For centuries, music has brought a diverse group of people together. The variety of genres create a unique sense of unity for listeners’ preferences.

One of the most recent genres is electronic dance music, or EDM. This music is produced by disc jockeys (DJs) who mix together a variety of tracks. EDM promotes dance culture (which is common at concerts), raves and festivals. EDM strives to appeal to teenagers and young adults.

“I am drawn to EDM because of the energy it brings and how the atmosphere is so intense and loud and gets everybody dancing,” said junior Morgan McFerren.

EDM began with disco in the mid-1970s through early 1980s, which encouraged a new style of dance. Years after disco, electro and house music prospered leading to the emergence of EDM’s popularity in Europe and America in the 1990s. The acceptance of dance culture was not universal due to a perceived association between EDM and a drug culture, but by the 21st century, the music industry evolved the genre in a positive manner. The media raved about this new American-styled dance genre.

“EDM is such a rad vibe and its not just the music but every thing about it is super cool whether it comes to the lights, the food, the people and the venue,” said senior Jake Schrier.

Today, festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, Snow Globe and Air + Style draw large crowds. People gather to listen, experience and dance to their favorite artists. Festivals emphasize visual displays as part of their overall experiences, including elaborate stage designs, complex lighting systems, laser shows and pyrotechnics.

Air + Style was held at Exposition Park, Los Angeles, on Feb. 18 and 19. The festival created by Shawn White, a professional snowboarder, is inspired by music and a snowboarding big air competition. Riders,  like Max Parrot and Marcus Kleveland, came from around the world to display their skills, snowboarding down a 16-story big air jump.

Along with watching the competition, festival-goers attended performances on two stages – Summer and Winter stage. At the fairgrounds, various tents displayed art and even had interactive craft stations to draw and make Air + Style inspired bags.

“I chose to go to Air + Style because EDM music allows me to truly let go of all my worries and stress and let me just have fun with my friends,” said senior Marisa Yocca.

The top headliners included Flume, Major Lazer, Zhu, YG, Louis the Child, Russ and more.

“My favorite artist from this weekend was either Flume or Louis the Child,” Schrier said. “Flume was one of my favorites because while he performed. I knew almost every song so it made it that much more of an experience, […] I also got VIP, so it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In my opinion, Louis the child was insane because the two DJs attracted such a massive crowd and have so many fans so when they played their hit songs, every person knew them.”

The lighting is bright, music loud and crowd on their feet dancing around. From the environment to performances, Air + Style was one of the many festivals that the music industry has to offer.