Top EDM Artists Just For You
Electronic Dance Music (EDM) exploded onto the scene at the turn of the millennium as a unique and utterly captivating brand of music that we have seldom seen before. Since then, the genre has gone from strength to strength and has spawned countless iconic artists, tracks, albums and festivals dedicated to this individual style of music that leaves its fans hooked.
Why Are There So Many Swedish EDM Artists
When it comes to Electronic Dance Music (EDM), the genre is well-known as being dominated by Swedish artists. Whether we’re talking about the legendary Avicii or the iconic Eric Prydz, Sweden has given us some of the most unforgettable artists of the 21st century when it comes to EDM. So, why are so many top EDM artists from Sweden?
The answer lies somewhat in the way in which Swedish culture promotes musicians. Of course, in yesteryear Sweden had the phenomenal success of Abba within the pop music culture, of which it could be argued EDM is a subculture, although some ardent fans would argue that Electronic Dance Music is so unique it does not belong to any subculture.
In Sweden, EDM has taken on a life of its own and given us so many EDM artists due to the way in which it views music. The music culture in Sweden promotes major chord melodies over lyrics and that makes their music more exportable to the vast world beyond their borders who do not speak Swedish.
This was really the essence of EDM culture with a focus on melodies and beats as a pose to actual words, although of course their most prominent stars who have a tremendous command of the English language have released sensational tracks and gone on to become some of the top EDM artists.
The reason why Sweden is so synonymous with Electronic Dance Music is simply down to the amazing success of Swedish artists who have brought so much joy to EDM fans worldwide. There are too many to mention, but we’ve picked out some of the top EDM artists that have come from Sweden to produce anthems that transcend borders.
Avicii
The great man who was taken from EDM fans all too soon. Avicii, whose real name is Tim Bergling, exploded out of Stockholm to become one of the world's biggest DJ's with millions of fans across the world. His success gained him residency at Las Vegas' huge XS Nightclub and he delivered hit after hit as he made his nation proud and proved time and again that Sweden is the place for the top EDM artists.
Swedish House Mafia
When it comes to EDM, Sweden House Mafia is synonymous with the genre. The group have since broken up since 2013 but gave true EDM fans memories to last a lifetime and the tracks to go with it. The electro-trio topped the charts with their huge anthem 'Don't You Worry Child', as well as filling dance floors with collaborations featuring Pharrell Williams and Knife Party as they provided the soundtracks for so many summer parties and feel-good tunes.
Alesso
Alesso, (real name Alessandro Lindblad), ,has really established himself as one of the top EDM artists in the last decade or so and has already worked with some of the most recognizable artists in the world - from Calvin Harris and David Guetta, to OneRepublic and Usher and many more. The DJ is immensely proud of his Swedish roots and often brings a flag out during his sets.
Axwell Ʌ Ingrosso
Two of the three founding members of Swedish House Mafia here who are now working together again after the brand split in 2013. The pair hooked back up in 2014 and have been responsible for some more anthems to add to SHM's previous catalog of legendary tracks. Axwell (Sven Axel Christofer Hedfors) and Sebastian Ingrosso promise to be a prominent EDM duo for years to come.
Galantis
This Swedish duo, consisting of Bloodshy and Style Of Eye are responsible for some crazy sets and some of the catchiest anthems in the history of Electronic Dance Music and are another reason why Sweden is looked at as the EDM capital of the world.
Tove Lo
When it comes to EDM, women artists are often few and far between, however Tove Lo is undoubtedly one of the top EDM artists. Her single 'Stay High' was a huge track in summer 2014, and her debut album, 'Queen Of The Clouds' gained similar acclaim.
Eric Prydz
Eric Prydz needs no introduction but he is one of those responsible for Sweden's remarkable connection with Electronic Dance Music. Like most who make it big, he is primarily based out in LA these days, but Eric Prydz is unapologetically and proud to be Swedish. He peaked in the mid to late 90s EDM era and has gone from strength to strength in popularity since. Some of his most famous tracks such as "Proper Education", instrumental smash "Pjanoo" and "Call On Me" were huge hits and remain on most playlists for a great party in 2022.
Måns Zelmerlöw
The outstanding producer/vocalist whose impact has stretched way beyond Sweden deserves a mention here and is without doubt one of the top EDM artists today. Måns came fifth in the Swedish version of Pop Idol back in 2005 - and took a while to establish himself in the ensuing decade but is now fully established as one of the greatest DJ's out there today.
Steve Angello
Steve Angello deserves to be mentioned all on his own given his impact on EDM. The last founding member of the Swedish House Mafia, Steve Angello was also responsible for huge hits just before the turn of the millennium such as 'Tell Me Why' and the much-played remix of 'Show Me Love'. His rise coincided with the rise of the genre and he is often looked at as one of its biggest stars.
Basshunter
Basshunter is a guilty pleasure for so many people and it's not hard to see why given the fabulous EDM tracks he has produced. Real name Jonas Erik Altberg, was responsible for some of the catchiest dance floor fillers of the past decade and established himself as one of the top EDM artists on the planet while being true to his Swedish roots. His popularity is unquestionable so much so that his biggest hit, 'Now You're Gone' has been watched an amazing 181 million times on YouTube - now that's what we call legendary.
Why Are EDM Music and DJs So Popular Nowadays
Electronic Dance Music has been rapidly growing for the past 30 years since the genre really took flight in the 90s era. EDM has since impacted countless lives and its popularity has just grown and grown. This is in no small part down to the uniqueness of the artists who grace this utterly individual genre. DJs now have the power to make or break a track and this is never more true than when it comes to EDM.
Electronica is one of the few genres to be accepted by today’s society and every age participates in electronic music, from much older generations to younger generations. It’s especially important for teenagers and young adults in today’s generation as they can relate to the kind of music EDM offers. The influence of dance music is absolutely unrivaled today and it has a part to play in the increase of popularity in music as a whole, which is no mean feat.
The Origins of the EDM Genre
EDM really started out as a form of expression for artists and composers as people wanted to express themselves in alternative ways that could be conveyed through dance music. The millennial generation has really taken a hold of how it wishes to express itself and EDM has provided the perfect platform for that, allowing a more exotic form of expression that is not easily manifested in simple lyrics anymore, but more about how you feel expression that is gained from the top EDM artists.
It is pretty crazy to think that dance music is considered underground. It was just a few years back when it started gaining traction, and it’s already so big. Seems that it took off this fast because of how easy it is to get into. Anyone with decent equipment (computers, laptops, etc.) can make some great-sounding music. Electronic music has been around since the early 80s.
It was a time when bands like Depeche Mode, New Order, The Cure, and many others dominated the music scene with their synthesizers and drum machines. Dance music has evolved dramatically over the years. Today, it has become one of the most popular genres of music in today’s generation and we have to reflect upon why and when we do so we come to the same conclusion; the people.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of the genre lies in the fact that dance music is easily accessible to everyone in today’s society. There are many types of electronic music available on the internet. These include hip-hop, house, techno, dubstep, and many others. Electronic music has also become very popular with younger people looking for something fun to listen to while studying or working out at home. This type of genre provides them with an outlet where they can express themselves creatively without worrying about getting caught up in the mainstream pop culture scene, which tends to be very conservative compared to other genres like hip-hop or rock n’ roll music which is a little more left field.
In addition to being a form of entertainment and expression, electronic music has also influenced other genres. Nowadays, you will hear elements of electronic music in pop songs, too, especially when it comes to the beat. Electronic music has become so popular that festivals such as Tomorrowland are hosted worldwide, which gives artists from different countries an opportunity to showcase their talent to a global audience and has only aided the rise of the genre with people from all walks of life and all nationalities.
EDM Is Cherished By Today's Generation
The popularity of EDM with music fans today is undeniable. However, the genre has really taken on a life of its own in terms of what it means to its fans. The beauty of music of any genre is that it allows us to escape from reality and get lost in our thoughts because it affects our body when we listen to it.
The reasons people love EDM are endless but some of the most common ones include; EDM helps them to relax and release stress when they hear it, it makes people happy when they hear it and releases feeling of ecstasy, and of course EDM makes people dance because it has a lot of beats that can make people move their bodies according to its rhythm which is unique across all music genres. Put simply, there is nothing quite like the feeling when the beat drops on an EDM track.
Why Do People Listen To Electronic Music?
The reason people listen to EDM music obviously varies depending on the person and how they relate it to their own individual lives. That's because when you listen to electronic dance music, you listen to something made by a human being using heavy machines like a computer or a synthesizer. Of course, that means that making dance music requires skill and imagination and many hours of hard labor are put into making a song and this reflects in the end product.
If someone wants to make an emotional song, then they can use certain sounds that will convey emotions through the song, such as strings and pianos. If someone wants to make a really happy song, they should use sounds that are really happy sounding, such as plucks and bells.
Electronic dance music has a lot of value in that it can convey very complex and interesting ideas using only sound. This is utterly unique within the industry and allows for the genre to stand out amongst others - since the music is purely synthesized and does not rely on instruments, a lot of sounds can be created that would otherwise be impossible.
This allows for very creative ideas to be expressed in music in ways that are much harder or impossible to do with traditional instruments. As we all know, this generation is more focused on new-age technology and the growing potential of our electronics and software and this is one of the key reasons EDM has really struck a chord with this generation and its popularity.
What Is The Defining Song For The 2008-2012 EDM Generation?
The four-year period between 2008-2012 was a defining one for Electronic Dance Music. The era spawned some of the greatest songs in the history of EDM by some of the top EDM artists at the very peak of their musical powers. Choosing the defining song for the 2008-2012 generation is therefore undoubtedly difficult, but there are a few which stand out above the rest.
Avicii – Levels (2011)
Where else could we start but with Avicii and this legendary track? Nothing defines this era in dance quite like “Levels,” the song that really proved anything was possible as the young Swedish DJ was catapulted into superstardom with this song that is still loved and played the world over. The beauty of the song lies in its simplicity and relatability to millions of fans across the globe. A truly international anthem, this song will surely stand the test of time.
Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites (2010)
No one can deny the popularity of this song from the irreplicable Skrillex. This song is a real topsy-turvy classic and lives up to its unusual name of “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites.” The song is a slow, disquietingly serene journey up to the top, then the biggest of falls, directly down. It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions and takes you on a journey of many ups, downs, jumps and freights along the way making it a favorite for festival goers and party seekers.
Calvin Harris – Feel So Close (2011)
Another entry from 2011 which was seen as the golden year of EDM by many fans. Already an established DJ in his own right, “Feel So Close” was the song that really made Harris a megastar if he wasn’t already. This song sucks you in with its brilliance as well as its meaningful and relatable lyrics making it a cult classic the world over. It’s a feel-good song that also has some meaning and thought-provoking moments. This track truly has it all.
Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin - Don’t You Worry Child (2010)
Swedish House Mafia are EDM royalty and their songs have truly defined a generation. Their longevity prior to the split was remarkable and this legendary anthem was another step on that path. Teaming up with iconic DJ John Martin, they produced the global hit “Don’t You Worry Child” that filled dance floors all over in 2010.
Deadmau5 feat. Greta Svabo Bech - Raise Your Weapon (2011)
Deadmau5 has never been one to follow the rules. An utterly unique artist with his own twist on EDM, his classic tune “Raise Your Weapon” achieves the seemingly impossible of being both the best Kaskade and the best Excision song of the decade. Featuring an iconic dubstep, this anthem has been played and played again by true fans of the genre since its 2011 release.
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