Walter Hughes argues that disco music structures the dance floor in a contradictory way: it disciplines the dancers’ bodies “in the empire of the beat” while also offering a forum for free expression that, especially during the height of the genre’s popularity in the 70s, allowed people to freely express queerness.
Another dance music that can compare with what Hughes argues in his essay in electronic music or EDM. Back in 2011-2012, it was at the peak of it’s popularity, it was mainstream and everyone, including me, was listening to it. However now, it is still popular but not anything close to how popular it was before. It isn’t listened to as much or talked about as much anymore. It isn’t listened to on a daily basis and it isn’t defended like jazz, rock, reggae, and rap. Yes, there are certain groups that still listen and talk about it and there are EDM festivals that happen from time to time but it isn’t mainstream, it isn’t popular anymore, at least in my opinion. I feel like it should be talked about more since it is a part of music history.
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Queer and Trans rave music has exploded in the 21st century. Much of it’s sound in New York City is hard and fast, reminiscent of the unique rave sounds of England and Rotterdam in the 1990s. There is, however, another sound you are more likely to hear at a gay camp out than a Brooklyn club. That sound is “bathhouse”.
The sound comes out of the 1980s and was indeed played by DJs and on tapes at actual gay bathhouses in cities all over the US. What is contradictory about the way this music structures a queer dance floor in 2021 is that it was never intended for the dance floor. Bathhouses almost never have dance floors in the US. This music is now being used to create is a connection to our gay cultural diaspora. As Queer and Trans lives become less stigmatized and more celebrated, we have fewer reasons to be in a dark space based on our gender, and more opportunities to come together in true diversity.
A genre that was once only known by cisgender homosexual men is now being remixed and reimagined by many genders and sexualities. It is not only giving us connection on the dance floor, but connection with all those who have come before us. Particularly homosexuals and queers who used sexy music to find their own queerness.
Hey. Your response is interesting. I got to learn more about Queer and Trans rave music in NYC from your response. This is the perspective that was lacking in the article. I am glad that you highlighted this part here in the discussion.
I agree. Queer and Trans rave music has been very popular lately and it is definitely allowing individuals to express themselves freely and show appreciation for others that are doing the same. This has become a very relatable experience for those within the LGBTQ community.
For me this article was very interesting in many point of views. First of all, I was introduced with the musical phase here in America. How the disco was evolved and the perspective of people regarding it, the genre and it’s years. All these things were very new to me since it has just been a couple of years that I am here. The musical background of mine is very different than what I read in the article.
Secondly, in my opinion, I personally prefer Discos and I have no criticism on it. I feel like lost in a ocean of pleasure when I get that vibe of disco. Listening to the music and humming and dancing gives me the happiness. Meanwhile it is also the way we express our inner feelings which were being suffocated inside and enjoy for a moment. This doesn’t necessarily be the queerness. I go with my friends and dance with them in which the steps would be any that makes us have fun and be happy. On the other hand, those who are getting to expose there sexuality with this medium then it’s a plus which doesn’t have anything to be criticized. People figuring out their sexuality and exploring through discos would be a nice thing I guess.
Overall, the article was very interesting and fun to read about even though I wasn’t fully consented with whatever was written in the article. Those aspects are highlighted in the annotations.