In the European countries, and worldwide, especially the Greek islands, electronic music is a very popular genre of music, and rightfully so. Even in America, any time one turns on the contemporary pop airwaves, it is rare that one will not hear a pop tune that has elements of electronic music infused in it, such as songs from such artists as Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, among countless others. Electronic music is certainly the future of the music industry.
As a music journalist, columnist and critic, this writer has been covering electronic music for the past decade, for assignment purposes, however, during a time of personal loss (when his best friend passed away several years back due a tragic incident), it was the only form of music that could comfort him during that difficult and painful time, where it became an invigorating drug and a natural medicine (with no side negative effects). Electronic music is easily one of the most liberating and euphoric genres out there.
In particular, one electronic song by Dutch trance DJ and producer Armin van Buuren, entitled “This is What It Feels Like,” a collaboration with Canadian singer-songwriter Trevor Guthrie, was his biggest consolation during that time. While its lyrics are melancholic (since Guthrie wrote it about his next door neighbor and dear friend who passed away from a brain tumor), with the help of Armin van Buuren’s stellar production and infectious hooks and drop, they are able to turn it from a song of sorrow into a feel-good, uplifting track.
At the time, when this journalist came across this tune for an assignment, it hit him hard, and felt like it was written personally for him. By playing it repeatedly, the music critic was able to turn that unfortunate circumstance into a celebration of that person’s life, (while focusing on the great times they had together, and the fond memories and experiences) and it was encouraging and empowering to help him cope and move on.
In doing so, this song motivated me to explore other songs by other noteworthy producers and DJs in the electronic music world, which were equally soothing, mellow and upbeat. Electronic music became more than a journalistic assignment, it became a lifestyle for this reviewer. This journalist was totally hooked and immersed in that musical format. Electronic music is a universal language, which is why it has one of the most dedicated musical fan-bases worldwide, which is evident in such major musical festivals as Electric Zoo, Electric Daisy Carnival and the Ultra Music Festival in Miami, among countless others. As a result, the depth, meaning and production of its songs gave him an affinity and love for the electronic genre of music. In mournful times, electronic music has become his “go-to” companion. Electronic music has a sense of magic and unity to it, where it is able to touch the fans and listeners on an emotional level.
