Guide to House Music: Origin, BPM, Venues, and Artists

The 70s and 80s were a wild time: global conflicts & recession, the fall of the Berlin wall, and the launch of MTV. And while all of that was happening, DJs in the city of Chicago were busy creating House music. In the decades since, it has evolved into one of the most popular dance music genres in the world.

This is our deep dive on all things House music. We’re going to cover the full history and the defining characteristics of the genre like BPM, sound design, and production techniques. We’ll also take a look at the club & festival scene, associated fashion trends, and even the social & political impact of House music. And as I’m sure you know, there are dozens of sub-genres of House music – we’ll discuss the differences between those too. Let’s get to it.

What is House music? The Evolution of an Iconic genre

House music has evolved a lot in the last 40ish years. And while you may be familiar with the sound & scene now, we’re going to take you back to the roots and show you just how far the genre has come.

Early Beginnings

House music can be traced back to the late 1970s/early 1980s in the city of Chicago, where a group of DJs and producers began experimenting with a unique blend of disco, funk, and electronic music. These early pioneers, including Frankie Knuckles, Larry Heard, and Ron Hardy, played a crucial role in shaping the sound and culture of House music.

It’s impossible to credit an entire genre to just one person, but there’s a small circle of artists who househeads owe a massive debt to:

Frankie Knuckles – The “Godfather of House” played a pivotal role in popularizing house music. He was the resident DJ at the Warehouse, a west Chicago nightclub that’s credited as the birthplace of House music. He had a signature style characterized by soulful vocals, infectious rhythms, and a sense of unity on the dancefloor. An openly gay artist, like many of the early House DJs, was one of the first disc jockeys to create a seamless flow of kick drums and hi-hats that kept crowded clubs dancing all night.
Larry Heard – Also known as Mr. Fingers, he was another influential figure in the early days of House music. His track “Can You Feel It” is considered an anthem of the genre, showcasing the emotional depth and melodic elements that would become synonymous with House music. Heard’s productions laid the groundwork for the development of deep House, a sub-genre characterized by its soulful and atmospheric sound. We’ll talk more about Deep House in a bit.
Ron Hardy – A DJ at the Music Box nightclub in Chicago, he played a crucial role in shaping the energy and excitement of House music through his dynamic and eclectic sets. Hardy’s experimental approach to mixing and his willingness to push boundaries helped solidify House music as a genre that was constantly evolving and pushing the limits of what was possible.

The Global Spread

Once House music took over the city of Chicago, it quickly spread across the US and eventually, the globe. Popular music labels like Trax Records and DJ International Records picked up the sound and blasted it to millions around the world.

It was met with open arms in cities like New York, Detroit, and London, where it resonated with diverse (mostly gay) communities and became a soundtrack for underground club culture. DJs and producers, including Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson in Detroit, and Paul Oakenfold and Danny Rampling in London, embraced and expanded upon the sound of House music, resulting in the creation of sub-genres and further adoption.

The rise of House music during the late 1980s and early 1990s brought the genre to new heights. Clubs like Paradise Garage in New York and Hacienda in Manchester became legendary hubs for House music, attracting sold-out crowds and uniting total strangers on the dance floor. And with MTV attracting hundreds of thousands of viewers and the internet making music accessible to millions, House music exploded. Today, there are entire venues & festivals dedicated to House music in every corner of the world, from Ibiza to Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro to Sydney.

Defining Features of House Music

House music is characterized by steady 4/4 beats that are driven by synthesized basslines and electronic kick drums. Combined with catchy vocals, it’s one of the simplest yet energetic EDM genres – here’s why.

Musical Components

If you’re familiar with dance music, it’s pretty easy to identify a House beat. But here’s a breakdown of the components that make it so special.

Four-on-the-Floor Beat — This beat is arguably the most fundamental element of House music. The rhythm features a kick drum playing on each beat of a four-beat measure, providing a steady and driving pulse that is perfect for dancing and shuffling.
Pulsating Basslines – House music is known for its pulsating and infectious basslines. These deep, groovy basslines provide a solid foundation for the tracks, adding a sense of rhythm and movement that keeps the energy flowing.
Soulful Vocals – Many House tracks incorporate soulful vocals, often with uplifting and positive messages. These vocals add an emotive and human element to the music, creating a connection with the listeners and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the track.
Repetitive Melodies – House music features repetitive melodies that are catchy and easy to remember. These simple and infectious hooks are what make it so easy for people to get lost in the music, and probably what hooked you in the first place.
Sampling – Producers regularly sample snippets of vocals, instrumentals, or other sounds from existing tracks and incorporate them into their own songs. This adds a layer of depth that pays homage to the genre’s roots in disco and funk.

Production Techniques

Practically any kid with a laptop can make a House track nowadays with enough samples and a basic knowledge of sound design. But if you wanted to make a House beat from scratch, like the original DJs, here’s what you’d need:

Drum Machine and Synthesizers – Drum machines & synthesizers are the prominent instruments used to make House music. Drum machines like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909 have been widely used to produce the iconic drum patterns & rhythms while synthesizers are used to create sounds like basslines, melodies, and atmospheric effects.
Arrangement and Structure – House music is usually structured with an intro, buildup, drop, and breakdown, followed by a return to the main groove. The arrangement is carefully crafted to create a sense of anticipation, energy, and release on the dancefloor.
Effects and Processing – House producers use effects and processing techniques to enhance the raw sound and create unique textures. The most common effects include reverb, delay, compression, and filtering, which help shape the sounds, add space, and create dynamic variations within the track.
Remixing and Re-edits – Remixing and re-editing are deeply ingrained in House music, as it is with many other EDM genres. Producers often take existing tracks and rework them, adding their own touch and interpretation to create fresh versions that cater more to their style.

Through the combination of these musical elements and production techniques, producers are able to create House tracks that force you to dance and bob your head. Everyone has their own interpretation of House, but it managed to sway entire generations of people, just like a DJ moves a crowd.

Cultural Significance of House Music

House music has transcended being just a genre of music and has become a cultural phenomenon with a significant impact on various aspects of society. In this section, we will explore the cultural significance of House music, including its influence on the club and festival scene, its impact on fashion and lifestyle, and its role in social and political spheres.

The Club & Festival Scene

House clubs & festivals are some of the most lively environments in the music scene. They’ve fostered a sense of inclusivity and unity within the community, providing a space where people from diverse backgrounds can come together, share their love for the music, and connect on a deeper level. Out on the dance floor, it’s more of the same. Those same infectious beats create an electrifying atmosphere that helps you let go, express yourself, and experience the joy of House music.

House music culture used to revolve around resident DJs who held long-standing residencies at high-profile clubs. These DJs became synonymous with the venues and played a crucial role in shaping the club’s identity and the overall experience of the guests. Today, artists go on tour around the world playing at festivals and residencies at clubs like Omnia, Ushuaïa, and Marquee.

Some of the most popular House music festivals include Tomorrowland, Defected Croatia, and Movement in Detroit. They’ve hosted hundreds of thousands of ravers & festival-goers over the years, and are truly a sight to behold.

Fashion & Lifestyle

House music, like most EDM genres, is more than just music. It’s a budding community with its own fashion trends, values, and expressions. The House music fashion scene is an eclectic blend of urban streetwear and modern rave influences. As it emerged from underground clubs in the 1980s, househeads gravitated towards wearing oversized graphic tees, baggy jeans, bucket hats, and chunky sneakers. At music festivals, you’ll often see people wearing these clothes & accessories, often in bright neon colors and reflective materials. Statement accessories like fanny packs, sunglasses, and bandanas are also staples. But dance music has always been about individuality and self-expression, and the fashion trends often blur the lines between streetwear and clubwear.

If you think about the top House DJs in the world, every single one of them has their own unique style that tends to align with their sound. Global tech House sensation John Summit is always rocking a colorful, short sleeve button-up, though it’s almost always unbuttoned. On the other hand, Bass House artist Nostalgix embraces her 90’s vibe with baggy streetwear and Tchami, a Future House legend, wears a clerical collar and takes on a priest persona during his sets.

Everyone has their own sense of style, even artists. But at some high-profile clubs, they have to keep up appearances, leaving them no choice but to enforce a certain aesthetic and dress code. Generally, this means pants, button-up shirts (short or long sleeve), and closed-toe shoes for men and dresses, skirts, bodyskirts, and heels/flats for women.

Social & Political Impact

House music was born in black, gay nightclubs and served as an outlet for marginalized communities at a time where they faced constant persecution. And to this day, the House community is a safe space for people of all genders, races, ethnicities, and religious beliefs. It was built on the foundation of PLUR (peace, love, unity, and respect), and the scene continues to promote diversity & equality for all.

Many people have adopted the ideology that music, and the artists that produce it, shouldn’t be political. But in fact, House music was born out of political issues. While African Americans, specifically gay men, were being condemned for the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, House music provided an escape. And with the recent push for civil rights moving full steam ahead, many House artists & influencers have used their platform to advocate for minorities, specifically the Black, Asian, and LGBTQ+ communities.

Many festivals and artists have also centered their messaging around social issues like mental health and drug safety, both of which have had a major impact on the EDM community.

Sub-Genres of House Music

House music has evolved into a diverse and expansive genre, giving rise to numerous sub-genres, each with its own distinct characteristics and sound. It’s often hard to decide whether a certain song should be labeled as “Tech House” or “Deep House,” and we’re hoping this guide helps. We’ll be adding to it over time as new genres emerge and our community grows. Let’s dive in.

Deep House

The Deep House genre is characterized by a mellow tempo, typically ranging from 110 to 125 BPM, with a prominent emphasis on smooth, jazzy, or soulful melodies. Tracks usually feature organic instrumentation alongside synthesized sounds, creating a warm and atmospheric vibe. The basslines are deep, pulsating, and rhythmic, while the vocals, if present, are usually soft and sultry. Some of the top deep House artists in the world right now are:

Progressive House

Progressive House music is distinguished by its evolving melodies, layered synths, and atmospheric build-ups that lead to euphoric crescendos. The tracks are often longer and range between 125 and 130 BPM, following a rhythmic and steady beat. The hallmark of Progressive House is its emphasis on progression and musical storytelling, making it easily identifiable by its intricate arrangements and emotive peaks. If this sounds familiar, it probably is. Some of the all-time greatest DJs are Progressive House artists:

Electro House

Electro House is known for heavy basslines, big room synths, and punchy drum patterns. The tempo typically ranges from 125 to 135 BPM and tracks often feature catchy melodic hooks, drops, and vocal samples. Electro House is easily identifiable by its aggressive sound, characterized by distorted basslines and sharp, digital synths, making it a favorite for festival main stages and large dance events. Again, there are some heavy-hitting Electro House artists that you’ve likely heard of:

Tech House

Tech House is a fusion of techno and House music, characterized by repetitive beats, minimalistic grooves, and emphasis on rhythm over melody. Common sounds include synthetic basslines, crisp percussion, and subtle atmospheric elements. Its tempo usually hovers around 120 to 130 BPM and tracks are built on a foundation of steady 4/4 beats, with intricate hi-hat patterns and sparse vocal samples. The genre stands out for its stripped-back aesthetic, focusing on the interplay between rhythm and texture, making it a favorite in underground clubs and dance festivals. These artists have played a huge role in defining the fast-growing Tech House scene:

Tropical House

Tropical House, or more simply, “Trop House,” is a subgenre of Deep House with elements of dancehall and Balearic House. It’s characterized by its laid-back mood, mellow beats, and the use of instruments like the marimba, steel drums, and saxophone. The tempo is typically slower, ranging from 100 to 115 BPM. Tropical House tracks often feature warm, melodic synths, smooth basslines, and vocals that make you feel like you should be laying on a remote beach or near a pool. Tropical House artists are in high demand right now, especially these DJs:

Future House

Future House blends elements of Deep House, UK garage, and other EDM genres. It’s characterized by rich, bouncy basslines, crisp synth leads, and modulated vocal chops. The tempo typically ranges between 120 to 130 BPM and tracks often feature a combination of vintage analog sounds and modern production techniques, resulting in a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. It’s impossible not to dance to Future House, which is why it’s one of our Favorite House genres. These are the artists that have played a huge role in shaping the genre:

Bass House

Bass House merges elements of House music with aggressive basslines and rhythms commonly found in dubstep and garage. It’s full of distorted 808s, sharp synth stabs, and punchy drum patterns. The tempo typically sits between 125 to 130 BPM and tracks tend to be darker & grittier than other House genres, and feature vocal snippets, growling bass sounds, and intricate percussion. The genre’s energetic and bass-heavy nature makes it easily identifiable, perfect for high-energy dance floors and festival stages, where you can catch these top Bass House DJs:

Stutter House

Stutter House is a relatively new subgenre of House music, though many are reluctant to classify it as such. It’s defined by stuttering vocals and choppy beats laid over Deep House-like tracks. It’s quite experimental at the moment because it’s so new, but artists have already begun to push the boundaries. Stutter House exploded in early 2023 and has made its way around festivals, clubs, and beach parties, all thanks to these artists:

Acid House

Acid House emerged in the late 1980s, primarily categorized by its repetitive beats and the unique squelchy sound of the Roland TB-303 electronic synthesizer-sequencer. This “acid” sound is created by manipulating the machine’s filters to produce a resonant and psychedelic tone. Acid House tracks typically have a hypnotic, trance-like quality, with tempos ranging from 115 to 130 BPM. The genre is also known for its association with rave culture and its iconic smiley face symbol. The raw, stripped-back beats combined with the 303’s distinctive sound make Acid House easily recognizable and a foundational pillar of House music. The top acid House artists that you may know include:

Latin House

Latin House infuses Latin rhythms, instruments, and vocals into the foundational beats of House. Producers use congas, bongos, timbales, and other traditional Latin percussion instruments, combined with catchy melodies and vibrant energy. Latin House often incorporates salsa, samba, flamenco, and other Latin musical styles, resulting in tracks that are both danceable and rich in cultural flavor. The genre typically features Spanish or Portuguese vocals, though popular can also blend in English lyrics. The fusion of House’s electronic beats with the passionate and rhythmic sounds makes Latin House easily distinguishable and a favorite in clubs worldwide, especially holiday destinations. While many House artists have a latin track or two, these are the DJs that have been at the forefront of the genre:

Soulful House

Soulful House is a subgenre of House music that emphasizes the elements of soul, funk, and gospel. It’s characterized by emotive vocals, smooth melodies, and organic instrumentation, often incorporating live instruments like saxophones, pianos, and guitars. The genre places a strong emphasis on songwriting, with lyrics that often touch on themes of love, hope, and upliftment. Soulful House tracks typically feature rich harmonies, groovy basslines, and a tempo ranging from 115 to 125 BPM. These soulful House artists are the ones to thank for the genre:

There are dozens more sub-genres of House music, and we promise we’ll add more to this guide over time. Each sub-genre has its own subset of sounds, experience, trends, moods, and crowds, so there is quite literally something for everyone. And as new genres continue to evolve every day, like stutter House, we’re looking at a bright future for the entire scene.

The Future of House Music

House music has come a long way in the 40-odd years since its beginning, but it’s not slowing down anytime soon. As technology and artists continue to innovate, new sounds and genres emerge seem to appear every day. The lines between subgenres are blurred and House artists have even begun to fuse in other EDM genres like dubstep, trap, and techno.

And though most artists have been slow to adopt virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), it’s likely we’ll see immersive music experiences in our future. Imagine watching Tomorrowland from your couch…

Challenges & Criticisms

As House music continues to gain mainstream popularity, people fear that there’s a risk of commercialization, which may dilute the authenticity and underground roots. Critics argue that the genre may lose its soul and become more focused on commercial success rather than artistic integrity. This fear is amplified with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the scene.

While House music was born from black & gay communities, you might find that hard to believe looking at festival stages today. The scene has made huge strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity, though many argue that more women, LGBTQ+, and ethnic minority artists should be sitting atop festival lineups. This isn’t a knock against the industry by any means, just an observation that there are likely plenty of artists being overlooked.

Despite these challenges and criticisms, the future of House music looks promising. It’s an easy form of music for practically anyone to enjoy and it blends well with so many other genres; even Beyonce made a House music track recently.

Still on a House kick? Check out our Official House Music Playlist, full of the team’s favorites:

{SPOTIFY EMBED}

House Music Guide