EDM could one day be the world’s most popular genre of music.
Ten years ago, that feat seemed farfetched. Seldom, if ever, did you see DJs and different electronic acts achieving the widespread mainstream success they do today. They headline some of the biggest festivals around the world and even book arena tours throughout the U.S.. Now, DJs are among the highest paid music acts in the world.
With the added attention and increased interest from the public, up and coming DJs have not only taken advantage of this new spotlight, but they've also broadened the genre — it's not just pop-induced electronic acts taking up the spotlight. Smaller acts now employ emphatic new methods of electronic composition, meaning the sound and style you hear varies from artist to artist.
Such is the case with up and coming producer, and Tampa resident, Madnap.
The Chicago-native was recently featured in EARMILK and has spent the last two years slowly rising above the plethora of DJs who flood Soundcloud’s streaming service. Today, he stands finally ready to breach the surface of commercial popularity. The DJ/producer has spent time all over the world bolstering his repertoire of music, spending time in numerous states and even continents. The effect this cultural exposure has had on his music is undeniable.
“My music will always sound like my music," Madnap — real name Kyle Fitzgibbons — told CL in an email, "but I feel like being around different types of music, people and places can definitely broaden your creative spectrum, making you try things that maybe you wouldn't have before.”
Scanning his Soundcloud channel, you get mixed vibes from his first few tracks. Take his most recent track “Lavender” for example. Initially it sounds familiar thanks to the playful vocals and drum beats reminiscent of DJs like Porter Robinson or Flume, whom we recently covered at Okeechobee Music Festival. The beat then takes an extended synth-driven drop before flipping back to staccato piano notes and a layered chorus of humming vocals. It’s hard to pin it down stylistically because it seems too entirely unique.
Midnap also seems to be on track with a new wave of EDM that's destroyed the idea of genre, especially as they've crossed completely over into hip-hop.
“Music is always changing and evolving," he added. "I think it’d be really boring if styles just stayed the same.”
He also hinted at hip-hop collaborations on his forthcoming EP. While "Lavender" is a short track at just over two minutes, it gives you an insight into Madnap’s upcoming SEASONS EP,which EARMILK will drop sometime this month.
Tampa natives and UT students will most likely be treated to more songs off the new EP when Madnap performs at University of Tampa’s Party in the Park on April 7. Get more information on UT's Party in the Park via local.cltampa.com, and listen to more Mapnap music below.
