Thomas Pentz, better known as Diplo, has had a pretty big presence in the music industry, specifically EDM. Recently, though, he came out to The Chicago Tribune saying:
“I don’t think EDM ever existed to begin with. … All these DJs were already big — they were already part of conglomerate management companies and festival circuits. A lot of cool things were happening in dance and electronic music — you’re in Chicago, so you know. You don’t need EDM to come in and save you.”
This is not his first statement about EDM and the culture. In a recent interview with Billboard, Diplo mentioned how DJs are not famous for doing anything good, and how it is a really lame culture. It is true there are many DJs producing because it is the cool thing right now, but that doesn’t take away from the DJs and Producers that are making positive changes and big strides within EDM.
Diplo has also talked about how he plays the game. Its true, he plays it very well. His festival Mad Decent started out as a block party in Philadelphia, and is now selling out all over the United States. For someone against many parts of EDM culture, he’s truly contributing to, but also profiting from the movement.
But with his most recent statement, he might be onto something. DJs have been creating dance music since the 70s and dance music has been happening before mainstream put the term EDM on it. The culture was already there. But though dance music was happening before it got the label of EDM, maybe it is just dance music and the community evolving.
So yes, he is right dance music would continue without the “EDM movement,” but maybe this is what dance music is evolving into.
What are your thoughts on Diplo’s view?
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