Genre Definition
What is House music?
House is a music genre that originated 1982--present. Chicago, Illinois, early 1980s.
Origin of House
Chicago, Illinois, early 1980s. Named after the Warehouse club where DJ Frankie Knuckles played. Grew from disco's ashes after the disco backlash drove the genre underground into Black and Latino gay club scenes. Roland TR-808, TR-909, and TB-303 defined the hardware palette.
Era: 1982--present
Defining sound of House
Four-on-the-floor kick at 120-135 BPM. Prominent piano or organ chords, soulful vocal samples or live vocals, TB-303 acid bass lines. Groove is paramount -- the music is designed to sustain dancing over extended periods.
Essential House albums
See all
RENAISSANCE
Beyoncé
4.5/5
Discovery
Daft Punk
4.4/5
Actually: Further Listening 1987 - 1988 (2018 Remaster)
Pet Shop Boys
2.2/5
Random Access Memories
Daft Punk
4.5/5
99.9%
KAYTRANADA
4.5/5
Settle (Special Edition)
Disclosure
4.4/5
BUBBA
KAYTRANADA
4.3/5
Homework
Daft Punk
4.3/5
Tourist (Remastered)
St Germain
4.1/5
Caracal (Deluxe)
Disclosure
3.9/5
Pioneers of House
- Frankie Knuckles
- Larry Heard
- Jesse Saunders
- Marshall Jefferson
- Larry Levan
Key House artists
Related genres
Frequently asked questions about House
- When did House start?
- House originated 1982--present. Chicago, Illinois, early 1980s.
- Who invented House?
- House was pioneered by Frankie Knuckles, Larry Heard, Jesse Saunders, Marshall Jefferson, Larry Levan. Chicago, Illinois, early 1980s. Named after the Warehouse club where DJ Frankie Knuckles played. Grew from disco's ashes after the disco backlash drove the genre underground into Black and Latino gay club scenes. Roland TR-808, TR-909, and TB-303 defined the hardware palette.
- Is House still popular?
- House continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Daft Punk, Armand Van Helden, Kerri Chandler, Masters at Work.
- What does House sound like?
- Four-on-the-floor kick at 120-135 BPM. Prominent piano or organ chords, soulful vocal samples or live vocals, TB-303 acid bass lines. Groove is paramount -- the music is designed to sustain dancing over extended periods.
- What is the difference between House and techno?
- House and techno are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the techno definition page for a full comparison.
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