Dreaming of House Music
Contents
A collection of my favorite house tracks to help get you through the day or night.
The Origins of House Music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the early 1980s. The name is derived from the Warehouse, a nightclub in Chicago where early house music was played. House music was influenced by disco, electronic, and soul music.
Chicago
In the early 1980s, several different House music scenes had developed independently in cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago and Boston. One of the first references to “House” music is on a track called “My House” by Chicago-based artist K Continuous mixxing is thought to have been developed by Jesse Saunders.
Detroit
Detroit is considered the birthplace of techno and house music. Techno is a subgenre of house that was created in the 1980s by Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, who were all residents of Belleville, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. House music also has its roots in disco music, which was popular in the 1970s. House music was created in Chicago in the early 1980s by DJs Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy.
The Pioneers of House Music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized by African-American and Latino youths on the city’s South and West sides. House music quickly spread to other US cities such as Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia.
Frankie Knuckles
Frankie Knuckles, the Godfather of House Music, passed away this past Monday at the age of 59. The world has lost a true pioneer and innovator, and house music will never be the same.
Frankie was born in the Bronx in 1955, and he first started DJing in the early 1970s. He quickly became one of the most popular DJs in New York City, spinning at legendary clubs like The Gallery, Garage, and Paradise Garage. It was at The Gallery that Frankie developed his trademark style of mixing soul, disco, and electronic dance music, which would later come to be known as house music.
In 1977, Frankie moved to Chicago to open his own club, The Warehouse. It was here that house music really took off, with Frankie’s signature style becoming more and more popular. By the early 1980s, house music had spread to other parts of the United States and Europe, and it soon became one of the most popular genres in the world.
Frankie continued to DJ and produce music until his untimely death this week. He was a true pioneer who helped shape the sound of dance music for generations to come. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and loved his music.
Marshall Jefferson
house music would not be where it is today without the efforts of Chicago house pioneer Marshall Jefferson. Jefferson’s 1986 track “Move Your Body” is widely believed to be the first house record, and his work with labels like Trax and DJ International helped to popularize the genre in its early years. Other key early tracks from Jefferson include “Ride the Rhythm” (1987) and “Open Our Eyes” (1989).
Chip E.
In the mid-1980s, Chicago house music was becoming popular in clubs. Local DJ and producer Chip E. started making tracks like “Like This” and “Time to Jack.” These tracks reflected the changes happening in house music. They were more repetitive and had a harder sound than early house tracks.
The Sound of House Music
There is something special about house music. It is the sound of summer, of late nights and early mornings. It is the sound of freedom and of joy. It is the sound of the human soul.
The 808
The 808 is just one of many house music sounds, but it’s arguably the most important. It’s a Roland TR-808 drum machine that was released in 1980, and it quickly became a staple in the music industry, appearing on countless tracks over the years. Its popularity in house music is thanks in theory because of its affordability and flexibility, as well as its wide range of sounds.
The 909
The Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer is a drum machine that was produced by the Japanese company Roland Corporation in 1984. It was one of the first drum machines to allow users to program rhythms instead of using preset patterns. It was also one of the first drum machines to use samples of real drums. The 909 was used on many hit records from the 1980s and 1990s, including music by artists such as New Order, Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, and the Beastie Boys.
The 909 has become a cult classic among electronic musicians and producers. Its distinctive sound has been used in countless tracks, from house and techno to pop and hip-hop. The 909 is still in production today, and its legacy continues to influence electronic music.
Sampling
One of the defining characteristics of house music is the heavy use of sampling. Sampling is the act of taking a small section or “sample” of a song and using it in a new track. This can be anything from a few seconds of an instrument solo to the entire chorus of a pop song. House music producers often sample soul, R&B, and disco tracks, which gives the genre its classic “retro” sound.
House Music Today
House music is a genre of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) that originated in the 1980s. The style was developed by DJs and music producers in Chicago. House music is characterized by a repeated 4/4 beat, synthesizer melodies, and soulful vocals. The genre was named after the Chicago nightclub, The Warehouse, where house music was first played.
The Mainstream
In the late 80s and early 90s, house music was about having a good time. It was created in the underground gay clubs of Chicago and spread to the rest of the world, propagating the “house Nation.” The sound was new and fresh, a combination of disco, soul, funk, and electronic music. House music was (and still is) all about the groove—a feeling that is created by the interaction between the drums, bassline, and melody.
Today, house music has entered the mainstream. You can hear it in commercials, on the radio, and even in some pop songs. While some purists may balk at this development, it’s important to remember that all genres of music evolve over time. What was once underground becomes mainstream; what was once popular becomes passé. It’s just the natural order of things.
The Underground
When discussing house music, it’s important to note that there is both an underground and a mainstream scene. The underground scene is composed of smaller, more intimate clubs that cater to a niche audience. The music played in these clubs is often more experimental and less mainstream than what you would hear in a larger club or at a music festival. If you’re interested in exploring the underground house music scene, here are some things you should know.
The first thing to understand about the underground house music scene is that it’s not about the music itself. It’s about the community and the people who come together to enjoy the music. This is why many underground clubs are located in out-of-the-way places or even in private homes. The focus is on creating a space where people can connect with each other and with the music.
Underground clubs also tend to be much smaller than mainstream clubs, which can make them feel more intimate and exclusive. This exclusivity can be one of the appealing aspects of the underground scene for some people. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone is welcome in an underground club. In order to get into most clubs, you’ll need to be a member or have an invitation from someone who is already a member.
Once you’re inside an underground club, you can expect to hear a wide range of music styles being played. Everything from techno and trance to disco and funk can be heard in these clubs. The DJs who play at these clubs are usually very knowledgeable about the music they’re playing and are often open to taking requests from the crowd.
If you’re interested in exploring the underground house music scene, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, remember that this scene is all about community and connecting with other people. Second, don’t expect to hear top 40 hits being played at an underground club – the focus is on more experimental and niche genres of house music. Finally, keep in mind that most underground clubs are invite-only – so don’t be afraid to ask around for recommendations or invitations before trying to get into one yourself!
