Deep house music is a subgenre of house music that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is characterized by its slow to mid-tempo beats, soulful and melodic sound, and a focus on groove and atmosphere. Deep house is often described as being introspective, emotive, and spiritual, and it has a strong connection to the dance floor. In this article, we will delve into the history, sound, and key features of deep house music, and explore its impact on the dance music scene.
History of Deep House Music
Deep house music emerged in the late 1980s in the United States, particularly in Chicago and Detroit. It was a response to the more minimalist and techno-focused sounds of the early house music scene. The early pioneers of deep house were DJs and producers such as Larry Heard, Kenny “Dope” Gonzalez, and Joe Claussell, who were influenced by the soulful and jazz-infused sounds of Detroit’s techno scene, as well as the vocal-focused and groovy rhythms of Chicago’s house scene.
In the 1990s, deep house began to gain popularity in Europe, particularly in the UK. DJs and producers such as Masters at Work, Kerri Chandler, and Moodymann helped to further develop the sound and bring it to a global audience. The genre continued to evolve throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, with new sub-genres such as tech house and nu-disco emerging and influencing the sound of deep house.
Sound and Key Features
The sound of deep house is characterized by its slow to mid-tempo beats, soulful and melodic sound, and a focus on groove and atmosphere. The tempo of deep house tracks typically ranges from 110 to 120 beats per minute, which is slower than many other sub-genres of house music. The beats are often driven by a deep, rolling bassline and a steady, shuffling rhythm.
One of the key features of deep house is its soulful and emotive sound. Many deep house tracks feature soulful vocals, often sung by female vocalists, that convey a sense of introspection, emotion, and spirituality. The instrumentation is often lush and atmospheric, with a focus on synthesizers, pianos, and other melodic instruments.
Deep house is also characterized by its focus on groove and atmosphere. The tracks often build and evolve over time, with subtle changes in the arrangement and instrumentation that create a sense of tension and release. The grooves are deep and rolling, with a focus on the movement of the beat and the interplay between the bassline and percussion.
Key Sub-Genres of Deep House
There are many sub-genres of deep house that have emerged over the years, each with its own unique sound and style. Some of the key sub-genres include:
- Tech House – Tech house is a sub-genre of deep house that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by its heavier, more energetic sound, with a focus on driving basslines and syncopated rhythms. Tech house tracks often feature more electronic sounds and are more techno-influenced than other sub-genres of deep house.
- Nu-disco – Nu-disco is a sub-genre of deep house that emerged in the late 2000s. It is characterized by its disco-influenced sound, with a focus on funky grooves, catchy melodies, and disco-era instrumentation. Nu-disco tracks often feature vocoders, synthesizers, and other disco-inspired elements.
- Afro-house – Afro-house is a sub-genre of deep house that is heavily influenced by the rhythms and sounds of African music. It is characterized by its use of tribal percussion, soulful vocals, and hypnotic grooves. Afro-house tracks often feature traditional African instruments, such as the djembe and the kora, and are often infused with elements of jazz and funk.
- Deep tech house – Deep tech house is a sub-genre of deep house that combines the soulful and emotive sound of deep house with the driving energy of tech house. It is characterized by its use of deep, rolling basslines, intricate percussion, and emotive melodies. Deep tech house tracks often feature a more complex and dynamic arrangement, with multiple layers of instrumentation and intricate sound design.
- Melodic house – Melodic house is a sub-genre of deep house that is heavily influenced by the use of melody and harmony. It is characterized by its use of lush, atmospheric pads, intricate chord progressions, and emotive melodies. Melodic house tracks often feature live instrumentation, such as pianos and guitars, and are known for their uplifting and emotive qualities.
Impact of Deep House on the Dance Music Scene
Deep house has had a significant impact on the dance music scene. It has helped to shape the sound of house music and has influenced many other genres, including techno, disco, and nu-disco. Deep house has also played a key role in the development of the global DJ culture, with many deep house DJs and producers becoming legends in their own right.
One of the key ways that deep house has impacted the dance music scene is through its focus on groove and atmosphere. Deep house tracks are designed to create a sense of atmosphere and to take the listener on a musical journey. This has helped to shape the way that dance music is experienced and has influenced the way that DJs and producers approach their craft.
Deep house has also helped to bridge the gap between dance music and other genres. The soulful and emotive qualities of deep house have made it appealing to a wide range of listeners, from dance music fans to those who may not have previously considered themselves fans of electronic music. This has helped to broaden the appeal of electronic music and has helped to bring different musical communities together.
Conclusion
Deep house music is a subgenre of house music that has had a significant impact on the dance music scene. It is characterized by its slow to mid-tempo beats, soulful and melodic sound, and a focus on groove and atmosphere. The genre has evolved over the years, with many sub-genres emerging that have helped to shape the sound of deep house.
Deep house has helped to shape the way that dance music is experienced and has influenced the way that DJs and producers approach their craft. It has also helped to bridge the gap between dance music and other genres, broadening the appeal of electronic music and bringing different musical communities together.
If you’re a fan of deep house music, there are many ways to explore and discover new artists and tracks. You can attend festivals and events, follow DJs and producers on social media, and listen to online radio stations and podcasts. There are also many record labels and collectives that specialize in deep house music, such as Defected, Crosstown Rebels, and Glitterbox, that you can check out for new releases and events.
In conclusion, deep house music is a vibrant and dynamic genre that continues to evolve and shape the dance music scene. Its soulful and emotive qualities have helped to broaden the appeal of electronic music and to bring different musical communities together. If you’re looking for a musical journey that is groovy, atmospheric, and introspective, deep house music is definitely worth exploring.