A Comparative Study on Country Music and Electronic Dance Music

Sound Versus Sound

You can tell a lot about someone by the music they listen to. I feel like if I took a strangers phone and listened to the music they had, I would already have a good idea about them and the things they enjoy. Music has changed so much throughout each decade, and it’s hard to keep up with it. While every genre is defined as music, each one is so diverse. Country music and Electronic Dance Music (EDM) have many assets and sounds that make the genres so different from each other. They both have artist that have achieved a same level of fame and both are recognized at huge music awards.

Electronic Dance Music is a type of music genre that is mostly played in nightclubs. DJs from all over the world create EDM songs by using technology such as computers, sound recorders, and keyboards. According to Wikipedia, it became popular starting in 1977, and progressed in popularity throughout the years. Some well known EDM artists include Zedd, Skrillex, Tiesto, etc. There are even more genres inside of the EDM genre, including Acid Jazz, Tech Trance, and hundreds more. Just like its name, Electronic Dance Music is know for making people want to dance and jump around. The crazy dancing is often a result of drug use and is mostly popular among teens and young adults. Lyrics are used in some EDM songs, but for the most part the songs are just made up of different sounds and beats.

Country music is a completely different thing. I grew up with a family that listens to nothing but country, and I would always complain when they would turn it on. Unlike EDM, Country has been around for a much longer time. Country music started in the 1920s, as stated on Wikipedia.com. Country music consist mainly of the acoustic guitar and banjo, but has evolved into a more of a pop music crossover in the 2000s. According to CMT.com, some of the top country music artists as of now are Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum and more. Dancing to country often includes a partner, like the two-step. The two-step is when you have a partner and you hold their hands and step to the rhythm of the music. Country music usually has lyrics with deep meaning that often tell a story.

Electronic Dance Music attracts a young crowd that usually refers to themselves as “ravers”. People who attend EDM clubs or music festivals often wear minimal clothing and bring flags. The rave clothing consists of furry boots, colorful bracelets, and even masks. The clothing they wear is very bright, unusual, and revealing. Drug use is a common problem at EDM clubs and festivals, especially among teenagers. EDM is mostly done in the dark, because the stage uses a lot of bright lights and lasers. The light show given by the DJ is what makes the show. Without the crazy lights and lasers, the show wouldn’t go on.

Country music lovers consist of all ages, and the music is played just about anywhere. The style of many of the people that listen to country music is very modest. Blue jeans, cowboy boots, belt buckles, and collared shirts are mainly what the men wear. Women might wear the something similar to what men wear, or dresses. Cowboy hats are also a common thing worn by men., and some women. Country music concerts can be held at anytime of the day because the show does not depend on the lights, but mainly the performers vocals and instruments. Some country concerts are also held at rodeos. Many bars are dedicated to country music, where people can drink and dance with their friends. Drugs are not a problem at country shows, and are not needed to enjoy the sounds and instruments of country music.

Both widely respected music genres, Electronic Dance Music and Country music are far from being similar. Country music’s conservative sound makes EDM seem like nothing but a crazy explosion of beats. EDM’s crazy rhythms may make country music seem a little boring. Despite all of the differences, each type of music genre brings happiness to people’s lives. While the two genres are so unalike, a EDM artist Aviicii has even been know to cross over country and EDM creating an entirely new sound that appeals to each audience. In the end it is all music despite the sounds or lyrics used in a genre.