electronic dance music
broad genre of electronic music
Electronic dance music is a vibrant tapestry woven from pulsating beats, shimmering synths, and euphoric melodies. Imagine the bass thumping through your chest as layers of sound unfold, creating a sonic landscape that feels both exhilarating and freeing. It’s a genre that invites you to lose yourself on the dance floor, where every drop ignites waves of energy and emotion, urging bodies to move in unison until dawn breaks.
Emerging in the late 1980s, electronic dance music rose from underground scenes in cities like Chicago and Detroit. It was a response to the limitations of rock and pop, blending elements of funk, disco, and techno to create something entirely new. Pioneers like Frankie Knuckles with his soulful house tracks, Derrick May who helped define techno, and the ambitious productions of The Chemical Brothers were instrumental during its formative years. These artists laid the groundwork for what would become a global phenomenon, pushing boundaries and embracing technology in a way that reshaped musical landscapes.
For newcomers diving into EDM, starting with Daft Punk's "Homework" offers an essential taste of their innovative fusion of house and funk. Calvin Harris’s "18 Months" is packed with infectious hooks that encapsulate the genre's celebratory spirit. Then there’s Flume's self-titled debut; it redefined future bass while showcasing emotional depth through intricate production. Finally, check out Deadmau5's "Random Album Title" for a glimpse into progressive house's captivating soundscapes. Once you’ve soaked that in, you might find yourself intrigued by adjacent styles like house or trance — each with its unique flow and character waiting to be discovered.
571 artists in the catalog.
Guides for electronic dance music artists
Top electronic dance music albums
See essentials
All electronic dance music artists
Axwell Λ Ingrosso
electro
NERVO
dance-pop, electro house
Londonbeat
dance-pop, rhythm and blues
Pnau
electronic music
Redfoo
electropop, hip house
Alex Gaudino
house music
Jessie Hill
pop music, rhythm and blues
R3hab
big room house, electro house
Vintage
dance-pop, pop music
Duke Dumont
deep house, house music
Riff Raff
hip-hop, trap music
Alaska Thunderfuck 5000
hip-hop, pop music
Kat Graham
contemporary R&B, hip-hop
Yo Yo Honey Singh
Indian pop, bhangra
Debi Nova
Adelén
pop music
About electronic dance music
What is electronic dance music?
broad genre of electronic music
Where should I start with electronic dance music?
Start with "Let's Talk About Love" by Céline Dion. It captures what makes electronic dance music worth exploring.
What are the best electronic dance music albums?
The electronic dance music albums worth hearing first: "Let's Talk About Love" by Céline Dion, "Hitmixes" by Lady Gaga, "The Singles" by Lady Gaga, "The Cherrytree Sessions" by Lady Gaga and "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga.
How many electronic dance music artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 571 electronic dance music artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.