House and Techno Music: What You Need to Know
Contents
If you’re a fan of electronic music, you’ve probably heard of house and techno. But what exactly are they? In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of these two popular genres so you can better understand what they’re all about.
House Music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in Chicago in the 1980s. It is characterized by a 4/4 time signature, a tempo of 120-130 beats per minute, and repeating basslines. House music often has a hypnotic feel, with layered synthesizers and drum machines creating a trance-like atmosphere.
Origins
The origins of house music can be traced back to the early 1980s in Chicago. DJ Frankie Knuckles is often credited as being the “godfather” of house music, as his style of mixing and spinning records greatly influenced the development of the genre. House music quickly spread beyond Chicago to other cities in the United States, then to Europe and eventually the rest of the world.
While there are many different subgenres of house music, the overall sound is usually characterized by a 4/4 beat, synthesizer melodies, and Auto-Tuned vocals. House music is often played in nightclubs, on radio stations dedicated to dance music, and at festivals such as Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival.
Characteristics
The defining characteristic of house music is a prominent kick drum on every beat— typically 128 to 138 beats per minute (commonly written as BPM). The kick drum typically hits between notes in the bassline, creating a “thump” feeling. Other distinguishing features often found in house music include hi-hat cymbals on every beat and syncopated synth or vocal patterns.
Techno Music
Techno is a type of electronic dance music that is characterized by a strong beat and a repetition of four on the floor beats. It typically has a tempo of between 120 and 150 beats per minute.
Origins
Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the United States during the mid-to-late 1980s. The first techno track is widely considered to be “Jazz (We’ve Got)” by implant pioneersHashim. Hashim’s track was released on the now defunct faced label in 1985. Other early techno tracks include “No Way Back” byAdonis (1986) and “Alleys of Your Mind” by Cybotron (1987).
Characteristics
Techno is a type of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 1990s. The genre is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat, often with synthesized melodies and sound effects. Techno music is often played in nightclubs and is popular at rave parties and festivals.
The word “techno” can be used to refer to the musical style or the subculture that surrounds it. The techno subculture includes fashion, art, and nightlife. It is sometimes associated with illegal drug use, particularly ecstasy.
Differences between House and Techno Music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the 1980s. It is characterized by a repetitive four-on-the-floor beat and often contains elements of soul, funk, and disco. Techno is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit in the mid-to-late 1980s. It is characterized by a heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines and often has a fast, mechanical beat.
Tempo
One of the biggest difference you’ll notice between house and techno is the tempo. House is typically between 110 and 130 BPM (Beats Per Minute), while techno is almost always between 125 and 150 BPM. Because of this, techno will usually have a faster and more aggressive feel to it than house.
Structure
The most obvious difference between the two is the structure of the music. Techno tracks are mostly built around a 4/4 beat with a lot of repetition, while house tracks have a more organic feel and often change tempo and Time signature throughout the track. This difference is also reflected in the way the music is produced, with techno often being created entirely in the studio with minimal input from live instruments, and house relying more on samples and live instrumentation.
Sound
When it comes to house and techno, the biggest difference is in the sound. Techno is typically made with synths and samples, while house uses a wider range of instruments. House sometimes incorporates a live drummer, which gives it a more organic sound. Techno is also designed to be played in clubs, so it often has a faster tempo and is more energetic.
