Source Abstract #1

Bibliographical information:
"Electronic Music, Technology & Youth Culture." Audience Insights Group (2015): 1-7. Apr.
2015. Web. 26 July 2016. http://sfxii.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Electronic-MusicTechnology-and-Youth-Culture.pdf
Summary of the source (100-200 words):
The Audience Insights Group shared their findings regarding electronic music and their research
on the musics unique culture shows that the genres explosion in popularity can be attributed to
both the recent trend of using state-of-the-art technology and also the active efforts of the genre
to become more widely recognized within mainstream society. In particular, the article focuses
on how electronic music has evolved into something that transcends a mere musical genre. The
groups research gives detailed breakdowns of what specific aspects of the electronic music
scene attract people to the culture, and gives further insight on the how the genre utilizes modern
channels of communication such as social media to reach its main target audiences.
Academic level of the source (e.g. general public, high school reading level, college reading
level, graduate reading level): College-to-graduate level reading
Why are you considering using this source for your paper? (100-200 words):
This source contains many useful statistics that can be used to help support my explanations for
why electronic music is expanding so rapidly, and provides its own objective explanation for
why the electronic music scene attracts so many people from such drastically different
backgrounds. In addition, the information provided by the groups research is unbiased and aids
readers in their quest to understand why people continue to be so drawn to this growing
subculture. Other useful pieces of information provided by this source include statistics
regarding the increased digitalization within electronic music, as well as what the favorite
subgenres within electronic music are.

Source Abstract #2
Bibliographical information:

Colombo, Ambrose. "From Disco to Electronic Music: Following the Evolution of Dance
Culture Through Music Genres, Venues, Laws, and Drugs." Claremont Colleges - Scholarships
@ Clarement. Scholarship.claremont.edu, 2010. Web. 26 July 2016. http://
scholarship.claremont.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1084&context=cmc_theses
Summary of the source (100-200 words):
This study conducted by the Claremont Colleges goes into vivid detail about the origins of
modern electronic music and how it evolved from the Disco movement of the 1970s, which both
historians and music enthusiasts consider to be one of the direct predecessors to techno along
with house music. Another important aspect of this groups research is the fact that it breaks up
the development of electronic music based on their unique regional cultures (i.e. Chicago House
music vs. UK House music), and this provides additional insight on how geography plays an
influential role in creating independent subcultures within the larger electronic music movement.
Academic level of the source (e.g. general public, high school reading level, college reading
level, graduate reading level): College-to-graduate level reading
Why are you considering using this source for your paper? (100-200 words):
First and foremost, this can be a very valuable source of information for my assignment because
it possesses a wealth of information that can be used to help adequately describe the early history
of modern electronic music. Along with the articles discussions regarding the independent
developments of various regional electronic music scenes, the research also makes sure to
provide ample information regarding the progression of sound and technology within electronic
music as well. This encompasses many factors, from the genres emphasis on production
software to its modern musical practices which place absolutely no limits on what instruments
may be used during musical production, and help show just how dynamic this incredibly vibrant
culture really is.

Source Abstract #3
Bibliographical information:
Conner, Christopher T. "Electronic Dance Music: From Deviant Subculture to Culture
Industry." UNLV - Digital Scholarship. UNLV.edu, Dec. 2015. Web. 26 July 2016. http://
digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=3529&context=thesesdissertations
Summary of the source (100-200 words):
In this research study / dissertation conducted by Christopher T. Conner from the
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) it is made clear that the evolution of the
electronic dance music (EDM) subculture is largely due to the prominent roles being
played by external influences. As pointed out by the study among the most impactful of
these influencers in recent years have been mass media, public officials, and major music
corporations. Most notably, this source focuses on how EDM culture has been forced to
become more legitimate in recent years due to mass media coverage and a subsequent
response from public officials to make the venues safer. This transition to larger, safer
venues has in turn attracted the attention of corporations who see a massive financial
opportunity.
Academic level of the source (e.g. general public, high school reading level, college
reading level, graduate reading level): College-to-graduate level reading
Why are you considering using this source for your paper? (100-200 words):
This is considered a very valuable source of information because it helps explain why
EDM culture is becoming more and more widely accepted by the rest of society. In other
words, this text discusses the evolution of EDM from its infancy as a deviant subculture
all the way up to its current status as a global phenomenon. Additionally, this source
makes it very easy to understand how political and corporate interests are playing a role
in the progress of the EDM scene because it uses simple language to explain how both
government officials as well as music corporations have much to gain if they manage to
transform this rebellious subculture into a thriving commercial industry.

Source Abstract #4
Bibliographical information:
Duca, Lauren. "The Truth About EDM Culture Beyond All Those Drug Use Statistics."
The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 28 June 2014. Web. 26 July 2016. http://
www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/26/edm-culture_n_5518106.html
Summary of the source (100-200 words):
In this online article from Lauren Duca of the Huffington Post, readers a presented a
more positive perspective of the EDM scene that explores what the culture has to offer
beyond mere drugs and alcohol. The author writes that more than anything else, the
EDM culture provides people with an alternative form of stress relief that enables them to
temporarily escape from their various frustrations. Along with the appeal of escaping the
troubles of reality, the EDM culture is also highly attractive to people because of its
ability to unite individuals who come from vastly different socioeconomic backgrounds
based solely on a shared love for the same music and same social values.
Academic level of the source (e.g. general public, high school reading level, college
reading level, graduate reading level): High school reading level
Why are you considering using this source for your paper? (100-200 words):
I chose this particular source because it was a well-written article that provides helpful
insight on the EDM culture from the perspective of people who actually support and live
the lifestyle. Not only does this source help show that the electronic music scene offers
more than just drugs, it also gives much needed attention to the key aspects of the culture
that were the original reasons for its popularity in the late 80s and early 90s (i.e. strong
feelings of love / unity, feelings of euphoria, organized rebelliousness, etc.) which are
now often overlooked due to increased involvement from more powerful entities such as
politicians or corporations.

Source Abstract #5
Bibliographical information:
Hogan, Marc. "EDM After The Drop: What A Wounded Corporate Giant Means For
Dance Music Culture." NPR. NPR.org, 6 Oct. 2015. Web. 26 July 2016. http://
www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2015/10/06/445039871/edm-after-the-drop-what-awounded-corporate-giant-means-for-dance-music-culture
Summary of the source (100-200 words):
In this online article written by Marc Hogan of NPR Music, there are important
discussions regarding the level of overall corporate involvement in the current
development of electronic music. Some of the most interesting concepts brought up were
the idea that the current EDM culture is not one homogenous mix but rather multiple
subcultures running in parallel with each other, and also the idea that corporations may
not have actually influenced the sound but rather increased the visibility or overall access
to the culture as a whole. This is a very interesting thought because traditional logic
would suggest that increased corporate involvement would inevitably lead to a reduction
in quality as well as administrative corruption, but this article argues that the corporations
that do choose to involve themselves are only doing so to increase the musics popularity
and not for the sole reason of making money which would ultimately hurt the culture.
Academic level of the source (e.g. general public, high school reading level, college
reading level, graduate reading level): General public level
Why are you considering using this source for your paper? (100-200 words):
I chose this source because it presents opinions that come from an uncommon
perspective, and this is the perspective of a company that has actually invested an
enormous amount of company resources in an effort to help the culture (and in turn the
company) grow beyond anyones expectations. Possibly the most notable concept
mentioned by the article is the idea that corporate involvement is not necessarily always
harmful for the culture, as long as it is always the right companies getting involved who
make decisions for the benefit of the whole culture and not just for the sake of profits.
Well-known companies such as SFX were brought up as prime examples of corporate
giants that invested greatly in the EDM scene, and the discussion regarding the effects of
these investments provides valuable information for my paper.

Source Abstract #6
Bibliographical information:
Lewis, Zurich. "Engaging Electronic Dance Music Culture." The Chimes.
Chimes.biola.edu, 29 Apr. 2015. Web. 26 July 2016. http://chimes.biola.edu/story/2015/
apr/29/electronic-dance-music-culture/
Summary of the source (100-200 words):
The Chimes is the official on-campus publication for Biola University and in this
particular article they discuss the importance of keeping up with the progress of EDM
culture because it is undoubtedly primed to become the next big thing in terms of
musical movements. Despite being college students themselves, even the authors behind
this article recognize the significance of having multi-billion dollar companies turn their
attention towards the economic boom that is EDM culture. Not only do these companies
usher in a whole new realm of possibilities in terms of technology and venue locations,
but they also signify EDMs entrance into mainstream culture where it will eventually
merge with other influences such as pop culture.
Academic level of the source (e.g. general public, high school reading level, college
reading level, graduate reading level): General public level reading
Why are you considering using this source for your paper? (100-200 words):
I eventually decided upon using this source because it was one of the few articles I found
that were from actual school publications, and it presents a good opportunity to see how
actual students view the whole EDM culture. In addition to providing a different
perspective, this source also shows that news of EDM culture is gaining more exposure
with student populations. The article is also relatively well-written when the authors
discuss EDM cultures main appeals and how an especially notable trait of the culture is
its ability to make people feel comfortable being who they are while also feeling a strong
sense of community.

Source Abstract #7
Bibliographical information:
McLeod, Kembrew. "Genres, Subgenres, Sub-Subgenres and More: Musical and Social
Differentiation Within Electronic/Dance Music Communities." Iowa Research Online.
Ir.uiowa.edu, 1 Jan. 2001. Web. 26 July 2016. http://ir.uiowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1001&context=commstud_pubs
Summary of the source (100-200 words):
In this publication from the University of Iowa, author Kembrew McLeod breaks down
the complex divisions of genres, subgenres, and sub-subgenres that exist within the
collective electronic dance music community. Arguably the most interesting information
in the text was regarding the myriad of experimental genres that existed during the early
days of the electronic music culture. The publication describes how dance compilation
CDs and music magazines of the late 90s and early 2000s consistently displayed long
bloated lists of newly developed genres. Many of these genres are still around today
such as techno and drum-n-bass, and this also supports the publications assertion that
modern EDM culture is actually an amalgamation of many different subcultures that have
been absorbed into one umbrella culture over time.
Academic level of the source (e.g. general public, high school reading level, college
reading level, graduate reading level): College-to-graduate level reading
Why are you considering using this source for your paper? (100-200 words):
This source is useful for my assignment because it gives very detailed explanations
regarding the various genres that preceded modern EDM, and how each of these
subgenres had their own unique community but also the same shared interest in relatively
similar values. It provided me with insight on how each individual subgenre eventually
came to be recognized as another component of the collective EDM movement, due to
the musics unexpected rise from deviant subculture up to mainstream culture. Compared
to many of the other sources, which tend to focus on how corporate or political interests
are changing the scene, this publication focuses more on how the different subgenres
affected each others development throughout the past several decades.

Source Abstract #8
Bibliographical information:
Smith, Eoin. "Electronic Dance Music and Academic Music." Postgraduate Symposium
for the Creative Sonic Arts (2010): 56-65. De Montfort University, Leicester. Dmu.ac.uk,
4 June 2010. Web. 26 July 2016. http://www.dmu.ac.uk/documents/technologydocuments/research/mtirc/sssp201007esmith.pdf
Summary of the source (100-200 words):
In this publication from De Montfort University in Leicester (United Kingdom), the focus
of discussion is how modern electronic music manages to blend together various genres
that would have previously been considered completely incompatible. Well-known
producers such as Aphex Twin as Fourtet are pioneers of incorporating what the
publication calls found sound (artificially created noises) into their music, and this
revolutionary new form of musical production shows how modern musicians embrace the
trend of keeping the lines between genres blurred for the sake of inspiring further
creativity. This train of thought conflicts with many conventional ways of thinking in the
musical world where sticking within a genres structural guidelines were generally
considered the normal behavior, and that is what makes EDM even more interesting than
it already was.
Academic level of the source (e.g. general public, high school reading level, college
reading level, graduate reading level): College-to-graduate level reading
Why are you considering using this source for your paper? (100-200 words):
This source proved to be incredibly valuable because it brings up an important aspect of
EDM culture that is often overlooked, and this is the level of innovation that these
modern producers display when they create new songs. While some may dismiss these
modern musicians as wannabes or bedroom producers who possess no real musical
talent, this article suggests that there is serious evidence suggesting the exact opposite. In
fact, the ability of these producers to so easily blur the lines between musical genres is
actually quite astounding and gives me a better idea of why EDM is truly the most
progressive thing in music right now.