Is EDM really music?

The recently popular genre of music known as EDM, or electronic dance music, has sparked all kinds of controversy as to whether or not it is actually music or not. EDM is a 'music' that is created by processing and distorting sounds on a computer and mixing them together to create beats and harmonies. EDM is primarily bass heavy, relying on a hard strong beat to drive the tempo of the song, and is overlapped by faster higher pitched tones. All of these sounds are typically created and processed by one person using software with tone presets and digital processors, which to many leads to a real disappointment in the artist.

Recently there has been some heated words between indi-rock/alternative band Arcade Fire and EDM pioneer Deadmau5 where the former trashed the EDM artist, and the genre in general for not even having instruments.

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I feel that Arcade Fire has a great point. anyone can take a computer and start processing sound, but to pick up a guitar and practice until their fingers hurt is an amazing thing. Playing an actual instrument is a great thing for people to learn, especially if one is joining a band. Up on stage it must be pretty lonely for EDM artists, just them and their computer, while being on stage with a band, having that bond, and feeding off of each others energy is a great thing!

Where did EDM come from?

Why is it so popular?

What demographic listens to it?