDM may be the most highly criticized genre in music today, if not in history. The usual argument goes something like this: electronic artists do not play traditional instruments, therefore they do not deserve to be labeled as musicians. Swaying the EDM naysayer can be extremely difficult, especially if they come from the baby boomer generation, because so many define music by the instruments used to create it. But what many people don’t understand is the amount of work that can and does go into the production of electronic music.
Just like a rock artist creates music using a guitar, electronic artists also use instruments to create sounds, albeit less conventional ones. To create electronic music one must not only have an ear for melody, but also be skilled in advanced production software. Almost every DJ you can think of spends countless hours creating the sounds you hear when an EDM song plays on the radio. Contrary to popular belief, very few artists today get on stage, press play and spin novelty records.
Converting the electronic music cynic is a difficult task to undertake, but certainly not an impossible one. I have tried and succeeded many times myself, and when selecting songs to show a first-timer I always choose wisely. The following 10 songs range from complex and interesting to simple and beautiful, but they all have one thing in common: they showcase a multitude of talents which prove EDM to be a worthy genre. With that, I give you 10 songs to ease you into EDM.
1. “Color of My Soul” – Pretty Lights
When defending electronic music, I always use Pretty Lights as an example. On his latest album, “A Color Map of the Sun,” Derek Vincent Smith went completely analog. What that means is that every sound used on the album was either sung or played live by musicians or created by Smith using a custom built modular synthesizer. Not one sample was used in the creation of ACMOTS, and it took Smith two years to collect all of the material he needed for the album.
While it is incredibly difficult to select only one song from ACMOTS to make this list, “Color of My Soul” is deserving because it combines horns, percussion, vocals, analog beats and more to create a funky, jazz-inspired song you simply cannot get enough of. By combining traditional and modern instruments, every song on this album is a perfect counterpoint to the argument that electronic music requires no talent.
2. “Trials of the Past” – SBTRKT
SBTRKT, pronounced, “subtract,” is the brainchild of UK producer Aaron Jerome, notable for his combination of electronic compositions with meaningful vocals. Anything off of SBTRKT’s self-titled album is perfect for a first-timer because the focus is really on the singer, rather than the electronic beats behind them. “Trials of the Past” layers haunting vocals from London singer Sampha over complex electronic beats produced by Jerome. What results is a thought-provoking melody that challenges everything you thought you knew about electronic music.
3. “Lex” – Ratatat
Ratatat is probably one of the better-known electronic groups, and for good reason. The Brooklyn-based duo combines synthesizers with guitar and other instruments to create catchy, impactful beats. We chose “Lex” for this list because it features a metal-inspired guitar riff that demands respect from even the biggest electronic music critic. Listen to this song and try to dislike it. I dare you.
4. “Between Two Points” – The Glitch Mob
Transcending genres and defying stereotypes surrounding electronic music is what Glitch Mob does best, and “Between Two Points” is evidence of that. Made up of three extremely talented musicians who go by edIT, Boreta and Ooah, the Glitch Mob combines percussions with electronic beats to create songs that can only be described as experimental, as their music truly does not fit into the confines of any particular category. “Between Two Points” features dreamy vocals back-lit by heavy percussions and lengthy synths, creating a beautiful marriage of vocals and instrumentals that any music lover can appreciate.
5. “The Unfallen Kingdom” – Gramatik
Although his music is commonly labeled electronic, Gramatik is known for his “genre-bending,” or ability to cleverly blur the lines between specific categories of music. “The Unfallen Kingdom,” off his record “Water 4 the Soul,” is a perfect example of how Gramatik refuses to adhere to any one genre, synthesizing elements of jazz, hip-hop and electronic into one cohesive sound. Opening with a haunting piano melody floating over the raspy sound of a record player, “The Unfallen Kingdom” is sure to convince any electronic cynic to reconsider their stance.
6. “Blue Dream” – Big Gigantic
At first listen you may be totally shocked that Big Gigantic is categorized as electronic music. The Colorado duo consists of saxophonist/producer Dominic Lalli and drummer Jeremy Salken. Both classically trained musicians, Lalli and Salken understand the nostalgic importance of classical instruments but also embrace the revolutionary significance of electronica.
Big Gigantic is famous for their uncanny ability to perfectly intertwine jazz and electronic, and “Blue Dream,” off their latest album, “The Night is Young,” is representative of that. The song focuses mostly on Lalli’s dynamic saxophone playing, with electronic progressions serving as a backdrop, making it the perfect song to ease you into the genre.
7. “Stay High” – Hippie Sabotage
Not much is known about the two brothers behind Hippie Sabotage, but their track “Stay High” has gained moderate notability as of late, cropping up on Sirius XM’s Electric Area and Ellie Goulding’s Instagram. Unlike many popular EDM songs, “Stay High” doesn’t need wall-shaking bass to capture your attention. The song is relatively simple, with most of the focus directed at the ethereal vocals provided by Swedish singer Tove Lo. Soft bass and beautiful lyrics make it an appropriate introduction to the genre.
8. “Yes Indeedy” – SuperVision
When describing his unique sound, producer SuperVision uses the term “futuristic electronic hip-hop.” We question if this term even begins to explain SuperVision’s genre-bending style, but if one track fits this explanation it’s “Yes Indeedy.” The song begins with a looped hip-hop sample over a percussion track before bounding into a catchy, electronically fused chorus. “Yes Indeedy” may be the best track to show a hip-hop lover looking to test the EDM waters.
9. “Reach for Glory” – Blackmill
“Melodic dupstep”: it’s a phenomenon many cynics may argue as non-existent, but Blackmill is here to prove them wrong. The UK producer’s sound is chill and emotive, mixing harmonious melodies with bass that could almost be described as soothing. Blackmill is electronic music you could fall asleep to, which is extremely rare in the genre, yet not impossible. Put Blackmill’s “Reach for Glory” on a first-timer’s playlist and you can be sure their opinion of the genre will be swayed.
10. “Get the Money” – PANTyRAiD
It’s no surprise that the Glitch Mob’s Ooah is half the magic behind “PANTyRAid,” as the Mob’s futuristic sound shines through on most of the duo’s tracks, and especially on “Get the Money.” The track starts by layering electronic elements one on top of the other, gradually gaining momentum but remaining relatively relaxed for the two minutes. At around two minutes and 15 seconds the track goes totally crunchy with a staccato bass driving you into dance mode. While this track features some intense bass, it also has just the right amount of chillstep to balance the scales. Show it to a first-timer and we guarantee they won’t be able to keep still.
Photo Credit: DailyBeat
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