BUTTING HEADS: "Exploring EDM"

Welcome to Butting Heads- a brand new weekly series where two of our writers get together and discuss a topic. This week, Sam and Nicky  are exploring the world of EDM: Electronic Dance Music. Neither of them are experts on the subject, but still have varying opinions. They created a list of songs to listen to and give their opinions. So take a listen and see what they each had to say! 

How much have you listened to EDM?

N: I've listened to the genre off and on for about 4 years now. And most of the time, it's been off. Only lately have I really tried listening to it. I really like energizing beats. I've heard David Guetta, Avicii, Calvin Harris, Daft Punk, Skrillex, Zedd and Chainsmokers. Avicii and Chainsmokers are my favorite so far.

S: Honestly, very little. I was originally exposed to it while I was in college, a lot of the house parties near campus were filled with a lot of EDM and other house music and DJ'ing. That was enough exposure for me to realize that maybe it wasn't for me, but I was still always open to giving it another try.

Have you ever been to an EDM show? 

N: Yes! I went to Coachella in 2012. There, I saw David Guetta, Justice, Sebastian Ingrosso and some others. 

S: I have actually,  but not on purpose. I went to Firefly Music Festival in 2014 and saw some EDM performances they had playing that night. I believe I saw Cash Cash, Girl Talk, and Martin Garrix while I was there. 

What are your opinions on the following songs:

1. Skrillex "Bangarang"

N: IMO, Skrillex is basically the staple of the EDM world. This has an edge and drive a lot of other EDM artists don't have. I actually enjoy this song. 

S: The music video for this is really cool, but unfortunately I just can't get with this. Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely understand that Skrillex is talented with what he does, but this just feels redundant to me. I appreciate that he didn't overuse the typical EDM bass drop, it comes off more original to me than some of the other EDM artists I've heard. 

2. Justice - "Stress"

N: This song just stresses me out. It puts me on edge. Like something really bad is about to happen. It's kind of creepy in a way!

S: I've never heard this name before and honestly I don't know how. This song had far more intensity in it than I ever anticipated from EDM. Usually I listen to EDM and I feel relatively unmoved emotionally, but this evoked a lot from me, almost a panic really. I definitely agree with Nicky in that this is suspenseful and almost anxiety riddling at times. I could never imagine listening to this for fun, honestly. But with all of that being said, they're bringing something very unique to the table and that's admirable in my opinion. 

3. QT - "Hey QT"

N: This song drives me nuts. O_O 

S: I hate this. So much. I can't even find something positive because it's so ghastly. If obnoxious, high-pitched, child-like voices talking about weird, provocative things is your thing, than you'll love this song. Otherwise, you'll despise it. 

4. Chainsmokers - "Roses"

N: I can't get enough of this song. It's definitely a turn up-roll the windows down-feel good-road trip kind of tune. The Chainsmokers are fantastic. I will turn this on any time I want to "feel the moment". Chainsmokers FTW!

S: I actually know this song, and I didn't know I did. Honestly, I fuck with this song so hard. It's really fun and I can absolutely see myself dancing my butt off if I ever catch The Chainsmokers live. I appreciate how much they utilize vocals, I think it makes them relatable and catchy!

5. Avicii - "Waiting For Love"

 

N: One thing I love about Avicii is that his songs are usually uplifting. This song is filled with hope. I love the lyrics, the sound- all of it. Avicii is one of my favorite EDM artists. 

S: I don't love it, but I don't hate it. It feels a little video game-y for me at times I think, and it distracts me from what he is saying; and that's a shame because what he is saying is pretty inspiring. I'm a sucker for anything uplifting, so I appreciate this song for that purpose. 

Now that you've listened to some EDM songs, would you listen to the genre more?

N: Absolutely! I love the feel-good sound of EDM. It's just a fun genre that can get you moving and dancing. I can definitely appreciate it more as an all-around music lover.

S: If I'm being honest, I probably won't. It's fun sometimes when I'm out and have had three too many Jack and Cokes, but overall I'm still not much a fan.

Well that's all for this week's Butting Heads! If you want to listen to more, we have a whole playlist on YouTube! Let us know your thoughts!