The Rise and Resilience of Electronic Music

The Popularity of Electronic Music

Despite being the fifth-most-popular music genre globally, electronic music has faced severe challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Valued at an estimated US$7.3 billion in 2019, the industry’s worth plunged to US$3.3 billion in 2020. This dramatic decline underscores the fragile state of an industry heavily reliant on live events and festivals, which were largely wiped out during lockdowns.

The Impact of the Pandemic

The cancellation of hundreds of electronic festivals worldwide was not just an economic blow; it led to creativity appearing in underground spaces. In France, for example, authorities charged over 1,200 individuals for participating in an illegal rave that violated COVID restrictions. These underground scenes often serve as a sanctuary for listeners and performers alike but also illustrate the immense pressures this genre faces from legal and cultural policies.

Cultural Integration and Support

A pivotal study titled Electronic Cities delves into how electronic music is often marginalized in cultural policies. Contributors to the book examine 18 cities across the globe, highlighting a significant oversight of electronic music in city planning and support mechanisms. While many music city policies focus on traditional forms of music, electronic genres frequently find themselves excluded.

Moreover, live venues often lack the protection they need under current planning frameworks, placing underground scenes at risk. Emerging strategies like Victoria’s “Agent of Change” policy in Australia attempt to address this gap, illustrating a growing recognition of the necessity to safeguard small clubs and live venues that underpin electronic music culture.

The Evolution of Electronic Music

Electronic music has metamorphosed from early 1950s experiments with musique concrète to a vast landscape encompassing approximately 153 diverse genres. These genres span commercial dance hits, cinematic soundtracks, and niche underground sounds.

A notable distinction exists between electronic dance music (EDM), typically tailored for clubs and dance venues, and intelligent dance music (IDM), which is often designed for home listening. Underground styles, such as acid techno, emerge directly from the experiences and creativity of DJs, rooted in specific environments and audiences.

A Global Phenomenon

Though initially birthed in American cities like Chicago and Detroit, as well as in Germany’s Düsseldorf and Berlin, electronic music has become a worldwide phenomenon. Electronic Cities examines the burgeoning electronic dance music scenes in urban locales ranging from Shenzhen, China, to Tehran, Iran, and Accra, Ghana. This global spread highlights electronic music’s role as a cultural connector, fusing diverse music styles with local nuances.

Cities around the world have begun leveraging electronic music to promote tourism and invigorate their nightlife economies. Events like Techno Week in Detroit and the Untold Festival in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, are prime examples of how electronic music has been integrated into broader city branding strategies, attracting visitors and stimulating local economies.

Challenges Faced in Urban Spaces

Despite these opportunities, electronic music faces notable challenges, particularly in larger cities where small underground clubs are under siege from gentrification. Iconic venues, such as Club 414 in Brixton, London, illustrate the constant threat of redevelopment that does not account for the cultural significance of these spaces.

Planners often fail to recognize the unique historical and cultural contributions these clubs make, leading to a neglect that places the vibrancy of electronic music at risk.

Adaptation and Resilience in the Industry

The pandemic has catalyzed a re-evaluation of the electronic music landscape. Artists, promoters, and venue owners have begun to reconsider how to thrive amid adversity. Australian band Regurgitator highlights the importance of sustainability, both in artistic endeavors and in the business model of music.

With many artists expressing skepticism about a return to “normal” post-pandemic, there is an evident shift towards adaptability. Streaming platforms, once a niche space for gamers, have opened new avenues for DJs and artists to engage their audiences, allowing for a broader reach than ever before.

A Future with New Frontiers

As we reflect on the challenges and adaptations in the electronic music landscape, it’s clear that the industry is at a critical juncture. The pandemic has served as a wake-up call, urging artists and industry professionals alike to think radically about the future.

Mark Reeder, a prominent figure in Berlin’s electronic music scene, remarked that although the past may provide a sense of nostalgia, the future of techno—and electronic music as a whole—will require innovation. DJs streaming from home, once viewed as a temporary fix, now signify a potential evolution in how music is produced and consumed.

Much remains to be seen about the direction electronic music will take. However, the resilience of artists and the adaptability of venues could pave the way for a revitalized scene that acknowledges the lessons learned during these tumultuous times.