Introduction
Prog Dance is an exciting genre of electronic music that has been around since the early 2000s. It combines elements from progressive house, trance and techno music to create an intricate and catchy sound. As the name implies, prog dance is all about progression; it is constantly evolving and pushing boundaries. In this article, we will explore the history, style and influence of prog dance, as well as some of the best tracks to get you started.
History of Prog Dance
The origins of prog dance can be traced back to the late 1990s, when producers began experimenting with combining elements from different genres of electronic music. The first wave of prog dance emerged in the early 2000s, spearheaded by artists such as Sasha, John Digweed and Paul van Dyk. These pioneers helped to establish the genre’s distinct sound, which would go on to have a major impact on modern electronic music.
Since its inception, prog dance has been heavily influenced by a variety of genres, including progressive house, trance and techno. Artists such as Deadmau5, Above & Beyond and Eric Prydz have been instrumental in shaping the sound of prog dance, blending elements from all three genres to create a unique and captivating sound.
Understanding the Unique Sound and Style
At its core, prog dance is all about progression. Tracks often feature long builds and breakdowns, as well as complex rhythms and melodic structures. Prog dance tracks tend to be more uplifting and energetic than other genres of electronic music, with an emphasis on creating a sense of euphoria and emotion.
The sound of prog dance can vary greatly, but there are a few common features that help to define the genre. First and foremost, prog dance tracks are usually very melodic and feature intricate sound design. They also tend to be quite long, often stretching out over 10 minutes or more. One of the most defining features of prog dance is its use of vocal samples, which often provide a layer of emotion and complexity to the track.
Production Techniques Used in Prog Dance
The production techniques used in prog dance are just as important as the sound itself. Producers rely heavily on synthesizers and samplers to create the lush soundscapes that define the genre. Drum machines are also essential for creating the driving rhythms and complex grooves that are characteristic of prog dance. Effects processing is also key, as producers often use delay, reverb and other effects to add depth and texture to their tracks.
Influence of Prog Dance on Modern Electronic Music
Since its emergence in the early 2000s, prog dance has become increasingly popular, with many artists citing it as a major influence on their own work. Its influence can be seen in a variety of genres, from deep house and tech house to electro and dubstep. Prog dance has also had a major impact on mainstream EDM, with many of today’s biggest artists incorporating elements of the genre into their tracks.
Best Prog Dance Tracks to Get You Started
If you’re looking to get into prog dance, then these are some of the best tracks to get you started:
- Deadmau5 – Strobe
- Above & Beyond – Sun & Moon
- Eric Prydz – Pjanoo
- Sasha & Digweed – Northern Exposure
- Paul van Dyk – For An Angel
- Armin van Buuren – Mirage
- BT – Flaming June
- Tiesto – Adagio For Strings
- Cosmic Gate – Exploration Of Space
- Ferry Corsten – Punk
These tracks are a great starting point for discovering the unique sound of prog dance. If you’re looking to build your own prog dance playlist, then try to focus on tracks that feature long builds, intricate sound design and vocal samples.
Conclusion
Prog Dance is an exciting and ever-evolving genre of electronic music. From its origins in the late 1990s to its current influence on modern electronic music, prog dance has come a long way. If you’re looking to get into prog dance, then these recommended tracks are a great starting point. So why not give them a listen and see where the journey takes you.
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