[Slenderthrower]

Greetings. Im a music technology student doing a presentation/discussion on IDM and why it is defined as intelligent. So i was just wanting to know peoples thoughts on the questions below. I understand not everyone whom replies will be a musician/electronic artist or whatever but if you are would you state your Stage name or whatever you call yourself that would help alot. If your not a musician then i would still value your opinion on these questions.

To concur, the three main questions are:

Why do you think IDM is defined as intelligent. Where is intelligence reflected e.g: the production techniques? the tonal qualities within the music?

And also Do you think the term Intelligent to define a particular genre of music is controversial at all?

PLEASE NOTE: IF I LIKE YOUR POSTED RESPONSE, I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL IF I COULD REFERENCE IT IN MY PRESENTATION. OBVIOUSLY I WILL REFERENCE ANY POSTS APPROPRIATELY GIVING YOU FULL CREDIT FOR WHATEVER YOU HAVE WRITTEN.

Once again thank you to anyone who contributes to this post

[lolirl]

Do your own homework next time.
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[statisticquill]

I'm pretty sure no musician would use "IDM" to label their music, it seems like these days its just pretentious bloggers throwing words around that they don't understand. Leave the music to the musicians please, we appreciate your listenership but not your classifications.

Genres are generally defined by who and where they are listened to, IDM doesn't really have a specific place or listenership, so I don't know if you can even define it as a genre. The term started out in the US, referring to artists that were producing music an OCEAN away from the people who used the term.

There's an entire wiki article on this, you know? Just read that.
You may not reference my post.

[relic]

I thought some magazine writer/music critique made it up to describe mid 90's electronic music.

I always thought the "intelligent" was meant to imply it wasn't pop music; therefore not for the masses and therefore not "dumb".

Personally I don't think it's a very accurate term even though I end up using it. Reference away...though I don't think I added much here.

[Br/ainfu+ked]

IDM rolls of the tongue

[stem collector]

It Doesnt Matter

[scyn]

Originally Posted by relic

Personally I don't think it's a very accurate term even though I end up using it.

I don't think I've ever said the words 'Intelligent Dance Music' out loud to someone when discussing music. I find the phrase a little ridiculous (/pretentious?) tbh, and if I don't like using it I see no point in expecting other people to like it. Electronic Music is usually adequate.

But I also accept that it's just a label that happened to stick, & as long as it's stuck, I'm not gonna fret that much about it.

[RFJ]

Because for some stupid reason nobody will stick with Briandance.

Edit: I just prefer Electronic Music though but if I have to call it something I'll go with the above, I don't give a shit if it was first said tongue in cheek.

[Numerical]

That term is over ten years old ime. Might even be older outside of my experience. Pretty sure it's not really relevant any more, at least in terms of a distinct genre.

[Reedswitch]

Yes, it is a controversial term that many people don't like to use (including a lot of the major artists that fall under the category). Perhaps a better way to put it would be "intellectual electronic music" because it appeals more to the intellect than other, more formulaic electronic dance music such as house. That's not to say that formulaic dance music is stupid, it's simply meant for different purposes.

[Lateral Sync]

Yeah, i feel it's mostly genre agnostic so long as it's electronic. I wouldn't even call what I create "dance music." I dont "dance."

[Lug]

braindance is good too.
I associated IDM with a certain sound and actually use it sometimes. I explain it as "It's rhythmical electronic music but not meant for the clubs"

[lebeux]

IDM is deemed "intelligent" because it's supposed to be conceptually more complex than ordinary dance music. And it's deemed "dance music" because it's supposed to be an evolution of electronic dance music styles, rhythms, and techniques.

Both suppositions are usually true. The name still sounds ridiculous though.

I don't think the topic makes for a great paper tbh

[bbb]

For me, it's everything beyond straight party music. Of course I didn't party to this stuff, just thought it was kick ass sounds. The stuff I've started listening to more and more since coming to this forum. The things you don't know about from the (not against) radio(at least not easy to find).

[statisticquill]

According to Wiki, Warp was marketing their music as "electronic listening music" in '92, I think thats a good description. Its electronic music that you're sort of meant to sit down and listen to.

I stand by my earlier rant though. Fuck all these genre names.

Anyways, I need to get back to making my chill-drum-synth-wave-tumblr-step.

[ghyt wembpang]

Originally Posted by stem collector

It Doesnt Matter

yep

[icvicvicvicvi]

You should definitely read the bits on IDM in Simon Reynolds's Generation Ecstasy. It is NOT by any means an objective account - the author definitely has his own axe to grind - but he is also an extremely well-read, thoughtful writer who was there when IDM went big. Pretty much an essential read for any serious academic work on IDM (or any electronic dance music at all, for that matter), whether or not you agree with the guy.

[relic]

Braindance : ) Rhythmic music for the brain! Not the feet...or both : ) I also don't find Electronic Listening Music a terrible term...or Headphone Music.

Just listen and enjoy ;p

[relic]

Originally Posted by lebeux

I don't think the topic makes for a great paper tbh

Also, this.

[Oatbag]

It's ok to site references from online forums now? What's the official format for doing it? What if the username is something terrible?