Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
House music is a genre of EDM (Electronic Dance Music). While all house music is EDM, not all EDM is house music. House represents one of the oldest and most influential styles under the broader EDM umbrella.
Have you ever wondered if house music is part of EDM? You’re not alone! Many music fans get mixed up about this. Today, we’ll clear up the confusion and help you understand how house music fits into the bigger world of electronic dance music.
House music started in Chicago during the 1980s and has grown into something really special. While all house music can be called EDM, not all EDM is house music. Think of EDM like a big family tree, with house music being one of its oldest and most important branches.
According to data from music research platform MusicRadar, house music makes up about 25% of all electronic dance music played in clubs worldwide. The sound of house has changed a lot since it began at Chicago’s Warehouse club, where DJ Frankie Knuckles first played this new style of music.
In this guide, we’ll look at what makes house music special, how it’s different from other types of EDM, and why so many people love it. Whether you’re new to electronic music or just curious about the difference, you’ll find everything you need to know right here. The experts at Electronic Music School say that understanding these differences helps new producers make better music.
Table of contents
- The Basic Difference Between House Music and EDM
- A Quick History of House Music
- Understanding EDM as an Umbrella Term
- Key Features of House Music vs Modern EDM
- Popular House Music Styles
- How to Tell House Music Apart from Other EDM Genres
- Famous Artists in House Music and EDM
- Where to Listen to House Music
- Final thoughts
- FAQs
The Basic Difference Between House Music and EDM
Let’s make this super simple! EDM stands for Electronic Dance Music, and it’s like a huge umbrella that covers lots of different types of electronic music – including house music. When someone says “EDM,” they’re talking about any music made mostly with computers and electronic instruments that people dance to.
House music has its own special sound that makes it different. It usually has a steady beat that goes “boom-clap-boom-clap” (that’s the kick drum and snare drum playing together). The speed is usually around 120 to 130 beats per minute – kind of like a fast walking pace. According to DJ Tech Tools, this comfortable tempo is one reason why house music stays so popular at parties.
A Quick History of House Music
Back in the early 1980s, in Chicago, something amazing happened. A DJ named Frankie Knuckles started playing a new kind of music at a club called “The Warehouse.” He mixed old disco records with drum machines and synthesizers to create a fresh sound that people loved. That’s actually how house music got its name – from “The Warehouse”!
The sound quickly spread from Chicago to other cities. DJs started making their own house tracks using drum machines like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909. These machines are still important in making house music today. By the late 1980s, house music had traveled across the ocean to Europe, where it became super popular in places like the UK and Spain.
Understanding EDM as an Umbrella Term
Think of EDM like a big tree with many branches. Each branch is a different style of electronic music. House music is one of the biggest and oldest branches on this tree. Other branches include techno, trance, dubstep, and drum & bass.
When people talk about “EDM” today, they often mean the big, loud festival music that became popular in the 2010s. This can be confusing because technically, all electronic dance music is EDM. The important thing to remember is that while house music is definitely EDM, it has its own unique history and sound that makes it special.
Today’s producers often mix different styles together. You might hear a house track that includes elements from other types of EDM. This mixing of styles helps keep electronic music fresh and exciting for new listeners.
Key Features of House Music vs Modern EDM
Let’s break down the main differences between house music and modern EDM in a way that’s easy to understand. Here’s a simple comparison that shows what makes each style unique:
| Feature | House Music | Modern EDM |
| Speed (BPM) | 120-130 | 128-150 |
| Main Beat | Steady “four-on-the-floor” | Often changing, with drops |
| Bass | Deep, rolling basslines | Heavy, aggressive bass drops |
| Feeling | Smooth and groovy | High energy, intense |
| Song Length | 6-8 minutes | 3-4 minutes |
| Main Purpose | Club dancing | Festival performances |
Popular House Music Styles
House music has grown into many different styles over the years. Each type has its own special sound that makes it stand out. Deep house brings smooth, soulful vibes with jazzy chords and warm bass sounds. It’s perfect for relaxed dancing and chill parties.
Tech house takes the funky elements of house and adds some of techno’s mechanical sounds. This style is super popular in clubs right now because it keeps people dancing all night long. Progressive house starts gentle and builds up slowly, adding new sounds as the track goes along. This style often tells a story through music.
How to Tell House Music Apart from Other EDM Genres
When you’re listening to electronic music, there are some simple ways to spot house music. First, listen for that steady kick drum that goes “thump-thump-thump-thump” all through the song. This is called a “four-on-the-floor” beat, and it’s one of house music’s most important features.
House music also uses lots of happy-sounding piano chords and soulful vocals. Unlike dubstep or trap music, house doesn’t usually have those big, dramatic bass drops. Instead, it flows smoothly from one part to the next. The goal is to keep people dancing without interrupting the groove.
Another big difference is the song structure. House tracks usually take their time building up and down, while modern EDM often rushes to get to the exciting parts. This gives house music a more natural, flowing feel that many dancers love.
Famous Artists in House Music and EDM
House music has seen many great artists over the years who have helped shape its sound. Frankie Knuckles, often called “The Godfather of House,” started it all. Today, artists like Carl Cox and Pete Tong keep the classic house spirit alive while adding their own fresh ideas.
Some newer artists mix house music with modern EDM sounds. DJs like Fisher and Chris Lake make music that fits both in small clubs and big festivals. They show how house music keeps growing and changing with the times. Many young DJs are learning from both old and new styles to create their own sound.
Where to Listen to House Music
Finding good house music is easier than ever today! Many clubs still play house music all night long. These clubs usually have better sound systems than big festivals, which helps you hear all the tiny details in the music. Some cities even have special house music clubs that play nothing else.
If you can’t get to a club, don’t worry! You can find tons of house music on apps like Spotify and SoundCloud. Many DJs also share their sets on YouTube. Internet radio stations like Defected Records Radio play house music 24/7. This makes it easy to listen to house music wherever you are.
Final thoughts
Now you know that house music is definitely part of the EDM family – but it’s special in its own way. It’s like the cool older cousin who started the family tradition! While modern EDM might be louder and more dramatic, house music keeps things smooth and groovy.
House music has stayed popular for over 40 years because it makes people feel good. Whether you’re dancing in a small club or listening at home, house music’s steady beat and happy sounds just work. It’s a style that brings people together and keeps them moving.
Remember, whether you call it house music or EDM, the most important thing is enjoying the music and having fun. If you’re interested in learning more, try listening to both classic and new house tracks. You’ll start to hear the special qualities that make house music stand out in the big world of EDM.
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FAQs
House music came before the term EDM. House started in Chicago during the early 1980s, while “EDM” only became popular as a term in the late 2000s to describe all electronic dance music styles.
Yes, house music is definitely a type of EDM. It’s one of the original and most important styles of electronic dance music, forming the foundation for many modern EDM genres we hear today.
House music often uses soulful vocals, piano chords, and a groovy feeling. Techno tends to be more mechanical and repetitive, with fewer vocals and more synthetic sounds.
House music got its name from a Chicago nightclub called “The Warehouse,” where DJ Frankie Knuckles first played this style of music in the early 1980s.
House music typically runs between 120-130 beats per minute (BPM). This tempo feels natural for dancing and matches a quick walking pace.