History Of House Music – Everything You Need to Know

House music, one of the most influential genres in electronic dance music, traces its roots back to Chicago in the early 1980s. Emerging from underground clubs like the Warehouse (where the term “house” originates), the genre quickly spread across the U.S. and later globally, revolutionizing dance floors with its repetitive 4/4 beats, synthesized basslines, and soulful vocal samples.

Where Did House Music Begin?

The story of house music begins with DJ Frankie Knuckles, often referred to as the Godfather of House. As a resident DJ at Chicago’s Warehouse club, Knuckles experimented with disco, soul, and European synth sounds to create a hypnotic and energetic vibe. His unique style, layered with drum machines like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909, gave birth to what we now call house music.

The Evolution of House

By the mid-1980s, house music expanded to cities like New York, Detroit, and London. Subgenres such as deep house, acid house, and techno emerged. The 1990s brought commercial success to artists like Daft Punk, Masters at Work, and Armand Van Helden, solidifying house music’s mainstream appeal.

Today, house continues to evolve through artists who fuse global rhythms, Afrobeat, and melodic textures into the classic structure. One example is Play House, a Paris-based DJ inspired by Black Coffee and the Keinemusik collective (including &ME, Adam Port, and Rampa), bringing a fresh take to afro house and deep house.

Discovering Modern House Music

Want to dive into modern interpretations of house?

Why It Still Matters

House music is more than just a genre; it’s a global culture rooted in diversity, unity, and celebration. From its origins in Black queer communities to its rise as a staple in European clubs, house music continues to inspire, transform, and bring people together.

Want to stay up to date on the evolution of house music? Check out Play House music.

Play House
Play House

Play House, a Paris-based DJ and record producer, creates electronic dance music defined by soulful, rhythmic depth. With millions of streams across major platforms, his immersive soundscapes and hypnotic beats have solidified his reputation, captivating audiences at live performances throughout Paris.

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