The music world as we know it is rapidly changing. Though traditional styles remain intact and popular amongst mainstream listeners, a new movement has surfaced and is taking the nation by storm.
This new movement is referred to as EDM, or Electronic Dance Movement. The movement began in the late 1980s to early 1990s and has progressively gained popularity in the UK as well as North America.
The movement is supported by DJs with unique sound technology, which enables them to stir up bass drops, unique melodies and even popular melodies all wound into one successful mix. These revolutionary artists have started off in an underground setting but have worked their way up the ladder of popularity to regular radio and worldwide festivals.
Arguably, the top artist in this music enhancing movement is Joel Zimmerman, who goes by his stage name Deadmau5 (pronounced Deadmouse). In order to grasp a better understanding of both this trend setting act and his scene, I interviewed senior Tyler Giesting, an electronic enthusiast who saw Deadmau5 at Indiana University over fall break.
Why do you think this electronic movement has become so popular, and where do you see it going in upcoming years?
I think a lot of this popularity comes from a major shift in technology. Laptops and music software allow pretty much anyone to become a music producer or DJ. Equally important has been the Internet in terms of music exhibition. It's pretty well known that much of this music is available for basically nothing on music blogs all over the Internet.
It's impossible to deny how popular EDM is becoming, and there's no end in sight. More mainstream artists like Britney Spears ("Til the World Ends"), Pitbull ("Give Me Everything"), Rihanna, David Guetta (nearly everything he's ever played that's gone mainstream) or LMFAO ("Party Rock Anthem") are all participating in the "EDM-crossover." Just listen and you can tell.
How does a Deadmau5 concert differ from other concerts you've been to, and what makes you keep going?
I've seen Deadmau5 four times in the last year, including his headlining set at Lollapalooza, and each time has been so different. He's arguably the biggest name in EDM and he constantly changes his set lists so that every show is different. There is more energy at a Deadmau5 concert than any concert I've ever been to and the light show is incredible. Generally tickets are not too expensive and while it's great to be in the front row, you can enjoy it from the back of the crowd as well. Plus, his music is really good.
What are your favorite songs by Deadmau5, and how have they captivated the electronic movement?
Some of my favorite Deadmau5 tracks are "Not Exactly," "Raise Your Weapon," "Strobe," "HR 8938 Cephei," "Move for Me," "I Remember" and "Some Chords," not necessarily in that order. You can find them all on Spotify or Youtube. He is typically known for songs with long buildups and pretty heavy "drops." I'm not sure there's a song with a better build up than "Strobe," and I think he's won over thousands of fans with that song. It could be considered his signature song and it's almost impossible not to have fun listening to it.
Why would you recommend seeing Deadmau5 to anyone else?
You don't need to be a fan of the music necessarily, you just need to be open to having a good time. The crowd is generally younger, which is fun. It's a few hours of raw energy, lights and music. In this case, if it's too loud, you really are too old or just don't enjoy having fun. It's pretty easy music to dance to.
After being a headliner at Lollapalooza, performing on the same stage as Coldplay did two days prior, it is evident how impactful Deadmau5 has become.
—Easterhouse is a freshman from Evergreen Park, Ill, majoring in Comm.