The term “EDM” (which is an abbreviation of Electronic Dance Music) exists in a unique cultural crossroads, simultaneously representing two distinct concepts in electronic music discourse.

As an umbrella term, EDM encompasses all electronic dance music, from underground warehouse techno to mainstream festival anthems.

However, it also refers to a specific style of electronic music that emerged during the American commercial dance music boom of the late 2000s—a sound that prioritizes peak-time energy and festival-sized productions over the intimate, community-focused experiences of traditional dance music spaces.

In this article, we’ll explore EDM as a distinct musical approach, examining how its evolution from marketing term to genre designation reflects broader shifts in electronic music culture, while also understanding its relationship to deep house’s soulful, historically rooted sound.

Understanding EDM: Beyond the Marketing Term

EDM as a label emerged as a marketing tool in the late 2000s, primarily used to package electronic dance music for mainstream American audiences. Rather than representing a specific genre, EDM became an umbrella term for commercial electronic music, particularly associated with large-scale festivals and arena shows.

Deep House: A Cultural Legacy

Deep house’s roots run deep into Chicago’s Black music scene, emerging from a tradition of disco, soul, and jazz. Unlike EDM’s commercial origins, deep house was born in underground clubs, characterized by chord progressions and an emphasis on groove over dramatic drops.

Production Elements: Two Distinct Approaches

Deep house typically features:

• Subtle, jazzy chord progressions
• Soulful vocal samples
• Warm, analog-inspired sounds
• Emphasis on groove and musicality

Contemporary EDM often includes:

• Big, dramatic drops
• Heavy bass elements
• High-energy buildups
• Polished, digital production

Cultural Impact and Spaces

The venues where these genres feel at home tell their own story. Deep house maintains its connection to intimate club spaces, where the focus remains on musical journey and community. EDM, meanwhile, has found its home in massive festivals and arenas, designed for spectacle and mass appeal.

The Evolution of Electronic Music Culture

The distinction between deep house and EDM reflects broader changes in electronic music culture. As the scene has grown, it has spawned numerous subgenres and communities, each with its own artistic vision and cultural significance. Understanding these differences isn’t about gatekeeping—it’s about recognizing and respecting the diverse heritage of electronic music.

Understanding that deep house isn’t EDM helps preserve the cultural legacy of both movements while acknowledging their unique contributions to electronic music. From Chicago’s underground clubs to today’s global stages, each genre tells its own story of musical innovation and cultural evolution.

Understanding EDM: Beyond the Marketing Term

The term “EDM” emerged as a marketing tool in the late 2000s, primarily used to package electronic dance music for mainstream American audiences. Rather than representing a specific genre, EDM became an umbrella term for commercial electronic music, particularly associated with large-scale festivals and arena shows.

Examples of EDM Tracks:

• David Guetta – “Titanium” (feat. Sia): A classic example of mainstream EDM with big, dramatic drops and polished production.
• Calvin Harris – “Sweet Nothing” (feat. Florence Welch): This track showcases the blend of EDM with pop elements, typical of contemporary EDM.
• Skrillex – “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”: A pioneering track in the dubstep-influenced EDM scene, known for its high-energy buildups and heavy bass elements.
• Martin Garrix – “Animals”: A big room house track that exemplifies the festival-ready sound of modern EDM.

Deep House: A Cultural Legacy

Deep house’s roots run deep into Chicago’s Black music scene, emerging from a tradition of disco, soul, and jazz. Unlike EDM’s commercial origins, deep house was born in underground clubs, characterized by chord progressions, and an emphasis on groove over dramatic drops.

Examples of Deep House Tracks:

• Frankie Knuckles – “Your Love”: A seminal track in the deep house genre, showcasing soulful vocals and jazzy chord progressions.
• Larry Heard – “Can You Feel It”: A classic example of deep house with its warm, analog-inspired sounds and emphasis on groove.
• Oden & Fatzo – “Lauren”: A modern deep house track featuring subtle, jazzy chord progressions and a soulful ambiance.
• Masters At Work – “To Be in Love”: This track highlights the soulful and jazzy elements that are characteristic of deep house.

Production Elements: Two Distinct Approaches

Deep house typically features:

• Subtle, jazzy chord progressions
• Soulful vocal samples
• Warm, analog-inspired sounds
• Emphasis on groove and musicality

Contemporary EDM often includes:

• Big, dramatic drops
• Heavy bass elements
• High-energy buildups
• Polished, digital production

Examples Illustrating Production Elements:

Deep House:

• Jimpster – “These Days”: Known for its subtle, jazzy chord progressions and soulful vocal samples.
• Osunlade – “Envision”: Features warm, analog-inspired sounds and an emphasis on groove and musicality.

EDM:

• Tiesto – “Red Lights”: A track with big, dramatic drops and heavy bass elements.
• Zedd – “Clarity” (feat. Foxes): An example of EDM with high-energy buildups and polished digital production.

Cultural Impact and Spaces

The venues where these genres feel at home tell their own story. Deep house maintains its connection to intimate club spaces, where the focus remains on musical journey and community. EDM, meanwhile, has found its home in massive festivals and arenas, designed for spectacle and mass appeal.

The Evolution of Electronic Music Culture

The distinction between deep house and EDM reflects broader changes in electronic music culture. As the scene has grown, it has spawned numerous subgenres and communities, each with its own artistic vision and cultural significance. Understanding these differences isn’t about gatekeeping – it’s about recognising and respecting the diverse heritage of electronic music.