1.1 Historical overview of electronic music
4 min read•july 22, 2024
Electronic music has revolutionized the way we create and experience sound. From early experiments with noise to the rise of and computer-generated music, it has constantly pushed boundaries and expanded our sonic palette.
Technological advancements have been key to electronic music's evolution. From Edison's to modern , new tools have enabled artists to manipulate sound in increasingly complex and innovative ways, reshaping the music industry and popular culture.
Historical Overview of Electronic Music
Evolution of electronic music
Top images from around the web for Evolution of electronic music
synthesizers – SOCKS View original
Is this image relevant?
Synapse Magazine: archiving the history of electronic music – SOCKS View original
Is this image relevant?
Synapse Magazine: archiving the history of electronic music – SOCKS View original
Is this image relevant?
synthesizers – SOCKS View original
Is this image relevant?
Synapse Magazine: archiving the history of electronic music – SOCKS View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Evolution of electronic music
synthesizers – SOCKS View original
Is this image relevant?
Synapse Magazine: archiving the history of electronic music – SOCKS View original
Is this image relevant?
Synapse Magazine: archiving the history of electronic music – SOCKS View original
Is this image relevant?
synthesizers – SOCKS View original
Is this image relevant?
Synapse Magazine: archiving the history of electronic music – SOCKS View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Early 20th century experiments
- published "" manifesto (1913) which explored the use of noise in music and inspired later electronic music pioneers
- invented the (1920), an early electronic instrument played without physical contact by the performer
- created the (1928), an electronic musical instrument that produced sound through the manipulation of oscillating frequencies
-
- Developed by in the 1940s as a compositional technique using recorded sounds as raw material
- Utilized sounds from the environment, manipulated through techniques like splicing, looping, and reversing tape
-
- Emerged in Germany in the 1950s at the Studio for Electronic Music in Cologne
- Focused on creating sounds electronically using devices like sine wave generators, filters, and ring modulators
- Tape music
- Composers like () and () experimented with manipulating recorded sounds on magnetic tape
- Techniques included splicing, looping, speed alteration, and reversing tape direction
- Synthesizers
- and developed early modular synthesizers in the 1960s, which generated and shaped sounds using voltage-controlled components
- Popularized by artists like () and (Emerson, Lake & Palmer)
-
- developed , one of the first computer music programming languages, at Bell Labs in the 1950s
- () was founded in Paris (1977) to research the intersection of music and computer science
- ()
- Emerged in the 1970s and 1980s with genres like (), (), and ()
- Evolved into various subgenres like (), (), and () in the 1990s and 2000s
Technological advancements in electronic music
- Thomas Edison's invention of the phonograph (1877) allowed sound to be recorded and played back, paving the way for electronic music experimentation
- The development of in the 1930s provided a more flexible medium for manipulating and editing recorded sounds
- The invention of the (1947) enabled the creation of portable, affordable electronic devices like radios and synthesizers
- Moog and Buchla's synthesizers in the 1960s introduced , filters, and amplifiers, expanding the palette of electronic sounds
- Digital synthesizers and samplers in the 1970s and 1980s, such as the , , and , offered new methods of sound generation and manipulation
- The () protocol, introduced in 1983, allowed electronic instruments to communicate with each other and with computers
- Digital Audio Workstations () emerged in the 1990s, providing software-based music production environments like and
- Advancements in computer processing power and software have enabled complex sound synthesis, real-time audio manipulation, and the creation of virtual instruments
Sociocultural influences on electronic music
- The post-World War II era saw increased interest in science, technology, and experimentation, as well as a desire to break from traditional musical forms and structures
- The 1960s counterculture movement embraced experimentation with psychedelic drugs and alternative states of consciousness, influencing electronic music's psychedelic and avant-garde elements
- Disco and club culture in the 1970s and 1980s made electronic instruments and production techniques integral to dance music, with DJs and producers gaining prominence as musical innovators
- Globalization and the internet have facilitated the spread and cross-pollination of electronic music genres and styles, enabling collaboration between artists from different parts of the world
Impact on music industry
- The affordability of electronic instruments and software has democratized music production, allowing bedroom producers and independent artists to create professional-sounding recordings
- Electronic music has inspired the creation of entirely new genres and subgenres (, , ) and influenced the sound and production of mainstream pop, rock, and hip-hop
- Electronic music artists have pioneered new approaches to live performance, incorporating laptops, controllers, and visual elements into their shows
- The use of sampling and remixing techniques, popularized by electronic music producers, has led to legal and ethical debates about copyright and intellectual property
- Electronic music has become increasingly prevalent in film, television, and video game soundtracks, establishing the careers of many electronic music composers and producers (, , )
Key Terms to Review (58)
Akai mpc: The Akai MPC (Music Production Center) is a series of electronic music production devices designed for sampling, sequencing, and producing music. It combines drum machine capabilities with MIDI sequencing and allows musicians to create beats and melodies using sampled sounds, making it a vital tool in various music genres, especially hip-hop and electronic music.
Ambient: Ambient refers to a genre of music that emphasizes atmosphere and texture over traditional musical structure and rhythm. It often incorporates soundscapes, field recordings, and electronic elements to create immersive experiences that evoke feelings of calm or introspection. This genre is significant in the evolution of electronic music, influencing the development of experimental sound art and the use of technology in music production.
Computer music: Computer music refers to music that is created, processed, or performed using computer technology. This encompasses a wide range of practices, including digital sound synthesis, audio processing, and algorithmic composition. The advent of computer music has transformed how composers approach sound creation and manipulation, enabling new artistic expressions and innovative techniques in the field of electronic music.
Cubase: Cubase is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Steinberg, used for music production, recording, mixing, and editing audio. It has played a pivotal role in the evolution of electronic music, offering tools that allow composers and producers to create complex arrangements and soundscapes seamlessly. With its MIDI capabilities and support for various plugins, Cubase has become a staple in both professional and home studios, influencing the way music is composed and produced.
Daft Punk: Daft Punk was a French electronic music duo formed in 1993, consisting of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo. Known for their innovative blend of house music, disco, and pop, they significantly impacted the evolution of electronic music and set standards for performance and production techniques.
DAWs: Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are software applications used for recording, editing, mixing, and producing audio files. They revolutionized music production by providing musicians and composers with powerful tools to create, manipulate, and arrange music in a digital format, leading to significant advancements in electronic music composition and production techniques.
Digital Audio Workstations: Digital audio workstations (DAWs) are software platforms that allow users to record, edit, mix, and produce audio files on a computer. They revolutionized the music production process by providing a versatile and user-friendly environment where musicians and producers can manipulate sound digitally, making them essential tools in modern music composition and production.
Disco: Disco is a genre of dance music that emerged in the 1970s, characterized by its upbeat tempo, syncopated basslines, and the use of orchestral instruments along with electronic elements. This genre not only revolutionized popular music but also influenced nightlife culture, leading to the rise of discotheques and a unique social scene that celebrated dance and self-expression.
Don Buchla: Don Buchla was an influential American electronic music instrument designer and pioneer known for creating innovative synthesizers and modular systems. His work significantly shaped the landscape of electronic music, particularly in the development of performance-oriented instruments that emphasized live interaction and experimentation, setting him apart from his contemporaries.
Donna Summer: Donna Summer was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and actress who became known as the 'Queen of Disco' during the 1970s. Her music not only defined the disco era but also integrated electronic elements that showcased the innovations in sound production during this time, making her a pivotal figure in the historical development of electronic music.
Drum and bass: Drum and bass is a fast-paced genre of electronic music characterized by heavy basslines, fast breakbeats, and intricate rhythms. It emerged from the UK in the early 1990s and combines elements of jungle, hip hop, and electronic dance music, creating a unique sound that emphasizes both rhythm and bass.
Dubstep: Dubstep is a genre of electronic music characterized by heavy basslines, syncopated drum patterns, and an overall darker sound palette. Emerging in the late 1990s in the UK, it has roots in genres like dub, garage, and drum and bass, and has become a significant part of the broader electronic dance music scene.
Edm: EDM, or Electronic Dance Music, is a broad genre of music that primarily revolves around the use of electronic instruments and technology to create rhythmic tracks for dancing. It encompasses various styles and subgenres, often characterized by synthesized sounds, repetitive beats, and an emphasis on creating a party atmosphere. This genre's evolution ties closely to the historical development of electronic music, showcasing innovative works by key artists and influencing modern techniques in sound production and mastering.
Electronic Dance Music: Electronic dance music (EDM) is a genre of music primarily produced for nightclubs, raves, and festivals, characterized by its rhythmic beats and synthesized sounds. It emerged from the evolution of electronic music and has been shaped by various styles and technological advancements, making it a significant part of contemporary music culture.
Elektronische musik: Elektronische Musik refers to a genre of music that primarily involves the use of electronic devices and technology to create sounds. This form of music emerged in the 20th century as composers began experimenting with electronic instruments, tape recordings, and later, computer software, leading to new soundscapes that deviated from traditional acoustic music forms. It connects to various movements and innovations in music history, highlighting the shift towards the integration of technology in musical composition and performance.
Fairlight CMI: The Fairlight CMI (Computer Musical Instrument) is a pioneering digital audio workstation developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for its innovative use of digital sampling and synthesis. This groundbreaking instrument allowed composers to manipulate recorded sounds and create complex soundscapes, greatly influencing the landscape of electronic music and audio production.
Frankie Knuckles: Frankie Knuckles was an influential American DJ, record producer, and remixer known as the 'Godfather of House Music'. He played a key role in the development of house music in the 1980s, blending elements of disco, soul, and electronic music in his sets. His innovative approach not only defined the sound of a genre but also set the stage for future artists and the evolution of electronic dance music.
Futurist: A futurist is an individual who anticipates and predicts future trends, particularly in art, technology, and society. In the context of electronic music, futurism emphasizes innovation and the exploration of new soundscapes, often challenging traditional musical forms and conventions. This movement has significantly influenced the evolution of electronic music by encouraging artists to experiment with technology and embrace the unknown.
Gesang der Jünglinge: Gesang der Jünglinge, or 'Song of the Youths', is a pioneering electronic music composition by Karlheinz Stockhausen created in 1955-56. It uniquely combines recorded boys' voices with synthesized sounds, making it a landmark work in the development of electronic music, showcasing innovative techniques and ideas that would influence future compositions across various genres.
Glitch: A glitch is a brief and unexpected error or malfunction in a system, often resulting in distorted or disrupted sound or visuals. In electronic music, glitches are creatively embraced and manipulated to produce unique textures and rhythms, often representing the imperfections inherent in digital technology. This aesthetic has been influential across various genres, reflecting both historical advancements in electronic music and contemporary practices in sound design and composition.
Goldie: Goldie refers to the innovative and influential contributions made by the electronic musician and producer, Goldie, particularly known for his work in the drum and bass genre. Emerging in the early 1990s, Goldie's music is characterized by a fusion of breakbeat rhythms, deep basslines, and atmospheric textures, which helped to shape the sound of electronic music during that period. His debut album, 'Timeless,' is considered a landmark release that defined the genre and showcased the potential of electronic music as a serious art form.
Hans Zimmer: Hans Zimmer is a renowned German composer and music producer known for his innovative and impactful film scores that blend orchestral and electronic elements. He has shaped the sound of modern cinema with his distinctive style, contributing to iconic soundtracks for films such as 'The Lion King,' 'Inception,' and 'Gladiator.' Zimmer's work highlights the evolution of film music by integrating technology, showcasing how electronic music can enhance storytelling in movies.
House: House is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the 1980s, characterized by its repetitive beats, synthesized melodies, and a strong emphasis on rhythm and bass. This style has become a cornerstone of electronic music culture, influencing various subgenres and shaping the landscape of dance music worldwide.
IDM: IDM, or Intelligent Dance Music, is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the early 1990s, characterized by its complex rhythms, intricate melodies, and a focus on cerebral listening experiences rather than traditional dance floor appeal. This genre often incorporates elements from various styles, such as ambient, techno, and experimental music, pushing the boundaries of electronic sound and composition. IDM artists tend to prioritize creativity and innovation, making use of advanced production techniques to create rich sonic textures.
Institut de recherche et coordination acoustique/musique: The Institut de recherche et coordination acoustique/musique (IRCAM) is a French institute dedicated to the study and development of music and acoustic research. Founded in 1970 by composer Pierre Boulez, it plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between music, science, and technology, fostering innovation in electronic music composition and sound design.
IRCAM: IRCAM, or the Institute for Research and Coordination in Acoustics/Music, is a French organization established in 1970 that focuses on the research, development, and promotion of contemporary music and sound technologies. It plays a vital role in the evolution of electronic music, providing a space for composers and researchers to experiment with new ideas and techniques. IRCAM's influence extends through its innovative use of technology, fostering collaborations between musicians, scientists, and engineers.
John Cage: John Cage was an innovative American composer and music theorist known for his pioneering work in avant-garde music and experimental sound. He is best recognized for his unconventional approach to composition, particularly through the use of chance and indeterminacy, which challenged traditional notions of music and sound. Cage's influence extends deeply into electronic music, as his philosophies inspired a generation of musicians to explore new sonic possibilities and creative freedom.
Juan Atkins: Juan Atkins is a pioneering figure in electronic music, widely regarded as the 'Godfather of Techno.' He played a vital role in the development of techno music in Detroit during the 1980s, blending elements of funk, house, and electronic sounds to create a unique and influential genre. His work set the stage for the global evolution of electronic dance music, making him an essential connection to both the historical narrative of electronic music and its various genres.
Karlheinz Stockhausen: Karlheinz Stockhausen was a pioneering German composer, widely recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to electronic music and avant-garde compositions. His innovative use of technology and sound synthesis has influenced the development of contemporary music, showcasing new methods of composition and performance that challenged traditional norms. Stockhausen's work spans various styles and techniques, which helps define key movements in the evolution of electronic music and experimental sound art.
Keith Emerson: Keith Emerson was a pioneering English keyboardist, composer, and founding member of the progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer. He is renowned for his innovative use of synthesizers and electronic instruments, making significant contributions to the evolution of electronic music during the 1970s. His work is marked by the blending of classical music influences with rock, creating a distinctive sound that has left a lasting impact on both electronic music and rock genres.
Léon Theremin: Léon Theremin was a Russian inventor and musician best known for creating the theremin, one of the first electronic musical instruments, in the early 1920s. His work not only pioneered electronic music technology but also influenced various genres and composers, marking a significant point in the evolution of sound production in the 20th century.
Luigi Russolo: Luigi Russolo was an Italian composer, painter, and theorist best known for his pioneering work in the realm of noise music and sound experimentation in the early 20th century. He is celebrated for his manifesto 'The Art of Noises,' which advocated for the inclusion of non-traditional sounds in music, laying the groundwork for modern electronic music and avant-garde composition. His ideas encouraged artists to explore new sonic possibilities beyond conventional music, significantly influencing the development of sound art and experimental music.
Magnetic tape recording: Magnetic tape recording is a method of storing audio and data on a flexible plastic strip coated with a magnetic material. This technology revolutionized the recording industry by allowing for high-quality sound reproduction and editing capabilities, which were previously unattainable with earlier recording methods. It paved the way for modern music production, enabling composers and sound engineers to manipulate recordings with greater ease and creativity.
Maurice Martenot: Maurice Martenot was a French musician and inventor, best known for creating the Ondes Martenot, one of the earliest electronic musical instruments. This instrument is notable for its unique sound, which resembles that of the human voice, and its expressive capabilities, making it significant in the development of electronic music. Martenot's contributions laid important groundwork for future explorations in electronic sound and performance.
Max Mathews: Max Mathews was an influential figure in the development of electronic music and is often referred to as the 'father of computer music.' His pioneering work in the 1950s and 1960s at Bell Labs led to significant advancements in sound synthesis and the use of computers for music composition. Mathews created groundbreaking software, such as MUSIC, which allowed composers to generate complex sounds and explore new musical possibilities.
MIDI: MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a technical standard that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate and synchronize with each other. It enables musicians and composers to control multiple instruments and create complex compositions by transmitting performance data like notes, velocity, and pitch bends, rather than actual audio signals. This capability has revolutionized music production and is essential in various contexts such as rhythm creation, harmony development, and the use of digital audio workstations (DAWs).
Music-n: Music-n refers to a conceptual framework that encompasses the broad spectrum of music created and performed with electronic devices and technologies. It highlights how electronic music has evolved from experimental practices to mainstream acceptance, reflecting advancements in technology and shifts in cultural perceptions of sound and performance.
Musical Instrument Digital Interface: Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is a technical standard that facilitates communication between electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices. It allows various devices to connect and share performance data, such as notes and control signals, enabling musicians to create and manipulate music more efficiently. MIDI has been pivotal in the evolution of electronic music, as it revolutionized how musicians compose, perform, and produce music in a digital environment.
Musique concrète: Musique concrète is a genre of music that involves the use of recorded sounds from the real world, which are manipulated and arranged to create a composition. This form of music contrasts traditional compositional methods by emphasizing the sonic qualities of everyday sounds, including speech, environmental noises, and other non-musical elements. Musique concrète represents a groundbreaking shift in the historical landscape of electronic music, paving the way for future innovations in sound design and composition techniques.
Ondes martenot: The ondes martenot is an early electronic musical instrument invented in the 1920s by Maurice Martenot, known for its expressive sound and ability to create a wide range of pitches. It uses a keyboard and a ribbon controller to produce sound, combining elements of traditional instruments with electronic technology. This instrument played a significant role in the evolution of electronic music and has influenced various genres, including classical and avant-garde compositions.
Paul van Dyk: Paul van Dyk is a renowned German DJ, record producer, and electronic music composer known for his influential work in the trance music genre. He gained prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming one of the first DJs to achieve global fame while contributing significantly to the development and popularization of electronic dance music (EDM). His innovative sound and dynamic live performances have left a lasting impact on the electronic music landscape.
Phonograph: The phonograph, invented by Thomas Edison in 1877, is a device that reproduces sound by using a stylus to read grooves on a rotating disc or cylinder. This revolutionary technology marked the beginning of sound recording and playback, fundamentally changing the way music and audio were consumed and paving the way for future developments in electronic music.
Pierre Schaeffer: Pierre Schaeffer was a French composer and musicologist, recognized as a pioneer of musique concrète, an early form of electronic music that uses recorded sounds from the environment as raw material. His innovative approach transformed how music could be created, challenging traditional notions of composition by focusing on sound itself rather than conventional musical notation. Schaeffer's work laid the foundation for many developments in electronic music and sound art.
Pro Tools: Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Avid Technology, widely used for recording, editing, and mixing audio. It has played a significant role in the evolution of electronic music by providing musicians and producers with powerful tools to manipulate sound in creative ways. Its advanced features and user-friendly interface have made it a standard in both professional and home studios, impacting the production landscape of electronic music significantly.
Robert Moog: Robert Moog was an American engineer and inventor, best known for creating the Moog synthesizer, which revolutionized the world of electronic music in the 1960s. His innovations in synthesizer design and modular synthesis techniques played a crucial role in shaping the sound of modern music and laid the groundwork for future developments in electronic instruments.
Skrillex: Skrillex is the stage name of Sonny John Moore, an influential American electronic music producer, DJ, and singer-songwriter known for popularizing dubstep and incorporating various genres into his work. His innovative sound design and production techniques have significantly impacted the landscape of electronic music, pushing boundaries and setting trends.
Switched-On Bach: Switched-On Bach is an influential album by Wendy Carlos, released in 1968, that features electronic renditions of Johann Sebastian Bach's works. This groundbreaking album played a crucial role in popularizing synthesizers in music and showcased the unique sound possibilities of electronic instruments, marking a pivotal moment in the history of electronic music and contributing to the legitimacy of synthesizers in both popular and classical music realms.
Synthesizers: Synthesizers are electronic instruments that generate audio signals to create sound, often replicating traditional instruments or creating entirely new sonic textures. They play a pivotal role in music production and performance, influencing genres and pushing the boundaries of sound design.
Techno: Techno is a genre of electronic dance music characterized by repetitive beats, synthesized sounds, and a focus on rhythm and atmosphere. Emerging from the underground scene in Detroit during the 1980s, it has evolved to encompass various styles while remaining influential in the wider landscape of electronic music.
The Art of Noises: The Art of Noises is a manifesto written by Luigi Russolo in 1913 that advocates for the inclusion of noise and everyday sounds in music composition. This revolutionary idea challenged traditional notions of music, emphasizing that sounds from industrial environments and urban life could be valuable sources for artistic expression. The manifesto laid the groundwork for future experimentation in electronic music, influencing composers to explore non-traditional soundscapes.
Theremin: The theremin is an electronic musical instrument that is played without physical contact, using two metal antennas to sense the position of the player's hands, which control pitch and volume. It was invented in the 1920s by Léon Theremin and is notable for its eerie sound and its role in early electronic music, paving the way for future electronic instruments and compositions.
Trance: Trance is a genre of electronic dance music characterized by its repetitive melodic phrases, build-ups, and breakdowns that create an immersive and euphoric experience for listeners. This genre often emphasizes emotional elements, leading to a hypnotic state that encourages movement and connection on the dance floor, establishing it as a significant part of the electronic music landscape.
Transistor: A transistor is a semiconductor device that can amplify and switch electronic signals and electrical power. Transistors are fundamental components in modern electronics and have played a crucial role in the evolution of electronic music, enabling the development of synthesizers and other sound-generating devices.
Vangelis: Vangelis is a Greek composer and musician known for his pioneering work in electronic music, particularly in the fields of film scoring and synthesizer compositions. His innovative use of synthesizers and orchestral arrangements has significantly influenced the soundscape of contemporary music, bridging the gap between classical and electronic genres. Vangelis's work is often characterized by its lush melodies, rich textures, and emotional depth, making him a key figure in the historical development of electronic music.
Voltage-controlled oscillators: Voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) are electronic circuits that generate a periodic waveform, typically a sine, square, or triangular wave, where the frequency of the output signal is directly proportional to an input voltage. VCOs play a crucial role in electronic music and synthesis by allowing musicians and sound designers to create a variety of sounds that can be modulated in real-time. They are integral to synthesizers, helping to shape the tonal characteristics of sounds through frequency modulation.
Wendy Carlos: Wendy Carlos is an American composer and electronic music pioneer known for her innovative work with the Moog synthesizer and her influential albums that blend classical and electronic music. Her groundbreaking 1968 album, 'Switched-On Bach,' played a crucial role in bringing electronic music to the mainstream, showcasing the potential of synthesizers in classical music arrangements. Carlos's contributions helped to establish electronic music as a legitimate art form and inspired future generations of musicians and composers.
Williams Mix: Williams Mix is a landmark piece of electronic music composed by John Cage in 1952, recognized for its innovative use of magnetic tape and chance operations. This composition is significant in the evolution of electronic music as it integrates recorded sounds with compositional randomness, reflecting Cage's philosophy on art and music. It stands out as one of the earliest examples of using electronic media to create complex soundscapes, influencing future generations of composers in the realm of experimental music.
Yamaha DX7: The Yamaha DX7 is a digital synthesizer released in 1983, known for being one of the first widely successful instruments to use frequency modulation (FM) synthesis. It revolutionized music production during the 1980s by offering a new range of sounds and capabilities that were distinct from traditional analog synthesizers. Its affordability and versatility made it a staple in pop, rock, and electronic music, solidifying its place in the history of electronic music technology.