It's true - the EDM scene has grown to be a worldwide phenomenon. The popularity of raves and electronic music festivals is on the uprise and shows no signs of stopping. Sounds, textures, and musical structures commonly heard in progressive/electro house are becoming more and more commonly used in other genres of music, even pop (if you haven't heard Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble" yet, you're in for a treat).

What many people tend to overlook, though, is that the E and the M in EDM encapsulate so many other unheard styles, genres, and cultures of music. Sometimes EDM isn't all about the 4/4 tempos, or the hardest-hitting sounds, or the most feel-good melodies, or about who can create the biggest, most 'epic, face-melting' drop. Beyond the 'mainstream' of the EDM scene lies a realm concerned with experimentation, discovery, and pushing limits in electronic music: the Beat scene. Artists like Flying Lotus, Shlohmo, TNGHT, and Nosaj Thing have toiled endlessly to produce music that doesn't necessarily make you dance but rather think. These artists make music that cannot be classified as one distinct genre and create soundscapes that challenge EDM's developing conventions.

One week ago, Katie Bain - a writer for LA Weekly's music blog, West Coast Sound - wrote an article which discussed the similarities and differences between the EDM and Beat scenes. It was one of my favorite reads this week, and I share it with you in hopes that you can take the time to learn about this unique side of electronic music.

ARTICLE HERE:
"What's the Difference Between the EDM Scene and the Beat Scene?" by Katie Bain

Happy reading!
- Jaime