Chicago’s Old School House Music Scene

Chicago’s Old School House Music Scene is a music blog that covers the latest news, reviews, and interviews from the Chicago house music scene.

The History of House Music in Chicago

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 club in Chicago where early house music was played. House music was initially popularized by DJs such as Frankie Knuckles, who helped to develop the style by incorporating elements of disco, soul, and pop music.

The origins of house music

The first recorded use of the phrase “house music” was in reference to a party hosted by DJ Frankie Knuckles at the Warehouse in Chicago in 1977. At the time, Knuckles and fellow DJs Ron Hardy, Mickey Oliver, Tyrone Palmer and Chip E were playing a style of music that was influenced by disco, soul, funk and Latin music. This new style of music soon became known as “house music.”

The term “house music” is thought to have come from the fact that many of these early parties were held in abandoned warehouses or “houses.” As house music began to gain popularity, it spread to other cities with large African-American populations such as Detroit, New York and Philadelphia. By the early 1990s, house music had become a global phenomenon with artists such as David Morales, Sandy B and Armand Van Helden producing chart-topping hits.

Today, house music is still popular all over the world and continues to evolve with new subgenres such as deep house, future house and tech house constantly emerging.

The development of house music in Chicago

In the early 1980s, a new style of music was born in the clubs of Chicago. This new style, which came to be known as house music, was a fusion of disco and electronic music. House music quickly became popular in Chicago’s underground clubs and soon spread to other cities in the United States and Europe.

Today, house music is one of the most popular genres of dance music. Its popularity is due in part to its origins in the city of Chicago. House music has a rich history in Chicago, and many of the genre’s biggest stars began their careers in the city’s clubs.

The Current House Music Scene in Chicago

House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized by DJ Frankie Knuckles. House music is characterized by a repetitive four-on-the-floor beat and often features synthesized basslines. The genre was initially popularized by African American and Latino communities in Chicago.

The clubs

The current house music scene in Chicago is vibrant and diverse, with something to offer for everyone. While the city is best known for its deep house and techno clubs, there are also a number of great venues for more commercial EDM and progressive house. In addition, Chicago is home to a number of world-renowned festivals, including Spring Awakening, North Coast Music Festival, and React Presents’ Summer Set Music Festival.

Here is a list of some of the best clubs in Chicago:

Smart Bar: One of the most iconic clubs in Chicago, Smart Bar has been a staple of the city’s nightlife scene since 1982. Located in the basement of Chicago’s famed music venue Metro, Smart Bar is known for its cutting-edge bookings and eclectic mix of genres.
The MID: The MID is one of Chicago’s newest and most popular clubs, located in the heart of the city’s River North neighborhood. With two floors and a huge outdoor patio, The MID has something for everyone. It’s also home to one of Chicago’s most popular weekly parties, “React presents… Lights Down Low.”
Primary: Primary is a relatively new club located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. Known for its top-notch sound system and intimate setting, Primary is one of the best places in the city to see up-and-coming DJs and producers.

The DJs

The DJs of the old school house music scene in Chicago were pioneers in the development of the genre. They were the ones who created the mix tapes and played them at parties and clubs. Some of the early DJs were Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, Adonis, Larry Levan, Jesse Saunders, and Chip E. There was a great sense of camaraderie among these DJs. They shared music with each other and worked together to develop new sounds.

The music

While the current house music scene in Chicago may not be as large or well-known as it was in the 1980s and 1990s, there are still a number of clubs and DJs keeping the music alive. ven if you’re not a house music fan, it’s worth checking out one of these clubs to experience a bit of Chicago history.

Some of the most popular house music clubs in Chicago include Smart Bar, The Warehouse, and The Mid. Smart Bar is located in the basement of The Congress Theater and features a rotating lineup of local and international DJs. The Warehouse is one of the most iconic house music clubs in Chicago – it’s where House Music was first played in the city back in the 1980s. And finally, The Mid is a more modern club that attracts some of the biggest names in house music from around the world.

So if you’re looking to experience some of Chicago’s iconic house music scene, be sure to check out one of these clubs!

The Future of House Music in Chicago

Chicago’s house music scene is unique and special in its own way. The city has a long history with the genre, and it continues to be a hotbed for new and upcoming talent. But what does the future hold for house music in Chicago?

The next generation of house music producers

As the original pioneers of house music begin to retire, a new generation of producers is arising in Chicago. These young producers are committed to carrying on the tradition of house music and keeping the sound alive. They are influenced by the sounds of the past, but they are also innovating and creating new sounds that will shape the future of house music.

One such producer is Max Julian, who is just 22 years old. Julian has been producing house music for several years and has already made a name for himself in the Chicago scene. His sound is a mix of classic house and contemporary electronic music, with a heavy emphasis on grooves and catchy melodies. Julian is just one of many young producers who are helping to keep house music alive in Chicago.

The continued popularity of house music

Despite the decline of the traditional house music scene in Chicago, the genre continues to be popular among young people. DJs often play house music at clubs and parties, and the music is also popular in other cities across the country.