Background
Jazz and electronic dance music (EDM) are no different from other music genres in that they profoundly influence culture and society. These genres have significantly influenced several facets of contemporary society, such as art, fashion, technology, and social movements. While EDM has reshaped the music industry, established immersive experiences, and changed how humans consume and engage with music, jazz has been instrumental in eradicating racial boundaries, fostering creative individualism, and influencing social movements.
Jazz: Evolution and Influence
Jazz developed in the United States during a period of racial segregation. Consequently, Jazz music served as a source of comfort and empowerment for African-Americans subjected to Jim Crow laws and had few prospects for social progress (National Civil Rights Museum par. 4). It functioned as a vehicle for artists to communicate their experiences, challenges, and goals. Jazz music allowed artists to question accepted wisdom and dismantle boundaries, opening the path for a higher degree of acceptance and inclusion. African-American musicians surpassed the constraints set by a racially divided society by adopting jazz as a means of musical expression.
Jazz’s dynamic rhythms and melodies spread messages of optimism, solidarity, and the unrelenting quest for freedom, leading to its transformation into a powerful symbol of struggle against racial inequity. For instance, Billie Holiday’s legendary performance of the passionate and classic poem “Strange Fruit” highlighted racism and the lynching of Blacks in the US during the Jim Crow era (Carter par. 7).
Today, jazz’s improvisational style is one of its key distinctive features. This feature enables musicians to express their uniqueness and originality. Through improvisation, musicians can convey their musical ideas in the moment. Jazz performances have grabbed audiences all around the world due to their spontaneity and energy, which has deepened the bond between performers and listeners. Jazz improvisation’s freedom and originality strike a chord with listeners of all backgrounds, demonstrating the strength of human ingenuity and the seemingly limitless possibilities it offers.
Electronic Dance Music and Its Impact
The effect of electronic dance music on current society is linked to technological breakthroughs. DJs and producers have been able to develop new sounds and experiment with cutting-edge techniques because of the development of electronic instruments and digital production tools. EDM’s energetic rhythms and irresistible melodies have captivated listeners all over the world, making it associated with the youth culture of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
EDM’s influence on contemporary society goes beyond music. Festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival have grown in popularity, resulting in immersive experiences that unite people from all walks of life (Little et al. 78). These concerts have become a cultural phenomenon, with attendees adopting the EDM scene’s music, clothes, and ideals.
EDM was the first music to feel like it belonged entirely to a generation of young adults. Inspired by sub-bass (and occasionally substances), it was a genuine escape from the hard truths of life (Yoo par. 3). A notable example is Avicii’s song “Wake Me Up,” which was released in 2013 and quickly became a global hit. The song lyrics convey the narrative of a young individual who is lost and looking for their purpose in life. It expresses many youngsters’ feelings as they face adulthood’s difficulties and uncertainty. Further, the impact of EDM can be observed in popular culture, commercials, and fashion patterns, with musicians partnering with fashion labels and featuring in mainstream media.
Conclusion
Overall, the influence of jazz and EDM on contemporary culture and society cannot be denied. These subgenres have shaped not just musical scenes but also cultural movements, fashion, and other subcultures. Artists in these genres have addressed social and political concerns through their platforms, questioning the status quo and promoting equality and justice.
Jazz and electronic dance music continue to inspire and unite people worldwide with their distinctive sounds and messages, proving the ability of music to break through barriers and unite individuals from different backgrounds.
Works Cited
Carter, Bobby. “We Insist: A Century of Black Music against State Violence.” NPR, Web.
Little, Noah, et al. “EDM and ecstasy: The lived experiences of electronic dance music festival attendees.” Journal of New Music Research vol. 47, no.1, 2018, pp. 78-95.
National Civil Rights Museum. “Honoring Jazz: An Early American Art Form.” Civilrightsmuseum.org, Web.
Yoo, Noah. “How EDM Conquered America in the 2010s.” Pitchfork, Web.