Ageing & Still Raging

Today, I listened to an episode of Sound Opinions that discussed the emergence of EDM (electronic dance music), its influences, impact on pop culture, and future in America. Though informative, it left me with a strange sensation of realizing that I’ve gotten older. I had never experienced this feeling before in relation to anything artistic, and it took me a while to understand my anxious reaction. This episode was the first to showcase a trending genre of music that I am relatively unfamiliar with. 

Sure, I know something about early 90s dance music; I fought for our family car’s radio station to be tuned to Chicago’s B96 until I was twelve or thirteen years old (the alternative rock station, Q101, took over after that point). But my knowledge of EDM ends at 1996, and, well, a lot has happened since then. 

This Skrillex guy, among others, has been producing sounds and beats that have evolved way past 1996. I don’t know how to use a laptop as a recording, producing, and mixing studio, I barely know what ‘dubstep’ is, and I don’t know how to sample. I mean, my blog isn't even hip-looking (Flash? Photos?). The way I make music (and study it) could be considered archaic today. 

Although I liked what I heard on Sound Opinions, I didn’t feel like a part of it and subconsciously began to wonder if I’ve already become obsolete. My anxiety signified that I felt as though I’m dinosauring. Or getting ready to dinosaur. 

Snap back to rational thinking: I’m not old nor done for. And even if I was, there are millions of resources to come by on the internet, at shows (whether they be Coachella, in a basement, or at a dive bar), and word of mouth. One can learn a tremendous amount by simply listening, reading, and staying open-minded. So, traditional musicians - don’t despair! We are still part of the conversation!