Progressive House Music Guide

Progressive House is a latecomer to the growing list of house music subgenres, but it’s easily one of the most listened-to EDM genres. Dominated by artists like Martin Garrix, Hardwell, and Alesso, you’ll find progressive house artists on every major festival lineup and dance music radio in the world. And today, we’re going to explore exactly what makes it so infectious and euphoric. Specifically, we’ll cover the genre’s history, sound design, production techniques, top artists in the scene, and what the club & festival scene looks like. We’ll also see how it compares to other genres like Deep House, Acid House, and Tech House, so you can impress your friends when you light up the aux with Progressive House bangers.

Origins of Progressive House Music

Progressive House music emerged in the early 1990s as a response to the evolving electronic music scene. It’s a culmination of classic House, techno, and trance sounds, and it can be traced back to the underground rave scene in cities like Chicago, New York, and London.

Though it’s difficult to pinpoint who invented a specific subgenre, two artists, Sasha & John Digweed, are considered the pioneers of Progressive House. Sasha (real name: Alexander Paul Coe) is a Welsh producer whose style of House featured longer, more intricate arrangements and a progressive structure. This earned him the #1 spot in DJ Magazine’s World DJ rankings in 2000.

John Digweed started DJing when he was 15 years old and never looked back. After sending a mixtape to the founder of the Renaissance Nightclub, an iconic British EDM venue, he was introduced to Sasha. The two struck up a friendship and went on to produce several collaborative tracks & EPs together, including Renaissance: The Mix Collection.

Progressive House was amplified by the rise of trance music, which originated around the same time period. Artists like Paul Oakenfold and BT introduced progressive and melodic elements into their sets, inspiring a new generation of producers to experiment with blending these sounds with House music.

As Progressive House gained momentum, it found its way into mainstream clubs and festivals, captivating crowds with hypnotic, energetic sounds. The genre’s popularity continued to grow throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with artists like Eric Prydz, Deadmau5, and Above & Beyond pushing the genre’s boundaries to the limit.

Today, Progressive House is still an evolving genre, just as the name suggests. Artists constantly find a way to add new elements, manipulate sound design, and elevate their live production. And though it’s come a long way since the underground scene, it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.

Defining Features of Progressive House Music

Progressive House music is different from other house subgenres, specifically in regards to its production techniques and sound design. This is how you can tell a Progressive House track apart from other house songs:

Musical Components

• Melodic Progression – Progressive House songs feature long, evolving melodies that gradually build up and release tension, creating a sense of journey and euphoria for the listener.
• Pulsating Basslines – Most house tracks have distinct deep, pulsating basslines. But the bass in Progressive House songs tend to have a driving and rhythmic quality, almost as if the bassline is moving the entire track forward.
• Lush Chord Progressions – The general “good vibes” and euphoric feeling associated with Progressive House is largely because of the lush and emotive chord progressions. These chords create a harmonic backdrop against talented vocals.
• Layered Synths – Multiple synth lines are layered on top of one another to create rich and textured soundscapes, adding depth and complexity to the music.

Production Techniques

• Build-Ups and Breakdowns – More so than other genres, Progressive House producers utilize huge build-ups and breakdowns to build tension and create climactic moments in the music. Imagine a gradual introduction that builds up to a drop, and as the drop approaches, certain sound elements are dropped before extending into the bridge.
• Extended Track Length – Most EDM songs are 2-4 minutes. But it’s not uncommon for Progressive songs to range from 6-10+ minutes, with many of them having “extended versions” that are played for live audiences. The longer duration allows for the gradual development and progression of the music.
• Intricate Sound Design – Every producer on the face of the planet is talented. And this is by no means arguing that Progressive House artists are more talented than other genres, but the genre is known for its complex sound design, precise arrangement, and careful EQing.

By combining these musical components and production techniques, Progressive House music creates a captivating and immersive listening experience. It’s a genre that continues to evolve and innovate, pushing the boundaries of electronic music while maintaining its signature sound and atmosphere.

Cultural Significance of Progressive House Music

Progressive House music holds significant cultural importance, extending beyond its role as a genre of electronic dance music. It has captivated European ravers in particular and influenced every element of the fashion & live music scenes.

The Club & Festival Scene

Progressive House music has played a pivotal role in shaping the club scene worldwide, especially high-end nightclubs. There are only a handful of clubs in the world where the top Progressive artists play or host residencies at – it’s because the layout and crowd feel is so important to a good show.

Many Progressive House tracks have become anthems at major electronic music festivals. Artists like Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, and Eric Prydz are among the most revered artists in the entire EDM industry, largely because of their music and insane live performances.

Progressive House music’s global reach is evident in the international festival circuit. Festivals such as Tomorrowland in Belgium, Ultra Music Festival in Miami, and Creamfields in the UK feature dedicated stages showcasing the best of Progressive House, attracting audiences from all corners of the world.

Fashion & Lifestyle

Progressive House music’s influence extends beyond the sonic realm and into the world of fashion. The energetic and vibrant nature has inspired fashion trends, influencing the styles worn by artists, DJs, and fans alike. From bold and colorful outfits to futuristic and avant-garde fashion choices, Progressive House has left its mark on the fashion landscape. Bright colors and graphic tees are common among festival goers, while minimalist and monochromatic outfits are commonplace among artists. Ironically, it’s a perfect reflection of the genre’s balance of deep beats and melodic undertones.

Progressive fans tend to embrace a sense of unity, positivity, and self-expression (think PLUR), fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. This community-driven mindset has led to the formation of online communities on Twitter, Instagram, Discord, and WhatsApp, dedicated forums on Reddit, and fan-driven events that celebrate the genre and its culture.

Progressive House music has also fostered collaborations between artists and other creative industries. Visual artists, graphic designers, and videographers are critical to the live experience, creating stunning visuals for massive stages and music videos, adding another layer of artistic expression to the genre.

Comparison with Other House Sub-Genres

Progressive House is just one of many House subgenres. And while it shares some similarities with the others, it’s unique in its own right. Here’s how:

• Deep House – Deep House is laid-back and soulful, with slower tempos, smoother basslines, and an overall more “chill” atmosphere. In contrast, Progressive House has a more energetic and uplifting vibe, with pulsating basslines and melodic progressions. Deep house focuses on groove & rhythm while Progressive focuses on melodies and building tension.
• Tech House – Tech House blends elements of Techno and House music, combining the driving beats and minimalistic approach of Techno with the groove and melody of House. Progressive House, on the other hand, is a combination of Trance and House. Tech House often features repetitive and evolving rhythms, with tracks building and releasing tension through subtle changes. Progressive House, in comparison, has a more structured and progressive arrangement, with longer breakdowns and build-ups leading to climactic moments and larger-scale changes.
• Tropical House – Tropical House is a relaxed & summery vibe, full of tropical, Caribbean elements. Progressive House is similar in the sense that the vibes & emotions are positive, but it’s much more energetic and club-oriented. Trop House is made using instruments like steel drums, marimbas, and guitars, creating a distinct tropical atmosphere. Progressive House relies more on electronic synthesizers, layered synths, and melodic elements to create its signature sound.
• Future House – Future House is energetic like Progressive, but bouncier because of the sidechain compression and punchy basslines. Future House draws influences from House, electro, and bass music, whereas Progressive House is rooted in a combination of Trance & House.

Top Progressive House Artists & Tracks

Top Progressive House Artists

• Eric Prydz – Known for his epic productions and immersive live shows, like Holo, Eric Prydz has been a prominent figure in the Progressive House scene. Tracks like “Opus” and “Every Day” have become anthems within the genre.
• Martin Garrix – The “golden boy” of dance music, Martin Garrix is known for his groundbreaking tracks and vibrant energy, Martin Garrix started his Progressive House career with “Animals” at the age of 16 and has continued to impress with tracks like “High on Life.”
• Hardwell – One of the all-time greats in all of EDM, Hardwell’s electrifying music and magnetic stage presence have made him a tour de force in the Progressive House domain. Tracks such as “Spaceman” and “Apollo” are still played out at Progressive stages.
• Kaskade – With his soulful blends and emotive touch, Kaskade has consistently been a beacon in the Progressive House arena. Songs like “Atmosphere” and “I Remember” have etched their places as genre classics. Him & Deadmau5 (below) have started collaborating on a project called KX5 – a can’t miss show if you like either of these artists.
• Deadmau5 – Celebrated for his unique soundscapes and the iconic mau5head, Deadmau5 remains a central pillar in Progressive House evolution. Tracks such as “Strobe” and “Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff” are revered as defining moments in the scene.

Top Progressive House Songs

• “Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia
• “Leave the World Behind” by Axwell, Steve Angelo, Sebastian Ingrosso & Laidback Luke feat. Deborah Cox
• “If I Lose Myself” by Alesso vs OneRepublic
• “High on Life” by Martin Garrix
• “I Remember” by Kx5

If you want to check out these top Progressive House artists and their tracks, check out our Official Progressive House Music Playlist, full of our favorites: