The Digital Electronic Music Phenomenon

Most people are aware, at least to some extent, of the digital music revolution that is occurring today. Television commercials, the Internet, magazine ads, and word of mouth are all conspiring to let us know that the paradigm for music distribution is undergoing a radical shift. While the iPod, iTunes, Napster, and other similar digital music icons are announcing the occurrence of the revolution to the world; another fascinating phenomenon is taking place that many people do not yet know about. This lesser known but equally interesting phenomenon is the emergence of the digital electronic music era. The digital music revolution has impacted nearly all genres of music, but its effect on electronic music has been unique. This is primarily the result of two factors. First, electronic music shares a distinct and strong connection with technology. Second, the structure for the creation and distribution of electronic music is fundamentally different from other genres. Since its inception, electronic music has been inextricably linked to technology. As the name would suggest, electronic music is produced primarily by electronic components such as synthesizers, samplers, computers, and drum machines. Its history can be traced as far back as 1897, when people began experimenting with electronic instruments. Whereas most other genres of music are created by people using their voices or other conventional instruments; electronic music is created by people primarily using technology – e.g. computers and other electronic devices. As our society’s technology improves, so too do the “instruments” from which electronic music is produced. Today, the digital music revolution is causing an unprecedented convergence of music and technology, as people in increasing numbers are using computers to shop for, listen to, and create music. This convergence is amplified in the case of electronic music because its followers are, in many cases, naturally adept with technology. The production of the highest quality electronic music does not require a standard recording studio. With the proper software and knowledge, a person can create professional, cutting-edge electronic music on a home computer. Then, the person can share this music using the multitude of forums, download stores, or other industry websites that are available. As the world becomes increasingly connected through computers, electronic music will continue to enjoy a unique opportunity for improvement, growth, and transformation. This is intensified by the fact that language provides no significant barriers to the genre. Another reason for the digital music revolution’s unique effect on electronic music is the fact that its structure for creation and distribution is fundamentally different from that of other genres. The artists who create and record the songs do not typically play or perform them for audiences. For other genres such as rock, hip hop, pop, blues, jazz, country, salsa, etc., the singer or band that creates and/or records a given song will also be responsible for its performance in front of audiences. In the case of electronic music, one or more people may create and record a particular track, but it is the DJ who will typically play or perform it for audiences. The electronic music DJ serves, among other things, as an artistic intermediary between the creators of the individual tracks and the listeners. Since electronic music has a multi-tiered participant structure – including producers, DJs, and fans – it has a corresponding multi-tiered distribution structure. The first tier involves the distribution of raw sound materials (“samples”) to producers, which they can use to create electronic music tracks. The second tier involves the distribution of tracks to DJs. The final tier involves the distribution of DJ mixes to fans. The digital music revolution has affected electronic music on each of these tiers. While the standard distribution medium for other musical genres evolved from vinyl records to 8-tracks, then to tape cassettes and eventually CDs, electronic music DJs continued to play vinyl records. This was because the DJs needed to synchronize the beats of tracks (“beatmatching”), make equalizer adjustments, or use other artistic techniques that only vinyl permitted. Today, however, there are a number of digital turntables that permit DJs to manipulate tracks in digital format in much the same way as they previously manipulated vinyl records. Now, instead of carrying flight cases filled with heavy 12” vinyl, a DJ can store several performances worth of tracks in a small CD wallet. As an increasing number of electronic music DJs are beginning to play music in digital format, we have seen the emergence of a number of digital music stores to provide them with tracks. Resonant Vibes (www.ResonantVibes.com) has developed a digital music store that caters to all tiers of electronic music. The website offers samples for producers, tracks for DJs, and mixes for fans. In addition, the website features content-based sections to educate visitors about the various sub-genres of electronic music and to learn about and listen to free mixes by rising DJs.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com