Why Is the Culture Surrounding Electronic Music So Attractive

Author

Joseph Monopoli, Syracuse University

Date of Award

Spring 5-23-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Media Studies

Advisor(s)

Kinsey, Dennis F.

Keywords

Culture, EDM, Electronic, Emotion, Rave Culture, Social Media

Subject Categories

Anthropology | Arts and Humanities | Communication | Mass Communication | Music | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

Electronic Dance Music, also known as EDM, is a musical genre that has recently dominated the current music landscape and industry. However, there is a lack of understanding behind this beloved genre in terms of its culture and the fans that idolize it. In fact, this new culture that EDM fans have created, coined by them as "Rave Culture", is understudied. This research project is designed to take an exploratory approach into answering questions about this newfound culture and what makes this culture that surrounds Electronic Dance Music, so attractive. Because of this newly established culture, research surrounding this topic is lacking as this genre of music was first recognized as a musical genre in the 1980s. The literature in this project illustrates how Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is tainted with negative stereotypes often associated with drug use and violence, rather than who pioneered and perfected the genre as a whole. This project will then transition into discussing EDM utilizing in-depth interviews with multiple participants to gain insight and provide answers for those outside of "Rave Culture" about this newly established culture and what people who are highly involved in that culture drew them into the genre and what they are passionate about. This project will also aim to recruit popular, world-class DJs and artists to gain their insight on what the music industry has done for them to show contrast to those who just love the culture. Finally, this research will be collected and analyzed. Once this is completed, the project will then describe the potential threats that this culture may soon face and what the future of EDM has in store for its growing fanbase. Keywords: Electronic Dance Music, Culture, Rave Culture, Music, Social Media, Emotion, Sub-Genres, EDM

Access

Open Access

Recommended Citation

Monopoli, Joseph, "Why Is the Culture Surrounding Electronic Music So Attractive" (2021). Theses - ALL. 587.
https://surface.syr.edu/thesis/587