The Therapeutic Effects of Electronic Dance Music

Abstract

Does electronic dance music provide a form of healing to its following and if so, in what ways? To answer this theoretical question, I explore the nature of electronic dance music in regards to the experience the music genre provides individuals. Sonic, visual, physical, and social components accumulate together to formulate the electronic dance music experience. The value of electronic dance music lies in self-transformation by experiencing sensual stimulation through one’s sonic, visual, and social senses alongside physical movement and flow. I used media content analysis on online forums focusing on EDM communities as well as the movie "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" for insight into the DJ's perspective. I also use discourse analysis on over ten research articles to examine the various ways that electronic dance music can have therapeutic effects.