The Evolution of Dance Music in America
When did dance music become popular in America? It depends on what you mean by 'dance music.' The cultural landscape of America has been deeply influenced by different genres, with electronic dance music (EDM) standing out as a prominent and evolving component of popular culture. My professional experience as a DJ and the firsthand experience of organizing the first raves in San Diego in 1990 have given me a unique perspective on the history and popularity of dance music in America.
Early Influences and the Disappearance of Disco
The transition from disco to dance music can be traced back to the late 1970s, as disco's popularity began to wane in mainstream music. However, it did not completely disappear. Instead, it found new life in underground venues, particularly in gay clubs. Producers like Bobby Konders started to blend electronically made music with drum machines, incorporating elements of traditional disco into underground dance tracks but not necessarily through major labels like Nu Groove. This underground evolution eventually gave birth to House music, which became famous through nightclubs like The Warehouse in Chicago.
The Birth of Electronic Dance Music in the 1980s
In the 1980s, there were distinct milestones that paved the way for electronic dance music. One significant moment was the release of New Order's Tec Nick album. This album was one of the first 4/4 crossover albums I can recall and featured a blend of electronic sounds with more traditional, harder 4/4 rhythms. Around the same time, 808 State's Cubik also contributed to the burgeoning electronic dance scene.
Another landmark moment was the popularization of Acid House, which started to gain traction in the late 1980s. These early developments set the stage for the explosion of electronic dance music in the early 1990s. One of the earliest and most influential songs from this period was Rozalla’s Everybody’s Free, which became a lasting anthem. Other tracks like Prodigy’s Charly and LA Style by James Brown further solidified the genre's popularity.
The Rejection and Growth of Underground Raves
The rave scene of the early 1990s was a significant turning point for electronic dance music. These gatherings were a reaction against the stuffy and restrictive dress code clubs in major cities, offering a more vibrant and less formal atmosphere. The music at these events was centered around the dance floor and was rarely heard on mainstream radio. It is important to note that while dance music was often ridiculed as "white" music during the rave era, many of the earliest producers of house music were actually African American.
Major Hits and the Popularity of Drum and Bass
The 1990s saw a rise in crossover hits that brought electronic dance music into the mainstream. Tracks like The Bomb by the Bucketheads and Black Box gained significant popularity. In 1998, Stardust by Music Sounds Better and Daft Punk's contributions brought electronic dance music even further into the mainstream. By 1996, artists like LTJ Bukem and tracks like The Vocal Tune by Peshay introduced the world to drum and bass, a subgenre that would eventually flourish.
There are some tracks that speak to the deeper, more complex aspects of electronic dance music. Classic tracks like Jeno People and Tim Deluxe I Know showcase the deep house soulful dubby tracks that I found particularly captivating. Similarly, tracks like Algorithm Mondo Scuro and Electroliners Loose Caboose highlight the versatility and creativity within the genre.
Today, the landscape of electronic dance music has evolved significantly. Genres like "big room" house, represented by artists like Swedish House Mafia, are quite popular. However, they often feature simple melodies and chord progressions, which, to my taste, fall short of the artistic depth and complexity present in earlier electronic dance music. Old-school fans like myself may always have a soft spot for the tracks and subgenres that defined the early days of electronic dance music in the 1980s and 1990s.