Bass House Music Guide

I’m going to say it – Bass House is the best House Music genre. It’s one of the many subgenres that House music gave birth to as it spread from Chicago to the rest of the world in the late 80s and 90s. Bass House is dominated by artists like Jauz, Habstrakt, Joyryde, Crankdat, and Nostalgix, some of our personal favorites. And with new artists & sounds entering the scene every day, it appears to have a bright future ahead. 

Here’s the Bass Dust Club Guide to Bass House.

Origins of Bass House

Bass House has its roots in UK Garage, Deep House, and Dubstep. It kicked off in the early 2010s when producers started experimenting with deep basslines and wobble synths.

The UK Garage influences are evident in the rhythmic patterns and groove elements, but the true differentiating factor from other House subgenres are the heavy, hard-hitting drops. It took a bit for the genre to pick up steam in the US EDM scene, but as of the early 2020s, it has arrived. 

What Does Bass House Sound Like?

Bass House is defined by its prominent use of deep, resonant basslines and sharp, punchy drum beats, a clear distinction from other House genres. Bass House infuses these elements across the entirety of the track, not just the drops. Generally, Bass House tracks are produced at a tempo of around 125 to 130 BPM (beats per minute).

Musical Components

• Wobble Synths – Bass House features resonant wobble synths that add a dynamic and vibrating texture.
• Rhythmic Patterns – Incorporates distinct rhythmic patterns, blending UK Garage and electrifying EDM elements.
• Syncopated Rhythms – Uses syncopated rhythms to enhance the groove and complexity of the music.
• Modulated Basslines – Features warped and modulated basslines that contribute to the subgenre’s unique sound texture.

Production Techniques

• Advanced Sound Design – Producers utilize complex synthesis and intricate FX chains to craft the genre’s signature reverberating bass and syncopated rhythms.
• Bass Layering – Involves layering multiple bass sounds to achieve greater depth and texture in tracks.
• Sidechain Compression – Utilizes sidechain compression to ensure the kick drum punches through the mix, enhancing rhythmic clarity.
• Modulated Reverb on Bass – Applying modulated reverb to bass sounds creates spatial depth within tracks.
• Meticulous EQing – Focuses on meticulous EQing to shape the sonic space and maintain balance, ensuring a clear mix.

Cultural Significance Of Bass House

Bass House has carved out a significant niche within the electronic music scene, attracting a mix of House & Dubstep fans. 

The Club & Festival Scene

Bass House captivates crowds with beat-driven tracks that stand out as club anthems and festival favorites. These high-octane compositions have become staples in club & festival sets.

Fashion & Lifestyle

The Bass House fashion style is inspired by streetwear, characterized by both dark & vibrant colors, bold graphics, and oversized fits. Particularly, the scene embraces a fusion of vintage and futuristic styles reflecting the beat’s retro garage influences and forward-thinking sound design techniques.

Comparison With Other House Sub-Genres

When it comes to electronic music production, understanding various sub-genres is crucial. It adds textures, dynamics, and diversity to our DJ sets and festival favorites. Now, let’s delve into how Bass House compares to other popular House sub-genres.

• Future House – Future House leans more on beat-driven tracks and unique sound design techniques, compared to the high-energy drops of Bass House..

• Acid House – Acid House is derived from the Roland TB-303 and shares groove elements and rhythmic patterns with Bass House but Bass’s modern embracement of tropes like wobble basslines separate the genres.

• Soulful House – Soulful House is rich in soulful vocals and jazz-like harmonies, opposite of the heavy synth lines and deep bass of Bass House.

• Latin House – The biggest difference between Latin House & Bass House is the lyrical language, but Latin’s rhythmic patterns contrast starkly with the wobble synths and production style of Bass House.

• Stutter House – Stutter House uses stop-start beats that ‘stutter’ – hence its name, but the high-energy of Bass House is a completely different vibe.

Top Bass House Artists & Tracks

Top Bass House Artists

• Jauz – Jauz is a Los Angeles-based artist who has been a driving force in the Bass House scene, filling his tracks with deep, growling basslines and energetic drops. 
• Joyryde – Hailing from the UK Joyryde combines Bass House with elements of hip-hop and UK garage. 
• Brohug – This Swedish trio has made a significant impact on the Bass House scene, combining chunky basslines with groovy melodies. 
• AC Slater – AC Slater blends elements of UK garage and gritty bass into his music, producing tracks that feature infectious beats and deep, pulsating basslines.
• Habstrakt – French DJ and producer Habstrakt brings a unique flair to Bass House with his blend of sharp synths and heavy bass. 
• Crankdat – Crankdat is a rising star in the Bass House (& Dubstep) community that’s known for infusing his Bass House tracks with electrifying energy and innovative sound design, featuring a blend of monstrous bass and eye-popping visuals. 
• Nostalgix – Nostalgix, hailing from Canada, brings a fresh perspective to Bass House by merging it with crisp percussions and a distinct rhythmic flair, making her tracks stand out on the dance floor.

Top Bass House Tracks

• “Rock The Party” by Jauz and Ephwurd 
• “I Ware House” by Joyryde 
• “Knuckles” by Brohug 
• “Bass Inside” by AC Slater 
• “Inferno” by Habstrakt 

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