For years, electronic music has thrived on reinvention. From the euphoric synths of the golden-age EDM boom to the underground resurgence of house and techno, the genre constantly shifts—but rarely does an artist make such an explicit statement about its future. Enter TATE SEDAR and his debut EP, THIS IS POST-EDM, a five-track exploration of what comes next when nostalgia, innovation, and self-discovery collide.
More than just a collection of songs, THIS IS POST-EDM is a mission statement of sorts. It’s the culmination of a rebrand SEDAR introduced in early 2024, defining post-EDM as a progressive form of electronic music that pulls from the anthemic energy of the 2010s while blending digital and analog instrumentation. A year later, the movement has a soundtrack.
Defining the Sound: From Golden-Era EDM to Post-EDM
SEDAR isn’t new to the scene, but his approach has always set him apart. His roots in music stretch back to childhood, where Motown, rock, and hip-hop shaped his sensibilities before he discovered electronic music through Dance Dance Revolution and the This Is Ultimate Dance CD compilation. His gateway into production mirrored many of his peers – an obsession with electro and progressive house, inspired by the likes of Wolfgang Gartner, Don Diablo, and the high-energy anthems that dominated festivals from 2010-2020.
But by the time gained hitting footing in the EDM scene, SEDAR found himself craving something different. The once-thrilling formulas of EDM felt predictable. Living abroad in London, then moving to Los Angeles, he absorbed new influences—garage, hip-hop, techno, and the hybridized sounds of electronic pop. By early 2024, he had a vision: EDM could evolve beyond festival formulas, embracing both its past and future.
Breaking Down the EP: A Journey Through Sound
The THIS IS POST-EDM EP opens with “San Francisco,” an ode to SEDAR’s hometown, where funk grooves, hip-hop bounce, and a dancefloor-ready flow set the foundation. An introduction and an origin story wrapped in rhythm and soul, all while boasting club ready elements.
Then comes “Emotions (ft. P$YCHEDELIC),” an early experiment in post-EDM that fuses bass house, lo-fi hip-hop, and rap into something more dynamic than the usual DJ set filler. The track, featuring viral rapper P$YCHEDELIC, captures SEDAR’s evolving taste—less about giant drops, more about creating a sonic world that’s immersive and unexpected.
Next up is “Our Goodbye (with Liv Kennedy)”, a summer breakup anthem that flips dance-pop conventions on their head. Guitars replace traditional EDM leads, and the production leans into storytelling rather than just energy—a direct reflection of SEDAR’s goal to go beyond genre lines. With BPM (SiriusXM) radio support and chart success, the track proved post-EDM had mainstream potential.
Then there’s “Coming Home (I.M.U)”—perhaps the most personal track on the EP. The song, originally a loose chord progression and scattered guitar riffs, became a defining moment in SEDAR’s journey. After a relentless year of live shows, he found himself disconnected from the studio. It wasn’t until he reflected on the concept of home—both musically and physically—that the track found its purpose. Built around progressive house but infused with nostalgia and fresh textures, it’s a sonic representation of post-EDM’s ability to merge the old with the new.
The EP closes with “Dream (ft. Otto Palmborg),” a shimmering, ethereal finale that feels like the final step in SEDAR’s transformation. With soaring vocal chops and melodies that go well outside traditional electronic arrangements, it serves as both an exclamation mark and a promise—this is just the beginning.
What Comes Next? The Future of Post-EDM
TATE SEDAR’s THIS IS POST-EDM was the right move at the right time. In an industry that often recycles trends, he’s planting a flag for something different. The EP is built on rediscovering the emotional core of dance music and giving it room to evolve.
As he looks ahead, SEDAR isn’t slowing down. With over 5.7 million streams in 2023, features on EDM.com and Dancing Astronaut, and major support from Spinnin’ Records, Ultra Music Festival, and Insomniac Events, the momentum behind post-EDM is real. Whether it becomes a movement or simply the signature sound of an artist unafraid to break the rules, one thing is clear—TATE SEDAR isn’t just reacting to the past. He’s building the future.
