House Music Origins
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the early 1980s. Over the years, it has evolved and developed into many sub-genres, including deep house. In this article, we will explore the origins and characteristics of deep house and why it remains popular today.
Deep House
Deep house emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Chicago, where DJs and producers began experimenting with slower, funkier, and more soulful sounds than the fast-paced and robotic beats of traditional house music. The genre was heavily influenced by disco, funk, and soul music and often featured smooth, jazzy melodies, deep basslines, and soulful vocals.
One of the pioneers of deep house was Larry Heard, also known as Mr. Fingers, who produced tracks such as “Can You Feel It” and “Mystery of Love” in the late 1980s. Other notable producers and DJs who helped popularize the genre include Frankie Knuckles, Ron Trent, and Kerri Chandler.
Deep house gained a following in the UK in the early 1990s, where it was often played in underground clubs and at raves. It soon spread to Europe and other parts of the world, and today it remains a popular sub-genre of house music.
One of the defining characteristics of deep house is its focus on creating a relaxed and atmospheric vibe. The slower tempo and more soulful sounds create a sense of space and depth, which is why the genre is called “deep” house. The music often features smooth and jazzy chord progressions, often played on a Rhodes or Wurlitzer electric piano, and soulful vocals that add to the music’s emotional depth.
Another important aspect of deep house is its use of sampling. Many deep house tracks sample old disco and soul records, giving the music a nostalgic and retro feel. The samples are often manipulated and chopped up to create new melodies and rhythms, adding to the creativity and inventiveness of the genre.
Despite its slower tempo and more laid-back vibe, deep house is still dance music at its core. DJs and producers often layer complex rhythms and percussion over the soulful melodies to create a hypnotic and infectious groove that keeps the dance floor moving.
In recent years, deep house has seen a resurgence in popularity, with many new producers and DJs taking inspiration from the classic sounds of the genre. Some notable contemporary artists include Black Coffee, Maya Jane Coles, and Dixon, who have all helped to keep the genre fresh and relevant.
In conclusion, deep house is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Chicago. It is characterized by its focus on creating a relaxed and atmospheric vibe, soulful melodies, and the use of sampling. Despite its slower tempo, deep house remains a popular sub-genre of house music and continues to inspire new generations of DJs and producers.
To see and hear the latest topping tracks in Deep House head to Beatport’s current top Deep House tracks.
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