DJ-ing and beyond: The history of EDM

As a DJ in today’s world, Haidak knows just how significant the genre of electronic dance music or EDM has been. From nightclubs to rave parties, EDM gets people moving to the beat.

According to Haidak, EDM helps DJs transition from one song in an almost liquid-like way.

However, it may surprise people to know that as modern as EDM sounds, it was born around five decades ago, in the 1960s. During this time, musicians and music producers experimented with electronic instruments, most notable of which was the Moog synthesizers. This new sound made its way to various genres, including classic rock- ‘n-roll and progressive rock, with the Beatles and Pink Floyd using the earliest incarnations of EDM in their respective albums.

EDM exploded in the ‘70s and ‘80s as several genres of music made good use of the sound electronic equipment provided. As technology advanced so did the sound in disco, synthpop, Nu Wave, and other genres. EDM had arrived and had carved its niche into the mainstream collective consciousness.

However, it was one Italian songwriter, music producer, and DJ – Giorgio Moroder – who perfected the art of blending all these sounds from electronic equipment, creating the EDM sound that the world knows and loves today. Haidak mentions artists such as David Bowie, Donna Summer, and Daft Punk, who’ve played alongside Moroder and used his signature sound.

On the club and festival circuit, Haidak is also no stranger. He has played at festivals alongside names such as John Digweed, Nic Fanciulli, Stephan Bodzin, Reinier Zonneveld, Oliver Weiter, Henry Saiz, Kobosil, and many more. For more on Haidak and his music, click here.