House

What is House?

House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the early 1980s before spreading to other cities like New York, Detroit, and internationally to London and Paris. Pioneered by Black American DJs such as Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy, house music emerged from the disco and hip-hop subcultures. These DJs embraced new synthesizer technology, helping to define the genre’s signature sound. Known for its steady pulse and 4/4 time signature, house music typically plays at around 120 beats per minute (bpm) and has since evolved into various subgenres. It quickly spread beyond Chicago and remains one of the most influential and popular genres in electronic dance music today.

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Subgenres of House

Big Room House

Big Room blends the melodic elements of progressive house with the energetic vibes of electro house and trance. It features emotional breakdowns, lengthy build-ups, and an impactful melodic drop. This genre is commonly heard at major dance music festivals and on main stages at arena and stadium events.

Bass House

Bass House is a relatively new genre that emerged in the mid-2010s, blending elements of bass music and house music. It was created out of a desire to merge the heavy basslines of dubstep with the danceable rhythms of house. A defining characteristic of Bass House is its powerful basslines, which are often distorted and overdriven, resulting in a raw, gritty sound.

Progressive House

Progressive House emerged in the UK in the early 1990s and is characterized by its gradual melodic build-ups, atmospheric sounds, and intricate sound design. The music typically evolves progressively, starting off mellow and gaining intensity as it progresses. Unlike some other genres, Progressive House often lacks an anthem-like chorus, heavy drum rolls, and deep bass, typically featuring a BPM of around 128.