Electrolimbo: Why is the Music Industry Stalling on Experimental Electronic Music?

The beats of electronic music can be fast, but sadly, not the progress. If we compare any 10-year-old North American electronic festival lineup with the present, there will be no changes. It is preventing the growth of this industry. It is heartbreaking that the industry is not taking any risks. However, what's the reason behind it? In today’s informative post, we will find out the reason. 

Let's address the agenda directly!

Limitations of Acts:

Famous acts are not adopting global music. They are limiting themselves in their comfort zones. Only a few DJs are widening their genre. Instance, Baile Funk is one of the most famous DJs in Brazil. She is out to experiment with global music like South Africa's amapiano. 

She has introduced a newer tune with a mix of paredōes (gargantuan soundstages), grauzeiros (stunt motorcycling), and lança perfume. However, she is not getting enough coverage. Naturally, the global audience and Gen Z are not aware of it. Hence, it is limiting the whole industry. 

Lower Media Attention:

Media plays a significant role in elevating the music industry. Major global festivals remain uncovered. One might ask what the reason behind it is. The main reasons are mass layoffs and slashed budgets in media. Currently, sending a reporter a thousand miles away to cover one festival is impossible for the media houses. 

GG Albuquerque (a Brazilian writer and researcher) added, "Curators and music journalists aren't going for detailed research of these music scenes". It prevents the new generation from getting introduced to new tunes and the industry from experimenting. 

Market Trends:

Baile Funk from Brazil is one of the few acts working on new tempos. However, she is not getting the deserved limelight. It is happening because of the market trends. According to one of the insiders, "It can take a while for the Western market to get accustomed to new sounds, new drum patterns, new tempos." 

Consequently, there is a significant amount of risk factor related to it, and investors or record labels are not ready to take it. Therefore, singers are showing any interest in experimental electronic music. 

Gatekeeping of the Labels:

GG Albuquerque (a Brazilian writer and researcher) has accused the record labels of gatekeeping. Often, they offer contracts to establish singers only. They do not try to search for fresh talents. It diminishes the chances of getting new tunes, singers, and tendencies in the experiment. 

Albuquerque said, "There's an infinite number of amazing baile funk DJs, but the ones that are booked are the ones that release an album via a label like Nyege Nyege. The DJs from the favelas that play straight baile funk—the innovators of baile funk—aren't being booked." 

Lower Inclusion in the Big Festivals:

The big festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra have several rave machines optimised for the party geeks. However, these machines are suitable for hard parties, not for the sonic territory. The dance music industry gave a whopping $11.8 billion in 2023. Organisers get afraid of losing this revenue by experimenting. 

Additionally, media do not provide enough space without big names, and listeners tend to show no interest. This combined fear prevents the festival authorities from offering space to newcomers and experimenting with electronic music. 

 

Don't Limit Yourself. Find Out Solace in Experimental Electronic Music

Experimental electronic music can blow your mind. Don't limit yourself. Give it the right chance. 

If you are struggling with where to find these rare shows and artists, we suggest you look at the CASA site for this.