House Music
Table of Contents
What is House Music, Anyway?
Originating in the U.S. during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, House is an electronic dance music genre that got its start in clubs – you guessed it – houses! The roots of House can be traced back to disco, funk, and soul music, but it brings its own flavor to the dance floor with a repetitive 4/4 beat, synthesized basslines, and soulful vocal samples.
The Birthplace: Chicago’s Warehouse
No discussion of House Music can be complete without giving props to Chicago’s Warehouse club.
DJ Frankie Knuckles, known as the “Godfather of House Music,” spun records at the Warehouse and essentially gave the genre its name. People would go record stores and ask for that “Warehouse music,” which eventually got shortened to just “House Music.”
Evolution: From Chicago to the World
House didn’t just stay in Chicago; it spread like wildfire. First stop, the Big Apple, and then across the pond to the UK and the rest of Europe. As it traveled, it mutated into various sub-genres like:
Deep House: Mellow, with jazzier, deeper vibes.
Tech House: A blend of techno and house elements.
Tropical House: Think palm trees and a relaxed pace.
Progressive House: Known for its build-ups and more complex structures.
The Artists & DJs
Frankie Knuckles, Larry Heard, and Marshall Jefferson are among the founding fathers. Fast forward to today, and you’ve got peeps like Carl Cox, Tiësto, and Deadmau5 holding it down.
House and Popular Culture
If you think House is just for the underground scene, think again. Pop stars like Madonna, Lady Gaga, and even Justin Bieber have integrated House elements into their music. Not to mention, iconic events like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival have House DJs as headliners every year.
So, Why is House Music So Special?
The beauty of House lies in its ability to bring people together. It’s a genre that’s as versatile as it is infectious. Whether you’re in a club, a car, or your own living room, the House beat is designed to make you move and feel alive.
