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EDM |OT| Future Flo-Rida Hits

Aomber

Member
This is going to sound like a weird question, but I wanted to get a discussion going on something related to pop EDM right now. I've been thinking about what's been on the radio for a while, and my question is - do you guys think EDM is considered pop music anymore?

Obviously we see Calvin Harris, Kygo, Zedd, The Chainsmokers, etc. charting the radio, who are all considered "EDM artists". I guess what I'm asking is, where do we draw the line between what's electronic dance music, and what's just pop music? A lot of the stuff on the radio from those artists is in the same kind of BPM that straight up, traditional pop music has been for many years. The only real distinguishing factor is that the hooks tend to be more on the instrumental side, but outside of that, I'm not really certain how clear the difference is between "Pop EDM" and "Pop music" compared to say, when a lot of the 128 BPM stuff was on the radio which was very clearly DANCE music.

Interested to hear your thoughts. Part of me that got me thinking about this is that like, we talk about so much different music in here and EDM has become such a synonymous term for so many different types of music, you could argue hip hop is EDM because it's electronic music that you could dance to. Myself too like, I personally write pop music with instrumental hooks, but I don't consider my music to be EDM really.

wtf is heaven bass? someone tagged a seven lions song as heaven bass. then as I'm listening to anjunabeats songs, the bass reminds me of how aomber described future bass to me, but i mean, anjuna has had this sound for a while.

this shit dont make sense.

Eh yeah, sometimes people will tag songs with bullshit genres just to grab people's attention. I remember when I would see shit like "Liquid drum and bass". Like what the hell is that, unless it's produced with pure liquids that you bought from your grocery store it's just drum and bass LOL

Sooo.... I'm sure most of y'all have listened to the new Galantis track? Uh, yeah sure.

*scratches head*

They're just begging for a remix aren't they?

Jesus christ, I've had a few margaritas so I might be forward here but Galantis' last few songs have been 100% garbage. By far the biggest nosedive in music quality we've seen from an artist in a good while. There's nothing to talk about with that song, Christian Karlsson needs to write more music with Miike Snow lol.
 
As long as music keeps evolving we won't be able to make a stern difference between Pop-EDM and Pop Music. For now Pop-EDM is it's own genre while Pop Music is also it's own genre. EDM is literally music produced electronically so anything can fall between the EDM umbrella. But we all know that there alot of differences to distinguish one genre to the next.

EDM has it's own rap/hip hop genre in Trap, Chill Trap, and certain Future Bass tracks. EDM also has alot of their own ______, if you know what I mean. But to take EDM to the next level, it has to chase other genres not within it's genre. For now it's Pop music and we have now arrived at Pop-EDM.

As to your first question..... Is it considered Pop music anymore? As a term, yes it is, while the sub-genres aren't considered Pop music because it's not popular.
 

Aomber

Member
As long as music keeps evolving we won't be able to make a stern difference between Pop-EDM and Pop Music. For now Pop-EDM is it's own genre while Pop Music is also it's own genre. EDM is literally music produced electronically so anything can fall between the EDM umbrella. But we all know that there alot of differences to distinguish one genre to the next.

EDM has it's own rap/hip hop genre in Trap, Chill Trap, and certain Future Bass tracks. EDM also has alot of their own ______, if you know what I mean. But to take EDM to the next level, it has to chase other genres not within it's genre. For now it's Pop music and we have now arrived at Pop-EDM.

As to your first question..... Is it considered Pop music anymore? As a term, yes it is, while the sub-genres aren't considered Pop music because it's not popular.

Yeah, I hear what you're saying, it's developed and changed into a much bigger term, not necessarily an association with straight up house music or anything like that anymore.

Maybe I misunderstood this one part, but I got a bit lost on the part where you said anything produced electronically is EDM. For example I know this Zelda Christmas Orchestral Piece was composed entirely electronically, but I would obviously not consider it EDM. That said, I think anything that's relatively danceable and is electronic is EDM, some people categorize EDM as just the mainstream stuff but I mean, it has a really huge definition. I guess in that sense my music is EDM
 
Yeah, I hear what you're saying, it's developed and changed into a much bigger term, not necessarily an association with straight up house music or anything like that anymore.

Maybe I misunderstood this one part, but I got a bit lost on the part where you said anything produced electronically is EDM. For example I know this Zelda Christmas Orchestral Piece was composed entirely electronically, but I would obviously not consider it EDM. That said, I think anything that's relatively danceable and is electronic is EDM, some people categorize EDM as just the mainstream stuff but I mean, it has a really huge definition. I guess in that sense my music is EDM

That's what some people have said about EDM and I don't agree with them. Something can be made electronically but it's not really meant to be danced to. That's why I don't agree with them.

It's hitting its stride (maybe not) and it will only get bigger whether people like it or not because chances are there will be one genre that anybody will like/love. As some people don't want EDM to get bigger, it's inevitable that it'll get bigger. It's just EDMs chance to shine now and let it shine because your favorite genre will always be available for you to listen to. You (a general term) will always listen to some EDM and will cheer it on no matter what because you want your genre to get some airtime also.
 

Ashhong

Member
Is edm pop music or is pop music edm??? Pop is just popular music, so it's hard to really tell the difference when people like Selena Gomez or Britney Spears come out with a song that 100% would have worked as a dub at a festival. House music has basically become pop. That's how I categorize it now
 

Aomber

Member
That's what some people have said about EDM and I don't agree with them. Something can be made electronically but it's not really meant to be danced to. That's why I don't agree with them.

It's hitting its stride (maybe not) and it will only get bigger whether people like it or not because chances are there will be one genre that anybody will like/love. As some people don't want EDM to get bigger, it's inevitable that it'll get bigger. It's just EDMs chance to shine now and let it shine because your favorite genre will always be available for you to listen to. You (a general term) will always listen to some EDM and will cheer it on no matter what because you want your genre to get some airtime also.
Oh yeah I know exactly what you mean. We talk and analyze music so much in here but honestly in reality there's so many people who don't really think about music at all. I was just watching a video the other day about pop music and apparently according to a study the good old fashioned radio is still vastly responsible for most Americans finding new music.

For sure, I have friends who say to me that Edm is dead. I just think like, what are they talking about? If anything it's bigger and more competitive than ever. I also think you could argue Edm has been popular for decades in some shape or form, and for that matter it'll continue growing

Is edm pop music or is pop music edm??? Pop is just popular music, so it's hard to really tell the difference when people like Selena Gomez or Britney Spears come out with a song that 100% would have worked as a dub at a festival. House music has basically become pop. That's how I categorize it now
Yeah that's what I mean. I think thats good in a way though, it's okay to have genres, but if we're also slightly confused it means there's a part of that that's being broken down.
 
Monstercat (lol) has done away with genres when they are posting new songs and I like that but I hope they realize that, in general, people need to identify with something to better understand it. Not everybody is knowledgeable about the EDM scene and not everybody cares about it but they at least need an identifier.

Pop music is just what we refer to as what's popular right now. I know enough things to tell myself that it's not necessarily "Pop" music but things are getting harder and harder to identify something as just Pop music since Pop has so many influences in it right now.

It's just the fear of the unknown. I know for a fact that it will bother me when I can't identify what the song is lol. So I'm pretty sure many feel that way?
 

Aomber

Member
eh Chainsmokers are fun live I'll admit it, however their act and set are always the same so once is enough.

I don't doubt it, there are some actual decent backing musicians who are going on tour with them too, like their drummer and pianist are pretty crazy so I guess that adds to it
 
My buddy is seeing the chainsmokers tonight and texted me asking me if I'll still be his friend lmao

Tell him you will judge him though, lol. I've heard nothing but decent to good things about their shows but that depends if you like their choice of music being played.
 

mr stroke

Member
Is edm pop music or is pop music edm??? Pop is just popular music, so it's hard to really tell the difference when people like Selena Gomez or Britney Spears come out with a song that 100% would have worked as a dub at a festival. House music has basically become pop. That's how I categorize it now

+1

Pop music to me is "whats Popular"

I always hated the term EDM, its way too vague, and so hated now its used as a term for "shit electronic music". You would never hear Adam Beyer or John 00 Fleming or Bassnectar say they play "EDM". I guess I generally say "dance music" or the actual genre of music: "Dubstep" "Techno" etc..
 

Aomber

Member
+1

Pop music to me is "whats Popular"

I always hated the term EDM, its way too vague, and so hated now its used as a term for "shit electronic music". You would never hear Adam Beyer or John 00 Fleming or Bassnectar say they play "EDM". I guess I generally say "dance music" or the actual genre of music: "Dubstep" "Techno" etc..
Oh for sure. Edm definitely has a negative association to it, there's no question about that despite everything you listed technically being edm
 

mr stroke

Member
wJPevGb.png


:eek:
 

Aomber

Member
Robert Miles has unfortunately passed away, most notably known for his legendary track "Children"

Robert Miles - Children

MGMT have teased a new album, hopefully it's good stuff, really dig their early work

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTzCJ35A8dM/

Also that moment you get a $10,000 synthesizer but it fits onto an iPad and costs 333 times less than the original hardware.
Yes it sounds good, I have an actual hardware Moog Sub 37 and the app still sounds great

More info: https://www.moogmusic.com/products/apps/model-15-app

 

Aomber

Member
deadmau5 Criticizes Features in Dance Music After Calvin Harris Album Announce

So basically he's criticizing Calvin because he's working with a lot of other artists, and Joel argues that he's a more "authentic" artist because he "does everything himself." I can tell you for a fact that if we break it down, that couldn't be less true. There's only one other producer in the list of collaborators for Calvin's album, everyone else is a singer, and Joel to my knowledge has never written nor performed a top line despite featuring singers.

Listen to the music and make a judgement from there, so far both Slide and Heatstroke have been much better songs than a lot of mainstream EDM and that's what counts. Calvin's in a position where he can and wants to feature these Pop artists – Joel is neither of those, and that's totally fine, but this is somewhat a case of the pot calling the kettle black. I'm guessing Joel won't even listen to the album due to his predispositions.

Look, would it have been nice to see some lesser known collabs and solo work? Sure, I get that, but pick your battles yknow? If we want to talk about the issue with Pop EDM, the REAL problem is when you have a duo like The Chainsmokers rise to the top with incredibly bland music, resulting in A LOT of other artists following suit with the average quality of music reducing. If Calvin's going to be at the top writing and promoting good music, I'm all for that.
 
It is a race to the top and for radio play but that doesn't make it less authentic. That just screams butthurt without trying to sound butthurt. I feel like if he said this about The Chainsmoker's then I would agree since the duo's music is garbage now but directed at Calvin Harris? Yeah, no try harder Joel.

You have your lane and Calvin Harris has his own while The Chainsmoker's also have their own. Stay in your own lane. You can voice your displeasure without sounding like a butthurt producer.

Let Calvin do what he wants to do. It's not affecting you and your fanbase (a fanbase that probably doesn't even listen to mainstream EDM). He wants to collab? Cool, that's awesome let him collab with other artists.
 

Aomber

Member
It is a race to the top and for radio play but that doesn't make it less authentic. That just screams butthurt without trying to sound butthurt. I feel like if he said this about The Chainsmoker's then I would agree since the duo's music is garbage now but directed at Calvin Harris? Yeah, no try harder Joel.

You have your lane and Calvin Harris has his own while The Chainsmoker's also have their own. Stay in your own lane. You can voice your displeasure without sounding like a butthurt producer.

Let Calvin do what he wants to do. It's not affecting you and your fanbase (a fanbase that probably doesn't even listen to mainstream EDM). He wants to collab? Cool, that's awesome let him collab with other artists.

Yeah, and look if anything, I see it as a positive thing when a good producer collaborates with pop artists. Take Flume or Cashmere Cat as examples, they expose the pop audience to a really interesting sound - I see that as a gateway for fans developing a further interest in music outside of their comfort zone. I love mau5's music but that's not something he can relate to because he's never tried that hard to introduce a new audience to his music, which is fine, but... This is such a classic case of someone getting upset about something because they don't understand it.

For the record too, it's pretty obvious that Calvin cares about his craft too. He's not just using a bunch of software synths and calling it a day, nothing wrong with that, but he takes the extra step to use the equipment to make his songs the best they can be (writers = the artists' real names btw)

 
If anything, it's similar to before Pop EDM and EDM blowing up. Many would consider them a track that features Calvin Harris or a track that was produced by Calvin Harris. That was a time that people barely cared for the instrumental or beat or how any song was made.

Joel should look at it like that. Currently we are in such a climate that people are interested that a producer can have features/collabs on their tracks. Joel shouldn't be butthurt because those kinds of recognitions and collabs will and can draw in more fans that will keep EDM alive.
 

Aomber

Member

Aomber

Member
Calvin doing his thing and showing that mau5 needs to shut up about this one lmao. I am really enjoying the music so far from this upcoming album, it really reminds me of the music Calvin made prior to becoming a full on producer. Also For those who aren't familiar, you should really check out Khalid (not of the DJ variety). He's doing some good stuff as well right now.

Calvin Harris - Rollin ft. Future and Khalid

Axwell Ingrosso have a new song as well... better than "I love you" but still really forgettable to be honest. I'm not optimistic about the future with these guys.

Axwell ^ Ingrosso - Renegade
 

Aomber

Member
Here's my occasional contribution of something non EDM that I think everyone who likes music needs to listen to.

Harry Styles released his self titled, throwback rock inspired album. For me this is the best album of the year so far – there's no question about it, it's really good. If you had told me a year ago I'd be digging an album from a member of one direction I would have definitely had my doubts. Do yourself a favor, listen to this album, this guy is going places as a solo artist.

 
Speaking of something sort of similar to that, Aomber, I'm glad that the Mello hype died down lol.

How are his numbers anyway? I reckon they're still at 1 million plus views?
 

Aomber

Member
Speaking of something sort of similar to that, Aomber, I'm glad that the Mello hype died down lol.

How are his numbers anyway? I reckon they're still at 1 million plus views?

Has it? He headlined the EDM stage at Coachella so I'm guessing he's still really popular. To be honest I try not to give him attention, just glad his sound hasn't seeped TOO much into other artist's sounds
 
Has it? He headlined the EDM stage at Coachella so I'm guessing he's still really popular. To be honest I try not to give him attention, just glad his sound hasn't seeped TOO much into other artist's sounds

Did he? Fuck I forgot lol. Was the crowd even enjoying it?
 

Aomber

Member
Did he? Fuck I forgot lol. Was the crowd even enjoying it?

From what I unfortunately had to see on the stream before Justice came on (different stage), they were, but it was also weekend 1 which apparently brings in the "people who just want to be seen".

He's absolutely terrible live, my friends and I saw him at Ile Soniq back in August for 15 minutes out of pure curiosity (a producer who isn't good might still make a decent DJ) and it was easily the worst set of the weekend.
 
From what I unfortunately had to see on the stream before Justice came on (different stage), they were, but it was also weekend 1 which apparently brings in the "people who just want to be seen".

He's absolutely terrible live, my friends and I saw him at Ile Soniq back in August for 15 minutes out of pure curiosity (a producer who isn't good might still make a decent DJ) and it was easily the worst set of the weekend.

Lol. I would rather he go back to his dotcom persona. I've heard people saying that him as dotcom was way better than his Marshmello persona.
 

Aomber

Member
Lol. I would rather he go back to his dotcom persona. I've heard people saying that him as dotcom was way better than his Marshmello persona.

Wouldn't surprise me, Marshmello as the name suggests tries to make his music sound like it's some kind of sweet candy.

I think the thing that bothers me the most about music like Mello's is it's so robotic. I mean listen to the melody in this fucking song, it just sounds like a sequencer spitting out a melody, it doesn't sound humanized at all

https://youtu.be/YnwsMEabmSo?t=1m13s
 
Wouldn't surprise me, Marshmello as the name suggests tries to make his music sound like it's some kind of sweet candy.

I think the thing that bothers me the most about music like Mello's is it's so robotic. I mean listen to the melody in this fucking song, it just sounds like a sequencer spitting out a melody, it doesn't sound humanized at all

https://youtu.be/YnwsMEabmSo?t=1m13s

It really is. His simplistic Future Bass/Chill Trap songs doesn't help at all. It's just.... Somewhat easy to listen to? Is that why people like his music? There's nothing in there that makes his tracks oomph with energy from my point of view. He suffers from Monstercat syndrome in that the artists that release music on Monstercat seems childish and not made well.
 

Aomber

Member
It really is. His simplistic Future Bass/Chill Trap songs doesn't help at all. It's just.... Somewhat easy to listen to? Is that why people like his music? There's nothing in there that makes his tracks oomph with energy from my point of view. He suffers from Monstercat syndrome in that the artists that release music on Monstercat seems childish and not made well.

Well, let me put it this way, just the name "Monstercat" isn't exactly targeting adults hahaha like they're inevitably going to be targeting a low common denominator, kids aren't exactly looking for some super deep music
 
Well, let me put it this way, just the name "Monstercat" isn't exactly targeting adults hahaha like they're inevitably going to be targeting a low common denominator, kids aren't exactly looking for some super deep music

Yeah. Their whole rebranding right now.... To make them seem more "professional" just isn't working for me especially when their latest release looks more edgy (the logo) than professional. Stop trying so hard.

There's a completely valid reason as to why people like me want them to go back to their 2013-2015ish days and that's because their music and image wasn't so childish. I get that they want to let their music speak for their label but uh.... When it's dominated by a ton of childish imagery on Youtube? Nobody is going to take you seriously.

I'm glad that Vicetone and Hellberg have stayed off of Monstercat for a while now and decided to pursue other things. I want Stonebank to do the same because that man is talented.

In a while they will have some gems but that's once in a blue moon (something that I was drinking earlier lol).

At least for Proximity he chooses to upload what he likes (albeit they aren't.... "Good" songs from my pov). Don't even get me started on MrSuicideSheep.....
 

Aomber

Member
Yeah. Their whole rebranding right now.... To make them seem more "professional" just isn't working for me especially when their latest release looks more edgy (the logo) than professional. Stop trying so hard.

There's a completely valid reason as to why people like me want them to go back to their 2013-2015ish days and that's because their music and image wasn't so childish. I get that they want to let their music speak for their label but uh.... When it's dominated by a ton of childish imagery on Youtube? Nobody is going to take you seriously.

I'm glad that Vicetone and Hellberg have stayed off of Monstercat for a while now and decided to pursue other things. I want Stonebank to do the same because that man is talented.

In a while they will have some gems but that's once in a blue moon (something that I was drinking earlier lol).

At least for Proximity he chooses to upload what he likes (albeit they aren't.... "Good" songs from my pov). Don't even get me started on MrSuicideSheep.....
I hear you, again I feel like the quality of EDM has just gone down overall and that's why you're seeing issues with a label like Monstercat. And yeah those youtube channels are pretty bullshit to be honest. Like you said once in a blue moon there will be a good song, but Proximity especially will upload these garbage mashups instead of promoting actual good music, I don't get it

EDIT: Also I love blue moon beer and I've also had a cocktail before called a "once in a blue moon"
 
I hear you, again I feel like the quality of EDM has just gone down overall and that's why you're seeing issues with a label like Monstercat. And yeah those youtube channels are pretty bullshit to be honest. Like you said once in a blue moon there will be a good song, but Proximity especially will upload these garbage mashups instead of promoting actual good music, I don't get it

EDIT: Also I love blue moon beer and I've also had a cocktail before called a "once in a blue moon"

I like Blue Moon but the Belgian Wheat just kills my stomach ;_; No matter how many I've had, I always end up with the hangover upset stomach the next day.
 
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