Tropical House Music Guide
If you’re laying on a beach watching a sunset, and you hear House music bumping in the background, there’s…
If you’re laying on a beach watching a sunset, and you hear House music bumping in the background, there’s a good chance it’s Tropical House. The laid-back, sun-soaked vibes of Trop House are a blend of groovy basslines and Reggae sounds, but that’s not the only reason people love this subgenre. Since its origin, the “relaxing” version of House has come to define a certain mood that can’t be replicated by any other EDM subgenre.
This guide is your passport to the Tropical paradise of this exciting musical movement. We’ll explore the origins of Tropical House music, its defining characteristics, and why it’s become such a fan favorite. So sit back, relax, and let the soothing sounds of Tropical House transport you to a world of sun, sand, and good vibes.
Origins of Tropical House Music
Tropical House is a relatively new subgenre in the EDM world, emerging in the early 2010s. The unique blend of Tropical sounds & Caribbean influences was coined by Australian DJ and producer, Thomas Jack. He’s considered one of the pioneers of the genre and the one who came up with the catchy name, more commonly referred to as “Trop House.” His & many others’ tracks combine elements of Tropical sounds like steel drums, marimbas, and melodic synths. The genre is primarily influenced by reggae and Tropical tune elements, and characterized by deep, rich beats of Balearic and dancehall elements punctuated with electropop symphonies.
Tropical House drew inspiration from the Balearic Beat movement of the 1980s, which originated in Ibiza, Spain. Balearic Beat fused elements of House, disco, and ambient music, creating a relaxed and beachy vibe that resonated with the Tropical elements of the genre.
Reggae music also played a significant role in shaping Tropical House. The laid-back rhythms, warm basslines, and Caribbean influences found in reggae seamlessly blended with the Tropical soundscapes of the genre.
SoundCloud played a crucial role in the growth of Tropical House. Artists like Kygo, Felix Jaehn, and Klingande gained popularity by sharing their tracks on the platform, allowing them to reach a global audience. Kygo’s remix of Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire” went viral on SoundCloud, accumulating millions of plays and introducing a wider audience to the Tropical House sound. The sub-genre has grown so much that it has its own sub-styles, namely Brazilian Bass, Afro House, and Moombahton, each infusing their own cultural flavors into the genre.
Defining Features of Tropical House Music
Tropical House music, or Trop House, is a distinctive subgenre of deep House that’s quickly gaining popularity. Known for its unique blend of House, Balearic beat, reggae fusion, and electropop, it provides a fresh take on the genre. Let’s dive deep into the defining features of Tropical House music that make it stand out in the crowded electronic dance music scene.
Musical Components
Tropical House establishes a unique summer vibe, characterized by relaxing rhythms, catchy melodies and distinctive Tropical elements. Steel drums, bongos, flutes, and other percussive instruments are often used, adding to the genre’s island-inspired vibe.
The tempo of Tropical House is typically slower than traditional House music, with most tracks ranging between 100 and 120 beats per minute. Moreover, this genre embraces the use of vocal samples from reggae or Caribbean music, often tweaked and altered to fit the track context, bestowing upon it a distinctive Tropical feel. Bold use of elements such as atmospheric pads and smooth basslines from deep House music embellish its melodic profile.
| Musical component | Description |
| Tempo | Slower than traditional House, usually between 100-120 BPM |
| Distinctive Instruments | Steel drums, bongos, percussive instruments |
| Vocal Samples | Often derived from reggae or Caribbean music |
| Melodic Profile | Atmospheric pads and smooth basslines |
Production Techniques
Creating the perfect Tropical House track involves a range of production techniques. The groove is a core element of Tropical House. It’s crafted meticulously using drums and percussion, including the centerpiece of any Trop House song – the kick.
Synthesizers, piano and other instruments are combined effectively to shape the harmonious background. Hi-hats and other percussive elements are programmed to sound realistic, forming a unique percussion bed for the track. Bass design, too, plays a critical part in the mix.
The arrangement process is equally consequential as it dictates the structure of the song. Specifications such as the intro, verse, and breakdown of the song are mapped out during this phase. Layering the chord progression with different instruments is another technique commonly employed.
| Production Techniques | Description |
| Groove Construction | Drums and percussion form the groove |
| Kick Creation | A vital element of a Tropical House song |
| Arrangement | Defines the song structure: intro, verse, breakdown |
| Chord Progression | Layered with different instruments for a fuller sound |
Cultural Significance of Tropical House Music
Tropical House music has gained immense recognition and popularity in recent times. With its upbeat, lively rhythms and atmospheric background, it’s becoming the go-to genre of music for numerous festivals and leading the way in terms of cultural significance.
The Club & Festival Scene
Club and festival goers have come to appreciate and enjoy the unique vibe that Tropical House brings. Its calming yet danceable beats provide the perfect mix for these types of gatherings.
The genre has markedly reshaped music production for festivals and has become a staple at major events such as Tomorrowland. Recognizing its crowd-pleasing factor, artists and DJs frequently feature elements of Tropical House in their lineup. For a Trop House-specific festival, you’ll have to check out Kygo’s Palm Tree Festival.
Fashion & Lifestyle
As Tropical House music has grown in popularity, so too has its influence on fashion and lifestyle. The genre is increasingly associated with a particular aesthetic that embodies a carefree, Tropical beach lifestyle. Vibrant color palettes, lightweight fabrics, and beachwear are some elements that instantly come to mind. There’s plenty of linen, exposed skin, and sun-kissed bums enjoying the sunset vibes.
Its upbeat yet relaxed rhythm complements the laid-back lifestyle, and fans of the genre express this through their fashion choices. It’s more than just a music genre – it’s an encapsulation of a lifestyle that values relaxation, joy, and harmony with nature.
Comparison with Other House Sub-Genres
Tropical House is unlike any other House music genre, with its own unique characteristics. Let’s see how it stacks up against some of the other popular House sub-genres:
Deep House
Unlike the sunny vibes of Tropical House, Deep House is more subdued and introspective. It’s characterized by a low tempo, complex chord structures, and soulful vocals. There’s a distinct emphasis on a constant, pulsating beat that gives it a hypnotic quality, unlike the feel-good, upbeat nature of Tropical House.
Progressive House
Progressive House merges the trance-like aspect of progressive beats with House music. Its arrangement typically builds gradually throughout the track. Although it shares the upbeat nature of Tropical House, it lacks the easygoing, beachy vibes that characterize the latter.
Electro House
Electro House leans heavily into the electronic sound, with bold, buzzing synths and high-energy beats. Unlike the relaxed feel of Tropical House, Electro House is meant to invigorate and energize. It’s a far departure from the laid-back melodies heard in Tropical House.
Tech House
Tech House blends the funky beats of House music with the more synthesized sounds of Techno. It has a darker undertone, not present in the light and airy melodies of Tropical House. If Trop House is a sunny beach day, Tech House is a rave in a city loft.
Future House
Similar to Tropical House in its innovative use of synths, Future House stands out with a distinctly futuristic sound. While both sub-genres incorporate modern sounds, Future House maintains a more electronic feel, foregoing the natural and relaxed melodies that Trop House favors.
Acid House
Acid House is reputed for its unique, squelchy synth sounds, made famous by the Roland TB-303 synthesizer. Its slightly chaotic style contrasts pop-inspired and friendly melodic structures of Tropical House. Untamed acid lines make it more psychedelic and less predictable than Trop.
Soulful House
Soulful House is another sub-genre that shares a sunny disposition with Tropical House. It brings the moving vocals of soul music to the upbeat tempos of House. While both styles value catchy melodies, Soulful House adds a level of emotional depth that puts it in a class all its own.
Latin House
Latin House fuses standard House music with Latin-American rhythms, resulting in vivacious, danceable tracks. It diverges from the chill, laid-back grooves of Trop House in its brazen, fiesta-like tunes. Still, both styles share a love for warm, summer-ready tracks.
Stutter House
Stutter House uses basslines and hooks defined by a choppy, stuttering rhythm. This stop-start effect offers a thrilling contrast to the smooth, flowing percussive patterns typically found in Tropical House.
Bass House
Bass House is characterized by its focus on heavy-hitting, intense basslines. The vibration and depth of the bass in these tracks tout an edgier composition than the carefree tunes of Tropical House.
Oftentimes, it can be difficult to differentiate between EDM sub-genres. But truthfully, Trop House is one of the easiest to identify. If you can picture yourself on a beach with a coconut in hand, that’s Tropical House.
The Future of Tropical House Music
The rise of Tropical House music has been nothing short of phenomenal. A saxophone-infused remix catapulted the genre into the limelight, placing it in the iTunes and Spotify top ten in 18 and 14 countries respectively. This track even achieved the coveted top spot in Australia, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
Internationally acclaimed artists who’ve contributed to the growth of this genre remain optimistic about its future. An enduring support base and its continuous evolution make it certain that Tropical House is here to stay. We’re confident it’ll incorporate new elements and keep up with the changing times.
Top Tropical House Artists & Tracks
Top Tropical House Artists
These DJs & producers are among the top Trop House artists in the world:
- Kygo: Norwegian DJ and producer Kygo is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Tropical House. His melodic and uplifting tracks like “Firestone” and “Stole the Show” have garnered millions of streams worldwide.
- Thomas Jack: Australian DJ Thomas Jack is credited with coining the term “Tropical House.” His infectious tracks, such as “Rivers” and “The Final Speech,” have become staples of the genre.
- Felix Jaehn: German DJ Felix Jaehn gained international recognition with his Tropical House remix of OMI’s “Cheerleader.” His unique blend of Tropical and pop elements can be heard in tracks like “Ain’t Nobody (Loves Me Better)” and “Hot2Touch.”
- Klingande: French DJ Klingande is known for his melodic and feel-good tracks, often featuring saxophone melodies. Songs like “Jubel” and “Punga” have become popular anthems in the Tropical House scene.
- Lost Frequencies: Belgian DJ Lost Frequencies has made a name for himself with his fusion of Tropical House and deep House. His tracks, including “Are You with Me” and “Reality,” have topped charts around the world.
Top Tropical House Songs
- “Firestone” by Kygo ft. Conrad Sewell
- “Stole the Show” by Kygo ft. Parson James
- “Cheerleader” (Felix Jaehn Remix) by OMI
- “Ain’t Nobody (Loves Me Better)” by Felix Jaehn ft. Jasmine Thompson
- “Final Song” by MØ (Kungs Remix)
If you want to check out these top Tropical House artists and their tracks, check out our Official Trop House Music Playlist, full of our favorites:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical House music?
Tropical House is a subgenre of Electronic Dance Music known for its vibrant and sunny tracks. It is characterized by its use of melodic rhythms, airy synths, and tropical instruments like saxophones, flutes, and more.
Who are some renowned artists in Tropical House music?
While the genre has been embraced by various artists, some of the most renowned include Lost Frequencies, Kygo, and Felix Jaehn. Their contribution has propelled the genre to international success.
How did Tropical House gain international success?
Tropical House’s international success is largely due to a saxophone-infused remix that climbed the iTunes and Spotify charts in multiple countries, reaching number one in several.
What does the future of Tropical House look like?
Artists and critics are optimistic about the genre’s future. With a strong loyalty base, growing artist pool, and the ability to adapt, Tropical House is poised to make a lasting impact in the electronic music scene.
What makes Tropical House music unique?
The uniqueness of Tropical House music lies in its relaxing and tropical motifs. By incorporating instruments like steel percussion, flutes, and saxophones, the genre delivers a unique, vacation-like vibe in every track.
What is the history of Tropical House music?
The rise of Tropical House started in the mid-2000s with artists like Bob Sinclair and Yves Larock. It was later solidified by Unicorn Kid’s new style of tropical rave in 2012, creating the modern Tropical House sound.
What is the average BPM for Tropical House music?
While the BPM can vary, Tropical House typically features a tempo around 115-130 beats per minute (BPM). This relaxed tempo allows listeners to enjoy the genre’s melodic and tropical motifs without feeling overwhelmed.
Is Tropical House still popular?
The popularity of Tropical House continues to rise, with more artists incorporating the genre into their music. It is a staple in summer playlists and evokes beach parties and tropical vacations, making it popular year-round.