In the ever-extending blogosphere, house music reigns king. DJs are your new, coolest friends. Your friends’ friends are probably also DJs. From Jersey Shore techno that’s so epic it makes people fist pump uncontrollably and become unaccountable for their actions, to deep Dutch beats that whip thousands into frenzies, the genre is producing this generation’s rock stars.

We are devoid of a motivational musical force. Lady Gaga is not the Beatles. Taylor Swift doesn’t carry the political heft of Pink Floyd. Arguably, the last great music era lasted from the late ’60s through the mid ’70s (early ’90s grunge also had its moment). But the ’60s and ’70s were a period that saw the rise of Disco and the pinnacle of emotionally and politically charged rock. The music spoke to generations of angry citizens, stuck in a world oddly reminiscent of the one we are currently living in: one of war, economic trouble and general disenchantment.

Who is channeling societal angst through music at this point in time? I doubt that Justin Bieber is moving the masses. It begs us to ask what popular music has become. If the Top 40 has become cannon fodder for teenybopper ears, what’s the countercultural sub-movement? It lies in electronic music and all its forms. From smooth electro to bass-rattling dub-step to club heavy house, the genre is starting to sweep the country as it migrates from Europe.

For the most part, these songs don’t weigh listeners down with plots to overthrow the government, but many do find this genre moving. From Coachella in Los Angeles to Sensation White in Copenhagen, house has become a movement. Seriously, search for some videos of these festivals. Facebook-stalk your friends at Indiana and Wisconsin. Chances are you’ll see pictures of them in neon wayfarers, having just attended a Deadmau5 show, or raising their hands next to a DJ at a tailgate.

The gap between subdued indie rock and commercialized pop has been filled by music not with words, but with bass lines that make people dance so hard they forget where they are. Our generation’s Woodstock is Ultra (in Miami). Who knows how long the house craze will last, but for now it’s here to stay.

With that being said, here are some quick pointers if you have any interest in being part of the electronic revolution.

When you attend a show, wear as little clothing as possible. You will sweat. A lot. Girls, the more neon, the better. Sunglasses also help if you’re at a major event; the light shows can be intense.

Dancing is a term used loosely. When the drop comes, just go nuts.

Learn the term “drop.” Add “banger” to that list.

Start educating yourself. Peruse blogs, ask your friends for some suggestions.

Embrace the movement, ride the wave, party ‘til the sun rises. You are witnessing the evolution of a new genre, one that is emblematic of our modern age. Music is made through software and played with a piece of electronic equipment. At the very least, check out the technological wizardry that accompanies this music. It’s pretty damn impressive.