ReggaeEDM is a subgenre of music that fuses elements of reggae, dub, drum and bass, and Electronic Dance Music (EDM). It evolved during the 1990s from the convergence of the UK jungle music scene, American rave culture, and Jamaican sound system traditions.[1][2] ReggaeEDM incorporates reggae's one-drop rhythms, dub style production techniques, synthesized instrumentation, and drum and bass. The genre has grown steadily in influence across international festivals, digital platforms, and underground music scenes.[3]
ReggaeEDM's stylistic roots lie in the early 1990s jungle movement in the United Kingdom, which fused reggae, dancehall, and dub vocals with breakbeats and electronic basslines.[4]Jungle music laid the groundwork for global hybrid genres by using rhythmic syncopation and dub production techniques.[5] As these sounds reached North American shores, artists in cities like San Francisco and Miami began incorporating them into their own original fusions.
The genre's original identity is closely linked to Kēvens[6][7][8][9][10][11][12], a Miami cased musician. He coined the term ReggaeEDM in 1998 when he first performed with a live band at the Zen Music Festival in Florida.[13][14][15]
According to The Foundation Radio Network, Kēvens’ "Legal Dreamers,"[14] became the first ReggaeEDM song to both chart and reach #1 on the Jamaican Reggae Singles Charts (Dec 2023).[16]
Musical characteristics
ReggaeEDM fuses together components from its parent genres; reggae, dub, jungle, and drum and bass. Vocal styles range from traditional reggae singing, and toasting, to processed vocal samples layered over electronic beats.[15]
Rhythmic structure
At the core of ReggaeEDM is the "one drop" rhythm[17] combined with 4/4 EDM kick drum patterns. The tempo is moderate to fast ranging from 90-140 beats per minute. This rhythm is often combined with syncopated offbeat patterns, known as the "skank," played by guitars or keyboards, providing a distinctive groove. [18]
Instrumentation and production
ReggaeEDM blends traditional reggae instruments like electric bass, drums, and horn sections with electronic instruments including synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers. The basslines are heavy and melodic, reflecting reggae's emphasis on bass, while the electronic components introduce elements like drops, build-ups, and synthesized textures of EDM.[19] Production techniques often include reverb and delay to create a spacious and immersive sound reminiscent of the music of Lee Scratch Perry.[20]
Vocal styles
Vocals in ReggaeEDM often incorporate reggae's toasting and singjay styles[21]. These are frequently processed with reverb and delay consistent with reggae dub music.
Thematic content
According to ReggaeEDM.com, the genre maintains reggae's tradition of addressing social and political issues, while also promoting messages of unity, love, and social resistance typical of Roots Reggae.[22]
Notable artists and contributors
Perry performing in Munich, 2016
Lee "Scratch" Perry, the Jamaican producer treated the studio like an instrument, using his own techniques to develop echo, tape manipulation, and bass-heavy mixes that shaped reggae and set the foundation for the development of Reggae fusion genres.
Kēvens: recognized as the originator of the term ReggaeEDM, has helped expand the genre’s global profile. He has taken his live ensemble to some of the biggest stages globally.
Asian Dub Foundation performing live in Berlin, November 2008.
Asian Dub Foundation: This UK-based group blends electronic rhythms with dub, hip-hop, and world music, contributing to the genre’s political and cross cultural acceptance.[23]
Adrian Sherwood: A British producer known for innovative dub-electronic hybrids that helped lay the groundwork for ReggaeEDM aesthetics.[24]
Thievery Corporation: A duo that merges downtempo, dub, reggae, and electronic textures, often cited for their genre-crossing productions.[25]
Dispensing with a specific angle: Diplo and Walshy Fire of Major Lazer performing at Flow Festival in Helsinki, August 2015.
Major Lazer: This project by Diplo, Walshy Fire, and Ape Drums blends dancehall and EDM, and their mainstream hits brought global attention to the fusion of reggae and EDM.[26]
Skrilliex: Nine time grammy award winner, Skrillex, is known for his work in dubstep and electronic music. His contribution to ReggaeEDM originated with his collaboration with Damian Marley on "Make It Bun Dem."[27] Another Skrillex ReggaeEDM style track, "Rumble" featuring Flowdan won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Recording.[28][29]
Influence and legacy
As traditional reggae experiences fluctuations in popularity,[30] ReggaeEDM has emerged as a dynamic force breathing new life to both genres.[28]
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