Electronic Dance Music Quickly Gaining Popularity

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. genre (n.) [zhahn-ruh] – category of something artistic (type of literature, music, etc.)

Example: Pop, rock and jazz are well-known genres of music.

2. disc jockey(n.) [disk][jok-ee] – someone who plays recorded music on the radio or at a party

Example: The disc jockey wore a headset to hear the music clearly.

3. transform (v.) [trans-fawrm; trans-fawrm] – to change the form or appearance of something

Example: Technology transforms traditional types of music to make new ones. 

4. VIP (n.) –Very Important Person; someone who is given special care or attention

Example: The VIP room is exclusive to celebrities. 

5. fan base (n.) [fan][beys] – the number of fans that support something or someone

Example: The new musician has already gathered a large fan base.

Article
Read the text below.

Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is a genre of music that has become popular in recent years. EDM is dance music made with electronic or digital instruments. According to Deniz Koyu, a disc jockey (DJ) and EDM composer, music has been transformed by technology. He said the laptop can be considered the new guitar. To make electronic songs, a person just needs a computer and software. Before, EDM could only be heard in nightclubs, but the music is now often played on the radio and at music festivals and concerts. Echostage, one of the biggest concert venues in Washington, hosts EDM events. Antonis Karagounis, owner of the venue, said Echostage is not a VIP night club or a lounge but a place where people can enjoy EDM. EDM’s growing fan base means that concert venues can charge as much as $60 per person when famous DJs are visiting. DJ Armin van Buuren, a world-famous DJ, has been to more than 100 countries playing EDM. He said that EDM has gathered much interest because it offers people a unique music experience, especially when mixed with colorful lights and dancing. Buuren added that because of EDM’s acceptance as a music genre, people now see disc jockeying as a kind of art, and DJs are being given respect as artists. EDM is also becoming recognized in the traditional music industry.  Earlier this year, EDM musician DJ Skrillex won three awards at the Grammys, one of the biggest music events in the US.  Additionally, EDM has been included as a category in this November’s American Music Awards.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Do you think that Electronic Dance Music will continue to be popular in the future? Why or why not?

·         How can the success of digitally made music affect other more traditional music genres?

Discussion B

·         What is the importance of music in human life?

·         In what ways has technology changed the way we enjoy music?

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