House Music and EDM – What’s the Difference?
![](https://i4.ytimg.com/vi/fcXJBxsMMsM/sddefault.jpg)
Contents
Are you a fan of house music or EDM? Or maybe you’re not sure what the difference is between the two genres? Either way, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences between house and EDM so you can make an informed decision about which one you prefer.
Introduction
In recent years, the terms “house music” and “EDM” (electronic dance music) have become increasingly popular and often used interchangeably. However, there is a big difference between the two genres of music. House music is a style of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the 1980s, while EDM is a more general term that refers to any type of electronic dance music.
House music is typically characterized by a 4/4 time signature, a strong bassline, and simple melodies. It often has a repetitive nature and includes elements of soul, funk, and disco. House music was named after the legendary Warehouse club in Chicago where it first gained popularity. One of the most famous house songs is “Love Can’t Turn Around” by Farley “Jackmaster” Funk.
EDM, on the other hand, is a more umbrella term that can be used to describe any type of electronic dance music. It includes genres like house, techno, trance, drum & bass, and dubstep. While house music has its roots in Chicago, EDM originated in England in the early 1990s with the rise of rave culture. Some popular EDM artists include Avicii, Calvin Harris, and Tiësto.
So next time you’re at a club or party and someone asks you what kind of music you’re into, you can let them know whether you prefer house or EDM – or both!
The History of House Music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the 1980s. The term house music is derived from the name of the nightclub where the music was first played, The Warehouse. House music was initially created by DJs who were playing records at clubs.
Where it all began
In the late 1970s, a new style of music was emerging in Chicago that would change the face of dance music forever. This new sound was a result of the combination of several different genres, including disco, soul, funk and synth-pop. This new style of music became known as house music.
The first house tracks were created by DJs who were trying to extend the disco experience by creating longer, more continuous mixes. These early DJs would often use two turntables, mixing between them to create a seamless transition between songs. They would also use drum machines and synthesizers to create new and innovative sounds.
One of the earliest and most influential house tracks was “Frankie Knuckles Mix” by DJ Larry Levan, which was released in 1977. This track featured a number of elements that would become signature sounds of house music, including a thumping 4/4 beat and soulful vocals.
Over the next few years, house music began to evolve and spread beyond Chicago. In 1981, New York City got its first taste of house music with the opening of The Loft, a popular nightclub that featu
The birth of EDM
The term “EDM” is a bit of a misnomer. It stands for “electronic dance music,” but in reality, it encompasses a wide range of subgenres, from the mellow tones of trance to the hard-hitting beats of dubstep. EDM first gained popularity in the underground club scene of the 1980s and 1990s, where DJs would spin records for an audience of dancers. In the early 2000s, EDM began to enter the mainstream, thanks in part to the rise of festivals like Ultra Music Festival and Tomorrowland.
Although it has its roots in disco and techno, house music is one of the most popular genres within EDM. House music is characterized by a 4/4 beat and soulful vocals. It often incorporates elements of other genres, such as funk, disco, and garage. House music first emerged in Chicago in the 1980s, but it soon spread to other cities with club scenes, such as New York, Detroit, and London.
The Differences between House Music and EDM
House music and EDM are two genres of electronic dance music that have many similarities, but there are also some key differences. House music is typically more focused on the groove and rhythm, while EDM is often more about the drop and can include a wider variety of genres.
The sound
The first and most obvious difference between house music and EDM is the sound. House music is typically based around a 4/4 time signature with a tempo of 120-130 beats per minute (bpm). The sound is more minimalistic than other genres of electronic dance music, with a focus on the rhythm and groove. The kick drum, hi-hat, and claps are often syncopated, creating a shuffling feel. The bassline is also an important element of house music, often playing a central role in the groove.
EDM, on the other hand, covers a wide range of genres with a wide range of tempos and time signatures. While some EDM genres (such as electro house) may have similarities to house music, others (such as dubstep) can be quite different. The sound of EDM also tends to be more complex and layered than house music, with multiple elements working together to create the overall sound.
The culture
Both house music and EDM have their own unique cultures. House music is often associated with the underground club scene, while EDM is often associated with mainstream festivals and concerts.
House music is more than just a genre of music, it is a culture. The house music scene is often associated with the underground club scene. House music clubs are usually smaller and more intimate than EDM clubs, and the people who go to them are usually there to dance and socialize, rather than to drink or take drugs.
EDM culture, on the other hand, is often associated with mainstream festivals and concerts. EDM clubs are usually larger and more crowded than house music clubs, and the people who go to them are usually there to party hard and take drugs.
Conclusion
So, what’s the difference between house music and EDM? In a nutshell, house music is a subgenre of EDM that originated in the 1980s. House music is characterized by a 4/4 time signature, a syncopated bassline, and Roland TB-303 sounds. EDM, on the other hand, is a catch-all term that covers any type of electronic dance music.