14% of Americans say EDM is their go-to genre when feeling depressed, according to a recent study by Tebra.

The powerful and emotionally charged nature of EDM has become a source of comfort for many, especially during difficult times. Artists like Avicii, Calvin Harris, and Daft Punk were among the most searched during these emotional lows.

The latest research from Tebra, a U.S.-based health tech company, reveals that electronic music is emerging as a tool for emotional relief for Americans facing depression.

The study surveyed 1,000 participants and analyzed more than 110,000 Spotify tracks related to mental health. It found that 14% of respondents turn to EDM as their primary genre when feeling low, aligning with late 2024 research suggesting that EDM is becoming a serious player in the world of music therapy.

EDM listeners often understand that the genre’s strength lies in its emotional drive, from suspenseful build-ups that keep you on edge, to euphoric drops that feel liberating, to breakdowns that feel like a warm hug from a crowd of strangers. Think of Wake Me Up by Avicii, Feel So Close by Calvin Harris, or Lose Yourself to Dance by Daft Punk, all of them highlight EDM’s power to take listeners out of reality, even if just for a moment.

These three artists were also the most frequently chosen names among EDM fans in the study. Interestingly, 59% of metal listeners also reported using music as a form of healing, yet 47% of that group also said their mental health remained poor. This contrast suggests that EDM may serve not just as an outlet for pain, but as a way to help people chase the light.

The same report also found:

- 92% of respondents believe music helped them get through difficult times

- Especially for anxiety (55%), loneliness (52%), and depression (47%)

- Over half chose music over traditional therapy, and 57% believe music delivers equally effective results

You can read the full study at Tebra’s official website.