In the world of electronic dance music (EDM), the mainstage has always been a battleground for some of the most groundbreaking and influential artists. Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed an evolution of sound—from the heavy, bass-driven drops that defined the early 2010s to the emotionally charged, atmospheric beats that have captured listeners’ hearts in recent years. This shift has been propelled by a new wave of producers who have redefined what it means to make “mainstage” music.
From the explosive dubstep of Skrillex to the melodic house anthems of Fred again.., the EDM scene is experiencing a transformation in how big-room music is conceptualized and performed. But how did we go from the intense, high-energy drops of early 2010s dubstep to the more introspective and melodic mainstage sounds we hear today? In this post, we’ll explore the journey from Skrillex to Fred again.. and how these artists, among others, have redefined the sound of the mainstage.
1. Skrillex: The Face of Dubstep’s Global Takeover
In the early 2010s, Skrillex (Sonny Moore) was a name synonymous with dubstep. The release of his EP “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” in 2010 was a game-changer, marking a shift in the EDM world and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the genre. Skrillex’s signature sound—filled with gnarly basslines, screeching synths, and intense build-ups—was unlike anything the mainstream had heard before. It was chaotic, aggressive, and utterly electrifying.
At the time, Skrillex’s sound became the soundtrack to festivals, clubs, and stadium shows across the globe. His performances were full of thunderous drops and euphoric moments, with an energy that electrified massive crowds. It wasn’t just about the music—it was the experience, the high-octane vibe that came with each track. Skrillex became one of the most important figures in the rise of dubstep, and his sound dominated the mainstage for a solid decade, influencing artists like Knife Party, Zedd, and Flux Pavilion.
However, as time went on, there was a noticeable shift in what listeners wanted from their dance music. The sound of dubstep, while still popular, began to feel somewhat one-dimensional and predictable. The genre, often associated with filthy bass and aggressive drops, was ripe for reinvention. Enter the new generation of producers ready to push the envelope in ways Skrillex had pioneered but also evolve it into something deeper.
2. A Shift in Sound: The Rise of Melodic and Emotional House
Around 2017-2018, a wave of melodic house, future garage, and ambient-techno began to make waves on the festival mainstage, moving away from the bass-heavy, in-your-face energy that had defined much of mainstream EDM. The new sound was emotive, melodic, and atmospheric, and it was embodied by a new class of artists.
One name stands out in this shift: Fred again.. (Fred Gibson). The London-based producer and musician began to find success with a deeply emotional and intimate approach to music, blending elements of house, techno, and UK garage, but with a more personal and experimental twist. His 2020 album “Actual Life (April 14 – December 17, 2020)” was a breakthrough moment, a reflection of the emotional challenges many faced during the global pandemic. The album, which was built around field recordings and samples of voices, was a stark contrast to the high-energy, in-your-face drops that dominated EDM at the time.
Fred again..’s ability to blend personal storytelling with electronic production is what sets him apart. His music is not just for the dancefloor; it’s music for reflection and connection, and that’s what makes it resonate so deeply with listeners. His track “Marea (We’ve Lost Dancing)”, for example, captures the feeling of isolation and yearning in a world where live shows were temporarily paused, yet still has an uplifting energy that brings hope. It’s music that speaks to the soul, while also making you want to move.
Fred’s success is emblematic of a larger trend within the electronic music scene: the mainstage sound is becoming less about the drop and more about the emotional journey. Melodic house, deep house, and techno have been gaining significant traction, as they blend high energy with introspective tones, taking the audience on a more profound and immersive ride.
3. The Return of Emotionality and Depth in EDM
While Fred again.. has been one of the most prominent figures in this shift, he’s certainly not the only one redefining what it means to perform on the mainstage. Artists like Bicep, Ben Böhmer, and Lane 8 have also been pushing the boundaries of dance music, trading abrasive drops for sweeping melodies and atmospheric soundscapes that envelop the listener.
The influence of progressive house, UK garage, and ambient techno has been evident in the music of artists like Fort Romeau, Mall Grab, and Peach. They’ve managed to create a balance between dancefloor-friendly beats and a deeper, more emotional connection with their audience. These genres often incorporate ambient textures and melodic progressions that build slowly, giving the listener time to get lost in the music rather than waiting for a drop to disrupt the flow.
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of this shift is the diversity of emotion in modern mainstage music. While Skrillex and his contemporaries were known for their adrenaline-pumping beats, the new wave of producers is exploring a wider range of moods—from the melancholy of Fred again.. to the dreamlike quality of artists like Jon Hopkins. It’s a sound that speaks to both the body and the heart, creating experiences that transcend the typical DJ set.
4. The Role of Technology and the Evolution of Sound Design
Another significant factor driving this change is the advancement in technology and its influence on sound design. With the rise of powerful software tools, virtual instruments, and AI-based production tools, artists have more creative freedom than ever before. The process of creating deeply emotional and atmospheric tracks has become more accessible, with producers able to experiment with new sounds, textures, and sample-based techniques that weren’t possible in the past.
For instance, Fred again.. has been known to use field recordings in his music—snippets of conversations, soundscapes, and noises captured in everyday life. This lends a sense of authenticity to his tracks, making them feel not only personal but relatable. The emotional depth in his music comes from his ability to connect real-world experiences with electronic sound design, blending analog warmth with digital precision.
Likewise, many producers are embracing a more organic approach to their music-making, incorporating live instruments or vocals, adding layers of human touch to their electronic beats. The fusion of these elements with cutting-edge production techniques has paved the way for a new era of sound—a shift that balances innovation with a deeper sense of emotional storytelling.
5. Mainstage in 2025: Where Are We Headed?
As we look toward the future of mainstage EDM in 2025 and beyond, it’s clear that the sound is continuing to evolve. Skrillex’s legacy will always be a defining force in EDM, but the direction is now about combining high energy with emotional resonance. Producers are moving away from formulaic drops and embracing nuanced musicality, blending genres, exploring new structures, and connecting more deeply with audiences.
With artists like Fred again.. leading the charge, we can expect even more genre-defying work, with electronic music becoming less about the track and more about the experience. The mainstage is no longer solely the domain of the aggressive, bass-heavy drops—it’s an arena where sound, emotion, and technology collide in beautiful and unexpected ways.
In the years ahead, the mainstage sound will be shaped by artists who are willing to push the envelope and break free from the traditional structures of dance music. The future of EDM is bright, and it’s clear that the next chapter will be one filled with emotion, innovation, and connection—all driven by the pioneers like Skrillex, Fred again.., and the many others who continue to reshape the landscape of electronic music.
