20 Stories That Defined EDM in 2020
Ticketmaster Shares Plans to Require Vaccination Proof for Entry to Concerts—Then Backpedals
In November, a bombshell Billboard report quoted Ticketmaster‘s CEO as saying the ticketing giant was working on a framework for post-pandemic fan safety that would use smartphones to verify fans’ vaccination status prior to receiving admission to concerts. However, while the original article noted that Ticketmaster’s plan was merely being considered, myriad news outlets went on to report the plan as having been officially established, prompting Ticketmaster to backpedal. “We are not forcing anyone to do anything,” Ticketmaster said in an ensuing statement provided to BBC News.
Protesters Chant to Dirtybird Song in Detroit
Twitter (via Bearemy)
Following a sweeping music industry blackout on Tuesday, June 2nd, a litany of record labels, streaming services, brands, and artists implemented robust programs and donated millions of dollars to organizations fighting for racial equality and justice in the wake of George Floyd‘s death.
As nationwide protests mounted, many in the dance music community—such as venerated house and techno record label Dirtybird—aligned in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. At a protest in Detroit, activists marched through the streets and chanted while using a Dirtybird song as a soundtrack, prompting the label to react on Twitter. “People protesting with our music,” they wrote. “We are proud.”
Bassnectar Retires from Music Following Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
In summer 2020, an Instagram account called @evidenceagainstbassnectar exploded after publishing graphic accounts of sexual misconduct against Bassnectar, prompting him to issue a statement refuting the allegations. “The rumors of sexual misconduct that are circulating about me are completely untrue. I want to leave it at that, because it truly is that simple,” Bassnectar wrote at the time. In the wake of perhaps the year’s most nuclear #MeToo moment in EDM, the dust never settled, and the dubstep superstar hastily announced an indefinite hiatus from the music industry.
Death of i_o
i_o
In late November, tragedy struck the EDM community when renowned producer i_o passed away at the age of 30. The gifted artist was coming into his own, in every sense of the term. Having recently celebrated his momentous signing to Armada Music as well as the launch of his own Label 444 banner, perhaps the most devastating aspect of i_o’s sudden death wasn’t what he had done so far, but rather how much more he had to accomplish.
The EDM family banded together in mourning following the deflating news of his passing, taking to social media to share their memories of the late music producer, who Insomniac founder Pasquale Rotella called a “beautiful soul.”
The Mythical Upcoming Album from Skrillex
Marilyn Hue
Back in March, Skrillex sent his fanbase into a fever pitch when he announced that the first of multiple albums was in its final stages. What followed was a revolving door of Skrillex news that only served to fan the flames of the feverish anticipation surrounding the album, which, at this point, is verging on mythical.
This year, he was spotted in the studio with a bevy of jaw-dropping collaborators, including Justin Bieber, Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys, Top Dawg Entertainment artist Zacari, and Mike D of legendary hip-hop trio The Beastie Boys, among others. Skrillex also wiped his Instagram back in June, only reinforcing the notion that something massive is on the horizon. He did drop a brand new track, however, offering fans a taste of honey before the hive.
The Release of Underplayed
Featuring interviews with women and several male allies working in all aspects of the industry, the feature-length documentary Underplayed offered crucial insights into just how much work is left to be done for gender equality in the dance music scene. Over the course of the film’s 85 minutes, its fundamental message is clear: In EDM, gender bias does more than just pervade all aspects of life for a woman—it has become inescapable. The release of Underplayed, which included discussions with REZZ, Alison Wonderland, and NERVO, among others, was a timely reminder that the future is female.
Excision Launches Subsidia Records
To say Excision launched his new record label in an unorthodox way would be a gross understatement. The Subsidia Records boss debuted the imprint by releasing 118 brand new songs spanning across four different chapters, each of which had their own unique narrative and theme. In doing so, he introduced a bass music utopia that is primed to push the envelope of the genre for years to come.
Avicii’s Legacy Lives On
