House music is a genre of Electronic music that evolved during the early 80s. Since then, it’s grown into one of the most popular genres of music in history.
Dance music became EDM a few years ago…
And, in case you haven’t noticed, EDM pretty much rules the world at the moment. And House music is one of the original foundations of modern Electronic and Dance music.
Trying to explain how House music has evolved and influenced the sounds that came after it, is a near-impossible task. But regardless, I will try and explain where House music came from and what are some of its characteristics.
So, join me as I take a look at the origins and history of House Music, as well as cover a few of the Sub-genres and some free dancing advice.
What is House Music? – Origins, History, and Influence
Understanding a phenomenon means understanding its origins. And when it comes to House music, there are quite a few contributors.
But let’s get one thing straight…
Whether you like it or not, all modern House music, and therefore, a large chunk of all EDM, has its origin in Disco. Furthermore, there was once a saying that House music picked up where Disco left off in the late 70s.
The biggest similarities between Disco and early “proto” House music were the sound and technical aspects. Early House music pioneers used what was known as the “slow mix” to link different records together to create a continuous mix. This came from the days of disco.
Another contributor to early House music…
And, which also came from Disco, was the slow shift from traditional orchestral arrangements (often with big horn and string sections requiring many players) to almost all electronic pieces.
These tracks incorporated synthesizers and drum machines and were often put together by two or three people. Some pieces that have been singled out as “proto” House are:
[bl]- Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love.”
- Yellow Magic Orchestra’s self-titled album and Solid State Survivor.
- Kraftwerk’s Man Machine.
A lot of audio mixing and engineering techniques developed around this time…
These would also become seminal in the creation and development of House music. Pioneers of these “tricks of the trade” include Walter Gibbons, Tom Moulton, Jim Burgess, Larry Levan, and M & M.
Finally, a great distinction could be made when it came to the business side of things. Disco music was controlled and distributed by massive labels that had the money to pay for session time and 30 musicians.
However, popular music would soon be created by normal people in their basements, and club DJs would become label owners.
The Godfather – Frankie Knuckles
Frankie Knuckles started as a post-disco DJ in New York City. In the early days, he was taught by, worked with, and influenced by Larry Levan. Both DJ’d at New York’s famous Paradise Garage.
From the beginning, Frankie was known for mixing it up. His palette was wide but what he lacked was a new method of stitching his selections together. Also, he needed to start adding bits of his own to make his mixes stand out.
This began to happen when he moved from New York to Chicago in the mid-70s. Frankie would later become resident DJ at the now almost mythic Music Box. Although, back then, it was called The Warehouse.
Knuckles started mixing his tracks in new and exciting ways…
He also started picking combinations that were fresh to the ears of listeners. These included Philidelphia Soul, Euro Disco, New York Club Tracks, and the all-important Kraftwerk.
Frankie once said, “Kraftwerk were the main component in the creation of House music in Chicago. Back in the early 1980s, I mixed our 80s Philly sound with the electro beats of Kraftwerk and the Electronic body music bands of Europe.”
Soon after that…
Frankie started incorporating drum machines and synthesizers into his sets. This allowed him to sequence and play new parts or bridges that could extend between two tracks. He even introduced a reel-to-reel tape machine which led to more sonic possibilities.
Frankie Knuckles is widely considered to be the Godfather of House music. Not only because of his pioneering music but because of how much he contributed to the promotion and spread of the genre. He did this through his work as a DJ and eventually a club and Label owner.
Ron Hardy
Ron is often overlooked by those who study the genre. But his contribution to House music and the establishment of the first true scene can’t be overlooked. Ron was a student of anything electronic, and by the early 80s, he was producing mix tapes that had a Proto-House flavor.
In 1983, Ron took over The Warehouse, which was closed and then reopened as The Music Box when Frankie Knuckles left. Frankie’s other labors would eventually culminate in the now legendary PowerPlant club, later to be renamed The PowerHouse.
Similar to Frankie Knuckles…
Ron Hardy was incorporating new mixing techniques to create fresh sound combinations. He also used synths and drum machines in his sets, which led to more and more original House music tracks being born.
Ron Hardy’s sets at The Music Box have been cited by many later House and EDM DJs as being central to their education of House music. For this, he is now regarded as a key figure in the development and eventual spread of House music.
What is House Music? – Musical Attributes, 909s, and 303s
As with many genres, the developing nature of House Music makes it hard to define what is and what is not House music.
Some of the conventions described below have been broken by the artists who made them famous, and this still qualified as House. These conventions are merely to serve as a basic guideline.
The Kick
Many have speculated that the use of drum machines with records during live shows is what lead to the emphasis on that powerful kick sound. A sound that would become so central to House and, indeed, all EDM music.
The Low-End
House music generally runs in a 4/4 time signature with tempos varying from 115 to 128 beats per minute. The kick spells out the downbeat. Other percussive pieces, like hi-hats and claps, create rhythmic interest via intricate patterns that dance between the boom of the kick.
The importance of a powerful kick cannot be underestimated when it comes to House music. Artists are known for layering and processing many sounds on top of one another to create a more powerful and “big” sound. For this reason, drum machines are often used for making the beat of House music.
An aspect of House and EDM in general that is equally important is the bassline. It needs to cut through the mix but still be fat enough to provide the low-end needed. As guitarists are famous for riffs and solos, so DJ and producers in the House world are famous for beats and baselines.
Roland TR-909 and TB 303
The Roland 808 is synonymous with the sound of Hip-Hop and R&B. Similarly, the sound of the Roland TR-909 and TB-303 drum machines are synonymous with the sound of House music.
These instruments provided the fidelity and ease of use to craft great kicks and beats along with fat basslines that would endure for decades. They have since become relics of the music world, and their value is only increasing.
Vocals
In EDM and House music, vocals are not viewed in the same way as in more traditional music. This is another aspect that distinguished the genre from its Disco ancestor.
Vocals are often used sparsely and not even legibly. Things like chants and choirs or mere single phrases like “Let There Be House!” are all you need. The focus is on the kick and bassline.
Later, House music sub-genres did incorporate vocals that were more centered. Especially those that were Hip-Hop and R&B influenced.
The etymology of the word “House”
There is no official theory as to where the term “House” came from. Nor on how it was first used to describe dance music.
One of the most popular theories is that the term became popular thanks to Frankie Knuckles’ residency at The Warehouse. The Warehouse was where you could hear House music; it was that simple.
Knuckles said once that the first time he saw it was on a poster in the window of a Bar in the south side of Chicago. South-side DJ Leonard “Remix” Rory later claimed he had a “We Play House Music” poster in his window. The idea was that it was the kind of music you would play at your house.
Other folks say…
The reason they called it “House” was that unlike its predecessor, Disco, it was made in someone’s house. Typically using gear like the Roland 909 and some basic turntable setups.
What is House Music? – Sub-Genres and Off-Shoots
The number of sub-genres that have evolved from the original sound is impossible to list. So, here are a few of the biggest House music sub-genres out there…
Acid House
Acid-House evolved during the mid to late 80s. It’s characterized by a faster tempo and very psychedelic tones. The music is meant to be a sort of exercise session while still being danceable. It’s available in many shades, from light to dark, so don’t judge till you try it.
Afro-House
The Afro-House sub-genre evolved from DJs who were influenced by South African Kwaito and Dance music. Afro-House mixes African drum sounds and strong rhythms with chanting vocals and a touch of electrics for a very unique sound.
If a word had to be applied to this style, it would be “African” or “Tribal.” In South Africa, this music is labeled “Deep House.” But, it must not be confused with what is known in global circles as Deep House, which I will cover very soon.
Chicago House
You probably guessed this one. Of all the sub-genres, what later became known as Chicago House is the closest to the original House sound. There are Soul, Funk, and Disco influences combined with a strong kick drum.
Deep House
Deep House is one of the sub-genres that has enjoyed the most widespread success. It’s a very modern resurrection of the original Chicago House sound but usually at a slower tempo of 110 to 120.
The kick drum is often layered or detuned for a “deeper” and “wider” sound. This genre has dominated festival lineups and online sales in recent years. It has also sparked many sub-genres of its own, like Organic House.
Dancing To House Music
When it comes to dancing to House music, the most important thing to remember is the beat. The beat will dictate your movement, so just let the beat take you and then simply keep up.
Don’t wear your Sunday best if you know you’re going to be dancing. And always remember that there are no rules; there is only the beat and the bassline.
Is House Music Still a Thing?
Yes, very much so. House music had a stint as a popular genre for a few years and then sort of faded from the mainstream. But, like most electronic genres, it has survived thanks to dedicated fans across the world.
You can find dozens of great online platforms where the genre is thriving. Some of the best can be found on Beatport and Soundcloud. There are also plenty of live opportunities to see superb House Music at festivals if you know where to look and are willing to travel.
Interested in Making Electronic Music?
Don’t miss our detailed articles on What Is Techno Music, What Is Trap Music, and What is Otacore Music for more information on Electronic music styles and genres.
What is House Music? – Final Thoughts
House Music is one of the most enduring sounds of the last 50 years. Since its inception, it has managed to conquer the world at least once, if not more times, and left behind a plethora of fans and sub-genres in its wake.
House Music is the freedom to be who you are and stomp your feet to that hard beat. Now that you know where it comes from, you can enjoy it much more.
Until next time, happy listening.
