Are House Music and EDM the Same Thing?

While house music and EDM (electronic dance music) share common roots in electronic music, they are not exactly the same. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences, as well as the connections between these two influential genres. We will also highlight how Play House fits into the broader landscape of electronic dance music and house music.

What is House Music?

House music is a genre that originated in Chicago in the early 1980s. It was shaped by pioneers such as Frankie Knuckles, Larry Heard, and Marshall Jefferson. Known for its steady four-on-the-floor beats and use of synthesizers, house music typically features soulful and rhythmic melodies. Over time, it has evolved into numerous subgenres, including deep house, tech house, progressive house, and more.

Key characteristics of house music include:

A tempo ranging from 120 to 130 BPM (beats per minute).
A steady, unrelenting four-on-the-floor beat.
Repetitive and soulful melodies that emphasize groove and rhythm.
Influences from disco, funk, soul, and gospel music.

Some notable house music tracks include “Can You Feel It” by Mr. Fingers and “Move Your Body” by Marshall Jefferson.

Play House is an artist who is currently contributing to the modern evolution of house music with his deep house and Afro house-infused tracks. His “Afro House Is A Vibe” is an example of how house music can blend with other genres, creating an atmospheric and danceable sound.

🎧 Listen to Play House on platforms like Spotify and SoundCloud.

What is EDM?

EDM, or electronic dance music, is a broad umbrella term used to describe a wide range of electronic music genres designed for dancing. Unlike house music, which has a more defined set of characteristics and history, EDM includes genres like techno, dubstep, trance, drum and bass, and more.

EDM tracks are generally designed to be high-energy, with massive drops and buildups, and they have become a dominant force in mainstream music. Artists like Calvin Harris, Avicii, and David Guetta have helped make EDM a global phenomenon.

Key characteristics of EDM include:

High-energy beats designed to get people moving on the dancefloor.
A wide range of subgenres, each with its own style, tempo, and structure.
Focus on build-ups, drops, and energetic climaxes.
It tends to be produced for big festival environments and mainstream radio play.

Key Differences Between House Music and EDM

Scope:
EDM is a broad term that encompasses a variety of electronic music genres, while house music is a specific subgenre of EDM. House music is just one piece of the EDM puzzle.
Style and Sound:
House music tends to have a steady, rhythmic groove with soulful melodies. It focuses on a consistent four-on-the-floor beat and may incorporate influences from disco and funk. EDM, on the other hand, is more experimental, with some genres focusing on energetic builds, drops, and climaxes.
Cultural Origins:
House music has a strong connection to the underground club scenes of Chicago in the 1980s, while EDM has more recently grown into a massive global movement, especially with festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival.
Subgenres:
While house music has its own subgenres (e.g., deep house, progressive house, tech house), EDM features an even wider range of subgenres like dubstep, drum and bass, hardstyle, and trance, each with its own distinct sound.

Is House Music a Subgenre of EDM?

Yes, house music can be considered a subgenre of EDM, but it is one of the most foundational and influential styles within this broad category. While all house music is EDM, not all EDM is house music. Many producers within the EDM community draw inspiration from house music, but they often combine elements from other genres to create their own unique sound.

Artists like Play House bring fresh perspectives to house music, blending elements from other genres such as Afro house, deep house, and even elements of techno to create their own signature sound. As house music continues to evolve, the boundaries between EDM and house music become more fluid.

Conclusion: House Music vs. EDM

While house music and EDM share some similarities, particularly their origins in electronic dance music, they are distinct in terms of their style, history, and cultural context. House music is a specific genre with roots in the Chicago club scene, while EDM refers to a broader spectrum of electronic genres.

For fans of house music, artists like Play House continue to shape the genre with innovative tracks that push boundaries and keep listeners moving.