What Is Progressive House Music?
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If you’re a fan of electronic music, then you’ve probably heard of progressive house music. But what is it, exactly? In this post, we’ll explore the history and defining characteristics of progressive house music, and share some of our favorite tracks in the genre.
Introduction
In musical terms, progressive house is a subgenre of house music that developed in the early 1990s. It is characterized by a slower tempo (usually around 125 BPM), and often incorporates elements of Trance music. The genre combines aspects of traditional house music with a more experimental approach, and often features extended breakdowns and complex layered melodies.
Progressive house is often credited as being the first truly ‘intelligent’ form of dance music, with its emphasis on melody and emotion over purely danceable rhythms. The genre quickly gained popularity in the early 1990s, with tracks like Picture Palace Music’s “Papua New Guinea” and Leftfield’s “Release the Pressure” becoming anthems of the underground rave scene. In the years since, progressive house has continued to evolve, with new subgenres emerging (such as progressive trance) and old ones fading away (such as tech-house).
Despite its relatively short history, progressive house has had a profound impact on the world of electronic dance music, and remains one of the most popular genres today. If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating style of music, read on for a brief overview of its history and key characteristics.
What is Progressive House Music?
Progressive house is a style of house music characterized by a build up and release of energy, often resulting in a “rush” feeling. The style was developed in the early 1990s by DJs in the United Kingdom, and was influenced by tech house and trance. Progressive house often contains elements of techno, acid house, and deep house.
The Origins of Progressive House
Progressive house is a style (subgenre) of house music. The music is characterized by a tempo around 130 beats per minute, and the trancy, hypnotic sound which was initially created by the Roland TB-303 electronic bass machine. Common features of progressive house include a “throbbing” 4/4 bass drum on every beat, off-beat open hi-hat cymbals, and synthesized melodies that often include one or more “super-saw” type lead sounds.
Progressive house was originally developed in the early 1990s by English and Italian producers. The first progressive house tracks were produced by DJs such as 808 State, Kev Bird, and Jeremy Healy. The genre later became more popular in clubs in Ibiza, Spain; London, England; Manchester, England; Boston, United States; San Francisco, United States; Los Angeles, United States; Miami, United States; and Chicago, United States. Progressive house was also popular in Australia during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The Sound of Progressive House
Progressive house is a style (subgenre) of house music. The sound of progressive house is often described as a cross between tech house and trance. Progressive house is known for its use of long, drawn-out tracks that gradually build in intensity, as well as its incorporation of heavy kicks and hi-hats.
The Structure of Progressive House
Progressive house is a subgenre of house music that extends the creative elements that make up the structure of a track. In a progressive house track, you’ll hear elements of the original house sound layered with additional synth work and complex drum patterns. The result is a sound that is both fresh and familiar.
Progressive house tracks are often longer than other types of house music, giving DJs time to build up the energy of the track before breaking it down. This buildup-and-release structure is one of the defining elements of progressive house.
In recent years, progressive house has become one of the most popular subgenres of electronic dance music (EDM). You’ll hear it played at clubs and festivals around the world, and many of today’s biggest EDM artists got their start in progressive house.
The Elements of Progressive House
Progressive house is a subgenre of house music that combines elements of traditional house with elements of techno. The genre first emerged in the early 1990s, and has since become one of the most popular forms of electronic dance music.
Progressive house is characterized by a tempo between 115 and 130 beats per minute, and a structure that typically consists of four-on-the-floor kicks, layered synth pads, and sequenced basslines. The style is often melodic and atmospheric, with breakdowns that build up to climaxes featuring sweeping chords or ethereal arpeggios.
Notable progressive house artists include Sasha, John Digweed, Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Muir, Guy J, Eric Prydz, deadmau5, and Kaskade.
Conclusion
In conclusion, progressive house music is a type of electronic dance music that is characterized by a build-up and release of tension, melodies that progress and evolve, and a focus on the journey rather than the destination. It is a popular genre of EDM that has been enjoyed by clubgoers and festival-goers around the world for many years.
