Dance Music Symphony Is Classical Music’s Response To EDM

In the past few years, the umbrella-genre of EDM has become incredibly sophisticated from the early days of house, that featured a more simple yet avant garde approach to anything electronic. Many of the features that are available to DJs and producers today have given those who are more musically traditional with their tastes to mix melodies and riffs that wouldn’t normally be found in early techno. As the genre becomes more complicated, older musicmakers like Above and Beyond are experimenting in the marriage between EDM and traditional instrumentation. Swedish composer, Hans Ek, will be crafting an album of purely covers produced by big-time EDM / House artists that have made a splash in the last decade.

While he may not be a big household name on terms of our music tastes here at Relentless Beats, Ek will be “instrumental” in crafting his brand new concept album, “Dance Music Symphony.” DMS is going to feature not only current, popular acts like Calvin Harris and Skrillex, but also has an appearance from our old friend, Massive Attack. Focusing on electronic works that possess more orchestral stylings, Hans Ek has no word on a release date, but will be performing the tracklisting on July 2nd, 2016 with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic at the Bråvalla Festival.

The tracklisting is as follows:

Dance Music Symphony:

01 Swedish House Mafia: “Greyhound”

02 Ten Walls: “Walking with Elephants”

03 Massive Attack: “Unfinished Sympathy”

04 The Knife: “Silent Shout”

05 Faithless: “Insomnia”

06 The Chemical Brothers: “Galvanize”

07 Ellen Allien & Apparat: “Retina”

08 Skrillex: “First of the Year (Equinox)”

09 Nina Kraviz: “Walking in the Night”

10 Aphex Twin: “#3”

11 Deadmau5: “Strobe”

12 Martin Garrix: “Animals”

13 Calvin Harris, Alesso, Hurts: “Under Control”

14 Avicii: “Levels”

15 Underworld: “Born Slippy (Nuxx)”

16 Energy 52: “Cafe Del Mar”

17 Daft Punk: “Aerodynamic”

As you can see, the selections are pretty diverse compared to the older generation’s perception of the genre. Usually when you expect a covers album from an artist of a different genre, the results can be spotty, since not every artist can fully immerse themselves in a genre that is not theirs in such a short amount of time. Ek will have to impress his crowd, not only of classical loyalists, but electronic fans who have extremely picky and elevated tastes compared to anyone who dedicates their lives to a genre. Although the release date is tentative, keep an eye on Hans Elk, because his cover album is bound to be a unique contribution to the world of music. Changing the complicated melodic riffs from guys like Deadmau5 is going to be an interesting challenge for a composer with a distinct musical background in classical music.

Connect With Hans Ek: Official Website

Sources: Pitchfork, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, Bravalla Festival