EDM 101 which stands for Electronic Dance Music 101 is an audio documentary that introduces the music, key figures, technologies and global cultures that have contributed to edm music as we know it today. While the first four episodes focus on the music's history, the remaining three episodes delve into deeper questions about how modern technology is changing dynamics in all aspects of creation, distribution and consumption for the artists and their audiences. Song samples, interviews with DJ's, dance floor informants and media studies experts along with my narration is what you can expect to hear in the seven episodes, each running approximately 20 minutes in length. Below is a short description of what you can find in each episode. Follow the blog and check out links to fun resources. Welcome and enjoy!
Episode 1 - The first of seven episodes introducing electronic dance music, my
theory on language, digital culture and globalization. This episode
starts in the 1920's with the music concret movement, touches on
krafwerk, early Detroit techno, Chicago house and leads up to the 1990's
Garage sound coming out of NYC. Samples of early synthesizers and drum
machines are also included.
Episode 2 - Ventures over to England and focuses on the events that lead
to the explosion of electronic dance music into the realm of
popularity. Socio-political factors help frame the acid house explosion
and build in some context as a stepping stone towards rave culture.
Episode 3- Is 'Ardcore!' Do you know the
score? We focus in the early 90's and explore the explosion of rave
culture in both Europe and the U.S. This is followed up with a short
discussion on sub-culture theory and a look at the way music evolves.
Episode 4- Shortly
after rave burst onto the global scene, ambient house and techno- along
with similar, slower electronic sounds, rose to popularity. Influential
record labels like m_nus and artists such as Aphex Twin and Autechre
are introduced. Along with the important Artificial Intelligence record
compilation. The episode concludes with a final word about the global
nature of electronic music and makes the argument that this loosely
categorized genre, more than any other is particularly relevant for the
inquiry into music as a catalyst for cross cultural exchanges.
Episode 5 - Moving
out of past and into the present, “Playing Live” focuses on the advent
of laptop performing. How are dynamics changing on the dance floor due
to the new technology? What are the future directions of EDM music and
how is it made? I offer a tutorial montage to give a glimpse how dubstep
is made and end with some thoughts on music distribution.
Episode 6 - In
EDM 101 Episode 6 we explored the question, "Does the local matter?" As
Internet technology spreads globally, international ties become
stronger by the minute. Interviews
with media theorists along with a brief history if networked music help
bring to light some of the issues that are increasingly changing the
way we perceive notions of 'local' vs. 'global'
Episode 7 - This
is the final episode of EDM 101. We dive deep into the world of new
technology and explore mediated environments which entail aspects of
both physical and virtual spaces. Can there be successful jamming of
electronic music online? Can energy transfer through the screen? A long
lists of theorists and practitioners weigh in on the great debate. Join
us for the EDM 101 series wrap up for an enlightening discussion around
new technology, culture and electronic dance music.
