From Underground to Everywhere

Electronic music moved from academic labs to nightclubs to the mainstream. Kraftwerk (Germany, 1970s) proved that machines could make compelling pop music. Detroit techno pioneers like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson fused Kraftwerk's electronics with Black American funk and soul.

Chicago house emerged from DJ Frankie Knuckles' sets at the Warehouse club, blending disco, soul, and drum machines. UK rave culture (late 1980s) turned electronic music into a mass movement. EDM (2010s) brought electronic music to arena-sized audiences.