The Origins of... House

House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, in the early 1980s. It is characterised by its repetitive 4/4 beat and synthesised melodies, and it has become one of the most popular and influential genres of music in the world.

If you like House Music, and want to learn how to produce it, check out some of our House Production Courses here. 

Origins

The origins of house music can be traced back to the mid-1970s, when a group of DJs and producers began experimenting with disco music in Chicago's underground club scene. DJs such as Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, and Larry Levan were instrumental in developing the sound that would eventually become known as house music.

At the time, disco music was at the height of its popularity, but it was also facing a backlash from some critics and fans who felt that the genre had become too commercial and predictable. In response, a group of DJs began to play more obscure and experimental tracks in their sets, incorporating elements of funk, soul, and R&B.

Frankie Knuckles 

One of the most influential clubs in this scene was the Warehouse, which was opened by Frankie Knuckles in 1977. The club quickly became a haven for music lovers who were looking for something different from the mainstream disco scene. Knuckles played a mix of obscure tracks and re-edited versions of popular songs, often extending tracks to create longer danceable grooves.

Knuckles became known as the "godfather of house music" due to his pioneering work at the Warehouse. He was instrumental in developing the sound that would become known as house music, which combined the repetitive 4/4 beat of disco with synthesised melodies and soulful vocals.

Ron Hardy & Chicago House

Another important figure in the early house music scene was Ron Hardy, who was the resident DJ at the Music Box club in Chicago. Hardy was known for his experimental approach to DJing, often playing tracks at the wrong speed or mixing two tracks together to create a new sound. He was also known for playing tracks that had not yet been released, which gave his sets a sense of exclusivity and excitement.

As the Chicago house music scene began to grow in popularity, producers such as Jesse Saunders and Marshall Jefferson began to create their own tracks using drum machines and synthesisers. In 1984, Saunders released "On and On," which is considered to be the first house music record. The track featured a repetitive 4/4 beat and a synthesised melody, which would become hallmarks of the genre.

House music quickly spread beyond Chicago and began to gain popularity in other cities such as New York, Detroit, and London. In New York, DJs such as Larry Levan and David Morales helped to develop the sound of house music, while in Detroit, the Belleville Three (Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson) pioneered a more techno-influenced sound.

That UK Sound

In the UK, house music became popular in the late 1980s, with clubs such as Shoom and the Hacienda playing a key role in its development. DJs such as Danny Rampling and Paul Oakenfold were instrumental in introducing house music to a wider audience in the UK, and the genre quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

A significant UK-based offshoot was Acid House, characterised by the use of Roland 303 synthesisers for the basslines, resulting in an alien, squelchy sound that perfectly matched the futuristic appeal of House. Tracks like ‘Voodoo Ray’ by A Guy Called Gerald, even had crossover appeal, reaching number 12 in the UK singles charts. 

Today, house music is a global phenomenon, with DJs and producers from all over the world contributing to its development and evolution. The genre has spawned numerous sub-genres, such as deep house, tech house, and progressive house, and it continues to be a popular form of dance music in clubs and festivals around the world.

In conclusion, the origins of house music can be traced back to the underground club scene in Chicago in the 1970s and 1980s. DJs such as Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, and Larry Levan were instrumental in developing the sound that would become known as house music, which combined the repetitive 4/4 beat of disco with synthesised melodies and soulful

If you like House Music, and want to learn how to produce it, check out some of our House Production Courses here.

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