Better late than never: Kingston’s EDM scene is taking over

If you’ve been to any club in Kingston recently—excluding Tumble Tuesday, which remains loyal to its country roots—you may have found yourself unfamiliar with much of the music.

Instead of the familiar tunes that once ruled the dance floor, like “Hotel Room Service,” “Love Tonight,” or “Promiscuous,” newer hits have taken over, pulsating through the speakers, and making it clear Kingston’s nightlife is experiencing a transformation—one that’s dominated by electronic dance music (EDM).

Before any music junkies come for me, I’d like to preface I’m no expert on EDM, or any music for that matter. My top artists on Spotify would appall even the least pretentious DJ.

While EDM is often misunderstood as a singular genre, it’s really an umbrella term encompassing many styles of dance music, including electro, house, drum and bass, hardstyle, and  techno. Its roots in Canada trace back to the early 90s club scenes in Toronto and Montreal. Since then, EDM has not only endured but soared to new heights, fuelled by technological advancements and the development of increasingly complex and intuitive electronic instruments.

Though the Kingston scene has made space for country and run-of-the-mill club music through Tumble Tuesdays at Ale and Stages’ longstanding Stage Rage, a new path is being paved by the introduction of DJ-forward events. The new Trinity  Social Boiler Room event, “Then There Was House,” and University Tavern’s techno and bass nights are prime examples of the growing dominance of EDM around Kingston. This shift towards EDM represents more than just a change in musical preference, it underscores Kingston’s game of ‘catch-up’ with this global trend.

While the worldwide surge of EDM in recent years is evident, Kingston is arriving late to the scene.

The genre has become a celebrated global phenomenon, particularly in Europe and Oceania, contributing to its widespread popularity over the last few years. EDM’s hallmark ability to continuously reinvent itself has established it as a sound for the ages. Like other sounds, it’s not confined to a fixed set of musical elements; instead, it thrives on innovation and experimentation.

The early days of synthesizers and drum machines paved the way for today’s cutting-edge software, empowering contemporary musicians to create unique soundscapes from their own bedrooms. The fusion of technology and creativity has since birthed a genre that’s highly accessible and constantly expanding to spark the next big thing.

The genre further democratizes music, with the advent of new technology making it more accessible to create music without expensive equipment, it feels like everyone is a DJ nowadays.

Just as older generations reminisce about iconic rock concerts, I’ll have the privilege of sharing stories with my future children about the EDM culture that permeated my clubbing days.

Though I admit I’m biased, there’s a unique significance in having EDM as a defining feature of nightlife in my university years.

The genre synthesizes (pun intended) the influence of technology and innovation on the music landscape of the 21st century, at a time where changing technology profoundly impacts everyday lives. So, when the time comes to reflect on the wild nights of my youth, I plan to hit play on the mid-2020s EDM playlist.

Tags

EDM, Kingston, Music, Techno

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