The progressive house throwbacks “Da Hype” and “Stupidisco (Dare Me)” from Italian house DJ, Junior Jack, withstand the test of time and are shining examples that foreshadow EDM’s launch into mainstream America. The building progressive rhythm of both songs are characteristic of house at its core and capture the spirit of many “early” EDM songs.
Electronic and dance music released in the early to mid-2000s catalyzed the evolution of the genre and certainly were ancestors of the soon-to-be popularized “dubstep.” Released back in 2004, “Da Hype” is forever a favorite of mine; it was part of the first real collection of EDM and house music I had acquired…back then would’ve been about 9th grade. Several years after I was introduced to the genre (when I was 10 or 11) but about two years since I’d really gotten into the scene (mainly from video games soundtracks w/EDM: Need For Speed Underground, SSX 3 come to mind).
I am forever grateful for my exposure to artists such as Junkie XL, LCD Soundsystem, BT, Deep Dish, DJ Tiësto, Röyksopp and many more that solidified my interest in EDM. Artists like these were pioneers of the genre and helped drive it to what we know today. We musn’t forget however, that quality is always over quantity. The ubiquity of electronic music today is refreshingly satisfying, but we should all take note of the sheer originality and creativity expressed during those years and even earlier before.
LUMiNOUS Musings 