The early 2010s saw electronic dance music (EDM) elements fuse with mainstream pop, reshaping the sound of popular music. This fusion was driven by crossover hits, European dance music influences, and collaborations between EDM producers and pop artists.

Key figures like Calvin Harris, Skrillex, and Zedd pioneered the EDM-pop sound, while mainstream artists like Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber embraced electronic elements. The genre was characterized by synthesizer-driven melodies, four-on-the-floor beats, and drop-focused structures, often with lyrics celebrating partying and self-empowerment.

Origins of EDM-pop fusion

• Traces the emergence of electronic dance music (EDM) elements in mainstream pop music during the early 2010s
• Explores the cultural and technological factors that facilitated the blending of EDM and pop genres
• Examines how this fusion reshaped the landscape of popular music in the Modern Era

Early 2010s crossover hits

• "We Found Love" by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris (2011) marked a turning point in EDM-pop fusion
• David Guetta's collaborations with pop artists like Sia and Nicki Minaj popularized the EDM-pop sound
• Zedd's "Clarity" featuring Foxes (2012) showcased the potential for emotional depth in EDM-pop crossovers
• Swedish House Mafia's "Don't You Worry Child" (2012) brought progressive house to mainstream audiences

Influence of European dance music

• Swedish producers Max Martin and Shellback incorporated EDM elements into their pop productions
• French electronic duo Daft Punk's "Random Access Memories" (2013) bridged disco, funk, and EDM
• UK garage and dubstep influenced the development of EDM-pop fusion (Disclosure, Rudimental)
• Avicii's folk-EDM fusion in "Wake Me Up" (2013) expanded the boundaries of dance music in pop

Key artists and producers

• Highlights the pivotal figures who shaped the EDM-pop fusion movement
• Discusses the role of both EDM producers entering the pop world and pop artists embracing EDM sounds
• Analyzes how these collaborations redefined the sound of popular music in the 2010s

EDM-pop pioneers

• Calvin Harris transitioned from EDM producer to pop hitmaker with "18 Months" album (2012)
• Skrillex brought dubstep influences to pop productions for Justin Bieber and Diplo
• Zedd's background in progressive house informed his pop collaborations with Ariana Grande and Selena Gomez
• Diplo's work with Major Lazer and as a solo producer bridged EDM, pop, and global music styles

Mainstream pop adopters

• Lady Gaga embraced EDM elements in "Born This Way" (2011) and collaborated with Zedd on "ARTPOP" (2013)
• Katy Perry incorporated EDM influences in "Prism" (2013) with songs like "Walking on Air" and "This Is How We Do"
• Justin Bieber's transition to EDM-influenced pop with "Purpose" (2015) revitalized his career
• The Chainsmokers evolved from EDM duo to pop chart-toppers with hits like "Closer" featuring Halsey (2016)

Sonic characteristics

• Examines the distinctive musical elements that define EDM-pop fusion
• Explores how electronic production techniques transformed the sound of mainstream pop music
• Discusses the impact of these sonic characteristics on songwriting and arrangement in the 2010s

Synthesizer-driven melodies

• Supersaw synth leads became a staple of EDM-pop hooks (Martin Garrix "Animals")
• Pluck synths added rhythmic texture to verses and bridges (The Chainsmokers "Don't Let Me Down")
• Pad synths created atmospheric backgrounds in EDM-pop ballads (Zedd "Stay" featuring Alessia Cara)
• Arpeggiators generated energetic patterns in intros and breakdowns (Calvin Harris "Summer")

Four-on-the-floor beats

• Steady kick drum pattern on every quarter note drove EDM-pop rhythms
• Hi-hats and claps added syncopation and energy to the basic four-on-the-floor groove
• Drum programming often featured layered samples and electronic percussion sounds
• Tempo typically ranged from 120-130 BPM, aligning with traditional house music speeds

Drop-focused song structures

• Builds and drops replaced traditional verse-chorus structures in many EDM-pop songs
• Pre-chorus sections often featured rising tension and filter sweeps leading to the drop
• Drops emphasized heavy bass, stripped-back instrumentation, and catchy vocal hooks
• Post-drop sections gradually reintroduced elements to maintain energy and interest

Lyrical themes

• Analyzes the common subject matter and messaging in EDM-pop fusion tracks
• Explores how lyrical content evolved to complement the high-energy sound of EDM-influenced pop
• Discusses the balance between dance floor-oriented lyrics and more introspective themes

Party and celebration

• Emphasis on living in the moment and enjoying life (LMFAO "Party Rock Anthem")
• References to nightlife, clubs, and dancing (Pitbull "Give Me Everything" featuring Ne-Yo)
• Lyrics often focused on the collective experience of partying (David Guetta "Hey Mama" featuring Nicki Minaj)
• Escapism and letting go of worries through music and dance (Avicii "The Nights")

Love and relationships

• EDM-pop ballads explored romantic themes with an electronic twist (Calvin Harris "How Deep Is Your Love")
• Songs often depicted fleeting connections and dance floor romances (Zedd "Stay The Night" featuring Hayley Williams)
• Breakup narratives set against upbeat EDM productions created emotional contrast (Clean Bandit "Rather Be")
• Love as a transcendent, euphoric experience mirrored the high-energy sound of EDM (Galantis "Runaway (U & I)")

Self-empowerment

• Lyrics promoting confidence and self-belief (Katy Perry "Roar")
• Themes of overcoming obstacles and perseverance (Sia "Titanium" produced by David Guetta)
• Encouragement to be true to oneself and embrace individuality (Lady Gaga "Born This Way")
• Messages of unity and collective strength through music (Swedish House Mafia "Don't You Worry Child")

Production techniques

• Examines the technological advancements and production methods that shaped EDM-pop fusion
• Explores how electronic music production tools influenced the creation of mainstream pop
• Discusses the impact of these techniques on the roles of producers, songwriters, and artists

Digital audio workstations

• Ableton Live became the industry standard for EDM production and live performance
• FL Studio's piano roll and step sequencer influenced melodic and rhythmic patterns in EDM-pop
• Logic Pro X offered a comprehensive environment for both EDM production and pop songwriting
• Pro Tools remained crucial for vocal recording and final mixing in professional studios

Vocal processing and effects

• Auto-Tune and Melodyne used for both pitch correction and creative vocal effects
• Vocoder effects added robotic textures to vocals (Zedd "Spectrum" featuring Matthew Koma)
• Formant shifting altered the character of vocal samples in drops and breakdowns
• Sidechain compression created pumping effects on vocals synced to the kick drum

Layering and sound design

• Stacking multiple synth layers created rich, full-bodied lead sounds
• Layering acoustic instruments with synthesizers blended organic and electronic textures
• Sound design techniques like FM synthesis and wavetable manipulation crafted unique timbres
• Use of foley and found sounds added distinctive textures to EDM-pop productions

Subgenres and offshoots

• Explores the diverse range of styles that emerged from the EDM-pop fusion movement
• Examines how producers and artists experimented with different electronic subgenres in pop contexts
• Discusses the impact of these subgenres on the evolution of popular music in the 2010s

Tropical house

• Characterized by laid-back tempos, steel drums, and marimba-like synths
• Kygo pioneered the genre with remixes and original tracks like "Firestone"
• Justin Bieber's "What Do You Mean?" (2015) brought tropical house to mainstream pop
• The genre influenced summer-themed pop hits throughout the mid-2010s

Future bass

• Featured wobbling, filtered synth chords and trap-influenced drum patterns
• Flume's self-titled debut album (2012) laid the groundwork for the future bass sound
• The Chainsmokers incorporated future bass elements in hits like "Roses" (2015)
• Marshmello's collaborations with pop artists popularized the genre in mainstream contexts

Electropop

• Blended synth-pop aesthetics with modern EDM production techniques
• Charli XCX's "Boom Clap" (2014) exemplified the electropop sound in mainstream contexts
• Carly Rae Jepsen's "E•MO•TION" album (2015) received critical acclaim for its electropop approach
• Dua Lipa's self-titled debut (2017) further cemented electropop's place in contemporary music

Cultural impact

• Analyzes the broader societal influence of EDM-pop fusion beyond just music
• Explores how this genre blend affected live music experiences, media consumption, and social trends
• Discusses the role of EDM-pop in shaping youth culture and identity in the 2010s

Festival culture

• EDM-pop fusion fueled the growth of large-scale music festivals (Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival)
• Multi-day events like Tomorrowland became global phenomena attracting millions of attendees
• Festival fashion and aesthetics influenced mainstream youth culture and fashion trends
• The rise of festival live streams and aftermovies expanded the reach of EDM-pop culture

Mainstream radio dominance

• EDM-pop tracks regularly topped Billboard charts throughout the 2010s
• Radio-friendly EDM remixes of pop songs became common (Ellie Goulding "Lights" Bassnectar Remix)
• DJs and producers like Calvin Harris and David Guetta achieved pop star status
• The prevalence of EDM-pop on radio influenced the sound of other genres like hip-hop and R&B

Social media and viral trends

• EDM-pop tracks often spawned dance challenges on platforms like Musical.ly (later TikTok)
• Instagram stories and Snapchat became key promotional tools for EDM-pop artists
• Streaming platform playlists (Spotify's "Today's Top Hits") played a crucial role in breaking EDM-pop hits
• YouTube channels like Proximity and MrSuicideSheep helped popularize emerging EDM-pop artists

Criticism and controversies

• Examines the debates and criticisms surrounding the rise of EDM-pop fusion
• Explores the tensions between underground electronic music scenes and mainstream pop adoption
• Discusses the challenges and controversies faced by artists and producers in this genre

Commercialization of EDM

• Concerns about the "selling out" of EDM culture as it entered the mainstream pop world
• Debate over the simplification of complex electronic genres for mass appeal
• Criticism of the emphasis on spectacle and visual elements over musical innovation
• Discussion of the impact of corporate sponsorships and branding on EDM events and artists

Authenticity vs manufactured pop

• Questions raised about the role of ghost producers in EDM-pop collaborations
• Debate over the use of pre-made loops and samples in hit EDM-pop productions
• Criticism of formulaic song structures and drop-focused arrangements
• Discussion of the balance between artistic expression and commercial success in EDM-pop

Live performance debates

• Controversy surrounding the use of pre-recorded elements in EDM-pop live shows
• Debate over the value of traditional musicianship vs. electronic performance skills
• Criticism of "press play" DJ sets at major festivals and pop concerts
• Discussion of the role of visual spectacle (light shows, pyrotechnics) in EDM-pop performances

Global influence

• Explores how EDM-pop fusion impacted popular music around the world
• Examines the cross-cultural exchange between Western EDM-pop and other regional music styles
• Discusses the role of EDM-pop in globalizing certain sounds and production techniques

K-pop and J-pop adoption

• BTS incorporated EDM elements in tracks like "Blood Sweat & Tears" (2016) and "DNA" (2017)
• BLACKPINK's "DDU-DU DDU-DU" (2018) featured EDM-influenced drops and production
• J-pop artists like Perfume embraced EDM production techniques in their electropop sound
• Collaborations between K-pop artists and Western EDM producers became more common

Latin pop fusion

• Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's "Despacito" remix featuring Justin Bieber (2017) blended reggaeton with EDM-pop
• J Balvin and Willy William's "Mi Gente" remix with Beyoncé (2017) fused Latin rhythms with EDM production
• Enrique Iglesias collaborated with EDM producers like Pitbull on tracks like "I'm a Freak" (2014)
• Major Lazer's "Que Calor" featuring J Balvin and El Alfa (2019) bridged EDM, Latin pop, and dembow

Bollywood EDM integration

• Nucleya pioneered the fusion of EDM with Indian folk and film music
• "The Humma Song" from the film "Ok Jaanu" (2017) remixed a classic Bollywood track with EDM elements
• Bollywood composers like Amit Trivedi incorporated EDM production in film soundtracks
• Indian EDM festivals like Sunburn and VH1 Supersonic popularized the genre among young audiences

Legacy and evolution

• Analyzes the lasting impact of EDM-pop fusion on the music industry and popular culture
• Explores how the genre has evolved and influenced subsequent musical movements
• Discusses the future directions and potential resurgence of EDM-pop aesthetics

Post-EDM pop trends

• Shift towards more organic, stripped-back production in pop music (Billie Eilish, Lorde)
• Integration of EDM elements with hip-hop and trap production (Post Malone, Travis Scott)
• Emergence of bedroom pop and lo-fi aesthetics as a reaction to polished EDM-pop production
• Continued influence of EDM techniques in pop ballads and mid-tempo tracks

Influence on 2020s music

• Hyperpop genre emerged as an experimental offshoot of EDM-pop fusion (100 gecs, Charli XCX)
• EDM production techniques remained prevalent in pop music, albeit in more subtle forms
• Dance challenges on TikTok continued to drive the popularity of EDM-influenced pop tracks
• Virtual concerts and livestreams during the COVID-19 pandemic drew inspiration from EDM visuals and production

Nostalgia and revival movements

• Resurgence of interest in early 2010s EDM-pop sounds among Gen Z listeners
• Remix and re-release projects bringing renewed attention to classic EDM-pop hits
• Influence of EDM-pop aesthetics on retrowave and synthwave genres
• Reunion tours and comeback releases from EDM-pop acts of the early 2010s