Top 5 GRAMMY EDM Moments
It’s hard enough accepting that it's already 2014. It's even harder to believe that the 56th GRAMMY Awards show is so fast and furiously approaching, with less than two weeks away until curtain! As I prepare to dust off my finest red carpet attire, let’s look back at some of the most memorable EDM moments in GRAMMY history, short as it may be compared to other categories. And don’t forget to share your favorites in the comments below!
1. The Academy Continues Evolution of GRAMMY Awards Process:
Unlike other categories, EDM’s historical moment with GRAMMY is really the evolution of all its moments. Starting with the first GRAMMY for Best Electronic/Dance Recording to Dirty Vegas in 2002, moving on to Basement Jaxx's win for Best Electronic/Dance Album in 2005 to the name change of “Dance/Electronica” in 2011, the story of EDM at GRAMMY is the story of a gradual evolution in both the genre and its relationship to the Academy. So it’s only natural that evolution has come full tilt with EDM artists in mainstream categories and mainstream artists in EDM.
2. When Best New Artist Nominee Skrillex became a household name:
Speaking of EDM artists in mainstream categories, another seminal moment for EDM is the inclusion of Skrillex in the all-important Best New Artist race. Gasps and excitement greeted his inclusion alongside The Band Perry, Bon Iver, J. Cole, and Nicki Minaj. Even the independent voice of a generation, KCRW, took to Twitter to note this “historic event for electronic music.” As I’ve referenced before, more people are starting to listen and find themselves entranced by the wobble-style, bass drop these crazy electronic kids have been going on about for years. Skrillex’s nomination in this category is proof positive.
3. The Unveiling of the Re:Generation Documentary:
The lead up to the 54th GRAMMY Awards saw the premiere of The Recording Academy and Hyundai’s Re:Generation music project documentary. Five electronica DJs and producers, (DJ Premier, the Crystal Method, Pretty Lights, Mark Ronson, and Skrillex) collaborated with some of the most influential artists from five different genres outside dance/electronica. What at first this might seem like a challenge, placing different generations and musical styles together, it instead produced amazing collaborations that highlighted the incredible creative process and the universality of dance/electronica. It was a cinematic breakthrough with forward-thinking partnerships with some of today's biggest musicians to discover how our musical past is influencing the future.
4. 2012’s All-star Tribute Performance to EDM:
Who could forget when David Guetta, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Deadmau5 and the Foo Fighters joined together at the 54th Grammy Awards to pay tribute to electronic music? The genre's journey into the mainstream limelight hit a high as Chris Brown and David Guetta turned the volume up with their "I Can Only Imagine," collaboration. But the star power didn't stop there: the Foo Fighters proved there isn't much of a gap between the Foo's rock and the electronic genre while performing their single "Rope," before transitioning into Deadmau5's equally glowing set.
5. Kaskade Brings EDM To GRAMMY Museum:
History was made at the GRAMMY Museum January 15th 2013 during its first Electronic Dance Music-themed event: a sold out Q&A that brought a new generation of music lovers into the Grammy Museum for the first time. Executive Director Bob Santelli told the audience that the museum is also in the process of putting together their first ever EDM-focused exhibit. "Other museums have inquired if we are going to do something and we said, 'Maybe we should.' The plan is for it to focus more on the actual creative process that goes into creating EDM.”