House music

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Frankie Knuckles @ ADE 2012

Honorary Frankie Knuckles Way

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House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the Chicago club scene in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in discothèques catering to African American, Latino, and gay audiences in Chicago, but it has since become a global phenomenon. House music is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat, rhythms mainly provided by drum machines, off-beat hi-hat cymbals, and synthesized basslines. It often features sampling, and sometimes vocals, either by a singer or a speech synthesizer.

History

The origins of house music can be traced back to the late 1970s, when DJs and producers in Chicago started experimenting with disco records, extending the breaks and mixing in electronic synthesizers. The term "house music" is said to have originated from the Warehouse club in Chicago, where DJ Frankie Knuckles, known as the "Godfather of House," played his unique blend of disco and electronic music to a diverse crowd. Other key figures in the development of house music include Ron Hardy, Marshall Jefferson, Larry Heard (also known as Mr. Fingers), and Jesse Saunders.

Characteristics

House music's defining features include a steady four-on-the-floor beat, usually generated by a drum machine, and a strong emphasis on rhythm. It often incorporates elements of soul music, funk, and disco. Synthesizers and drum machines, such as the Roland TR-808 and TR-909, are commonly used to create the music's signature sounds. House tracks may also feature repetitive vocal lines and the use of effects such as reverb and delay.

Subgenres

House music has spawned numerous subgenres over the years, reflecting its adaptability and the diverse influences it incorporates. Some of the most notable subgenres include:

• Deep house, which combines elements of Chicago house with jazz and soul music, creating a smoother, more melodic sound.
• Acid house, characterized by the squelchy sounds of the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer.
• Tech house, a fusion of house and techno music, with a focus on minimalistic arrangements and often a more techno-like beat.
• Progressive house, which incorporates elements from trance music and features longer builds and more complex arrangements.

Cultural Impact

House music has had a significant cultural impact since its inception. It has influenced a wide range of music genres and has been instrumental in the development of the global electronic dance music scene. House music festivals and clubs have become cultural institutions in many countries, providing a space for fans of the genre to come together and celebrate their love for the music.

House music also played a key role in the development of the remix culture in the music industry, with DJs and producers creating their own versions of existing songs by adding house beats and electronic elements.

See Also

• Electronic dance music
• Disco
• Techno
• DJ culture
• Rave

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