5 Essential Songs for EDM Skeptics

With electronic music constantly developing, artists are making the genre more diverse than ever. And truth be told, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Written by Celeste Wen

Photo courtesy of YourEDM

If you were to ask people what they think about electronic dance music (EDM), you’d get a mix of positive and negative reactions. Some people love it (weekend ravers, anyone?) and some people hate it (“What’s that noise anyway?”), but interestingly enough, few people find middle ground.

Electronic music draws a sharp divide among the general public, and perhaps it’s because many don’t realize the genre encompasses more than just the stereotypical wub wub of dubstep. The subgenres under EDM are endless. To name a few, it can include chillstep, with slower and more hypnotic undertones; acid house, which is typically energetic and a favorite for ravers; and techno, which incorporates more experimental sounds for an innovative feel.

But regardless of one’s feelings toward EDM, sometimes, all we need is a good banger. I’ll be honest: some of the following songs are not for the fainthearted. But if you’re willing to experiment with styles all the way from drumstep to chill trap beats, then sit back and enjoy the (mostly loud) ride.

1. “Levitate” - Hadouken!

Hadouken! released “Levitate” as part of their 2013 album Every Weekend. Despite the song’s relatively old age, it’s never lost its exciting edge. After a drum intro followed by a relatively minimal verse, the song builds into an exciting drop that makes one, frankly, feel like they’re levitating. The song was featured in YouTube’s most watched video of 2013, and since then, it’s been a classic. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, check out the song’s Koven remix, which revamps the song with a rollercoaster of a drop.

2. “Press Start” - MDK

“Press Start” implements a video game concept into MDK’s usual catchy beats. With level-up and coin-grabbing sound effects in the background, it almost makes the listener feel as if they’re playing an old-style game of Super Mario Brothers while listening to the song. The song also has a whimsical element to it, with insertions of sound bites like “Oh, damn!” and “Bro, this is fire!” popping in here and there. By taking a classic video game that almost everyone knows, MDK is able to revitalize it by layering it with his addictive sound.

3. “Escape” - Jaroslav Beck ft. Summer Haze

“Escape” was released as part of the VR game Beat Saber’s soundtrack. Beat Saber is a full-body rhythm game in which players must hit notes in correspondence to fast-paced electronic music. And “Escape” is nothing short of exhilarating; Summer Haze’s echoing vocals give the song a calm aura, only to be followed by rapid drum beats fueling the drop. For anyone who needs an energy boost, this song certainly does the trick.

4. “Firepower” - Teminite

It’s difficult to describe “Firepower” to anyone who hasn’t heard it. The song is an intense drumstep powerhouse that barely gives its listeners time to breathe in the best way possible.  New listeners may become overwhelmed at the speed of the secondary drop; that is, if they’ve even recovered from its powerful synth (I’m not exaggerating when I say I stopped breathing during my first listen). But for those brave souls willing to give this song a try, it’s worth every second.

5. “Bonfire” - Knife Party

Knife Party has been on the EDM scene for years, and “Bonfire” stands out as a must-listen. The song was released as part of their Rage Valley EP and stands as a perfect addition to any weekend house party playlist. “Bonfire” starts with a reggae-esque verse, which may make listeners wonder what kind of direction the song may take. But as soon as the drop kicks in, “Bonfire” establishes itself as a heavy-hitter. Drums and bass dominate the drop, yet the song doesn’t feel too heavy because the synth's great depth balances its intense nature. This song is a perfect representation of how to integrate hefty production without excessively weighing down the sound.