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 2025 will start appearing here once announced
Calvin Harris, F*** ME I'M FAMOUS!, Swedish House Mafia, Tomorrowland presents Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Martin Garrix and Armin van Buuren (all Ushuaïa), David Guetta & MORTEN present Future Rave and Eric Prydz presents [CELL] (both Hï Ibiza), Joel Corry & Nathan Dawe Pool Party (Ibiza Rocks) and Pure Pacha presents Robin Schulz were the EDM parties that took place last year (2024).
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!
Ushuaïa Ibiza is a 7,00 capacity playground for the world's biggest EDM artists
This type of music is often accompanied by big production: synchronised pyrotechnics, countdowns, stadium-sized crowds and the image of an affluent, aspirational lifestyle.
Generally speaking, it's big, brash, brightly lit and loud and perhaps accusations that it can sometimes come across a bit uncouth, are a fair criticism. All that said, it's undeniably a lot of fun and doesn't take itself too seriously.
For beginners, this is your entry point to dance music's rich tapestry - and we've all got to start somewhere.
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!
Eurodance 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
You know people. They love a moan. Who doesn't enjoy the rush of endorphins that a rant on facebook can illicit? Well, dance music fans in particular enjoy getting on their soapbox more than the average homo sapien. And, to be completely honest, we're so here for the drama.
EDM is often the target of our collective scorn. But it does have more than a touch of "old man shouts at cloud" about it.
Many amongst our ranks look down our nose at 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're inclined to agree with the sentiments of Carl Cox:
"EDM is a gateway to discovering more underground dance music." Absolutely.
Anyway, do excuse us, it appears our ivory tower is in need of dusting again.
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.
