The Relationship Between the Success and Composition of Modern Popular Electronic Dance Music and the Seasons and Climate

This research covers the relationship between popular electronic dance music (EDM) and the seasons and climate. The precedence and relevance of the research is outlined through prior research initiatives by Karen Aplin and Paul Williams on the effect of weather on classical music. The hypothesis is that the climate will affect how music by artists residing within the climate and the seasons will affect the popularity of certain genres. Warmer climates will produce songs that are more upbeat and energetic while colder climates will result in songs that are more complex and heavy. The analysis of this hypothesis will be performed in two parts. The first will be a data driven analysis from Beatport.com's Top 100 EDM charts to observe the season's impact on genre popularity. The second will be a case study analysis of a number of artists from around the world to observe climate impact on EDM. From the analysis, we are able to draw the connection that climate does in fact have an impact on the types of music produced. Likewise, we are able to conclude that there is a distinct variation in deep house, techno/tech house, and house as a result of the seasons shifting. Techno/tech house is more popular in the warmer spring and summer months and house and deep house have a higher standing in the colder fall and winter months.