Ibiza is known for its dance music the world over, but that is an umbrella term for various different styles. Our series on the genres of music found on the island helps identify the parties, clubs and DJs best suited to your tastes.
This week, we're introducing you to, what has commonly come to be referred to as... EDM (that's "electronic dance music").
Still unsure what we mean by "EDM" or "mainstream dance music"? Take a listen to this:
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Here on Ibiza, there's plenty of choice for EDM. Though it's worth saying, that these parties tend to take place in peak season (late June to end of August) when the island has its highest concentration of younger tourists. In early or late season, this reduces considerably.
Ibiza parties featuring EDM music in 2024:
F*** ME I'M FAMOUS! at Ushuaïa | Mondays
Future Rave at Hï Ibiza | Fridays
Calvin Harris at Ushuaïa | Fridays
Swedish House Mafia at Ushuaïa | peak season Sundays
Eric Prydz presents [CELL] at Hï Ibiza | Mondays
Pure Pacha presents Robin Schulz at Pacha | Thursdays
Pacha Presents at Pacha | Mondays (Diplo and Lost Frequencies dates)
Joel Corry & Nathan Dawe Pool Party at Ibiza Rocks | Wednesdays
Armin van Buuren at Ushuaïa | Sundays in September
Martin Garrix at Ushuaïa | Thursdays
Tomorrowland presents Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike at Ushuaïa | Wednesdays
EDM
Borrowing a term from our American friends, "EDM" has become a catch-all abbreviation for anything that falls under the umbrella of dance music. That could be Dubstep, Trance, Moombahton... well, you get the idea.
For the purpose of this article and playlist, what we're referring to might better be described as mainstream dance music or commercial dance music.
To elaborate further, that's anything with a beat you can dance to, where your parents might recognise the name of some of the DJs - but they'll probably hate it!
This type of music is often accompanied by big production: synchronised pyrotechnics, countdowns, stadium-sized crowds and the image of an affluent, aspirational lifestyle.
The origins of EDM
Ever since the early '90s, dance music has been infiltrating the charts. The sub-culture managed to breakthrough to the mainstream, often by taking influences from pop music, giving tracks a vocal-hook and generally making them more radio-friendly.
We're sure you'll be familiar with songs like Rhythm Is A Dancer, Show Me Love, Mr Vain - all old school anthems!
Euro-dance and the like was huge in Europe, but it took the giant USA market until the late Noughties to catch on. This is when a superstar DJ and producer by the name of David Guetta, had the clever idea to record dance music with some of the world's biggest R&B and Hip-Hop stars. Suddenly EDM exploded! America jumped on it first, before it took over the world.
Funny really, considering modern dance music had originated in America with House almost 20 years earlier...
Hot on Guetta's heels were more global stars-in-the-making: Swedish House Mafia, Calvin Harris, Skrillex and later acts like The Chainsmokers, Hardwell and a young kid by the name Avicii.
Even established dance music icons, such as Tiësto and Armin Van Buuren, saw a new opportunity, and made a conscious change of direction.
Reception
Because us old-timers are set in our ways and don't like change, some amongst our ranks look down on EDM and the culture that goes with it. In truth, dance music fans had been waiting decades for their music to be "taken seriously". The minute everybody started liking it, we got upset! There's no pleasing some people.
Personally, we agree with the sentiments of Carl Cox:
"EDM is a gateway to discovering more underground dance music." Absolutely.
Find here our other music guides:
Ibiza Virgins' Guide to... House music
- Tech House
- Deep House
- Afro House
Ibiza Virgins' Guide to... Minimal music
Ibiza Virgins' Guide to... Techno
- Melodic Techno
Ibiza Virgins' Guide to... Reggaeton
Ibiza Virgins' Guide to... Garage
Ibiza Virgins' Guide to... Disco
Read more...
This article is part of our Ibiza Virgins' Guides, packed full of information on how to get the most out of your stay on Ibiza. Check them out.
