The Grammy Awards and Electronic Music
Electronic music, a genre characterized by its use of electronic instruments and technology to produce sound, has been a significant part of the music industry for decades. Often interchanged with Electronic Dance Music (EDM), which specifically focuses on dance-oriented sounds, this genre has evolved from underground clubs to mainstream music charts. The Grammy Awards, recognizing the best in music, have mirrored this evolution in their inclusion and recognition of electronic and EDM music.
Electronic music was not initially segregated into its own category; it was intermixed with other genres.The official journey of electronic music in the Grammy sphere began in 1998, a landmark year when the genre saw its first nomination. The track "Carry On" by Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder not only marked the genre's debut in the prestigious award ceremony but also clinched the win against "Da Funk" by Daft Punk and "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit" by Gina G, setting a precedent for future electronic music entries. Since then, diverse artists such as David Guetta, Kaytranada and Zedd have won the award, in addition to more mainstream pop stars such as Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga and Rihanna. The Chemical Brothers and Skrillex have the most repeated wins in the Best Dance/Electronic Album category, with Skrillex winning eight awards overall.
The inclusion and recognition of electronic and EDM music in the Grammy Awards have significantly impacted the genre. The Grammys, often seen as a benchmark for musical success and quality, have helped in legitimizing electronic music within the larger music industry. This acknowledgment has propelled the genre from niche club scenes to mainstream popularity, influencing a broader audience and encouraging more artists to explore and innovate within the genre.
The 2024 Grammy Awards are set to further celebrate the genre's diversity and creativity. The nominees in the electronic and EDM categories represent a blend of established and emerging talents, showcasing the genre's dynamic and evolving nature. Nominees in the electronic and EDM music categories include James Blake for "Playing Robots into Heaven", The Chemical Brothers for "For That Beautiful Feeling", Fred Again for "Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9 2022)", Kx5 for "Kx5", and Skrillex for "Quest for Fire" in the Best Dance/Electronic Album category. For best EDM song, the nominees are Aphex Twin with "Blackbox Life Recorder 21f", James Blake for "Loading", Disclosure with "Higher Than Ever Before", Romy & Fred Again.. for "Strong", and Skrillex, Fred Again.. & Flowdan for "Rumble." This year’s awards will take place on February 4th.
This ongoing recognition by the Grammys not only celebrates the present achievements of electronic and EDM artists but also paves the way for future innovations, ensuring the genre remains a vibrant and integral part of the global music landscape.
