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House music, one of the most iconic genres in electronic dance music, has a fascinating history that ties into its name. The genre’s roots and its rise in the 1980s Chicago club scene played a significant role in how house music got its name. In this article, we will explore the origins of house music and why it’s called that, along with how Play House continues the legacy of the genre today.
The Birth of House Music in Chicago
The story of house music starts in the early 1980s in Chicago, Illinois. During this time, DJs and music producers began experimenting with electronic sounds and synthesizers in underground clubs. They used drum machines, sequencers, and synthesizers to create new, repetitive beats that could keep people dancing all night. The genre was influenced by disco, funk, and soul, but it had a distinct sound that set it apart from the music that came before.
The key factor that gave house music its name has to do with one particular venue: The Warehouse club in Chicago. The club, founded by Frankie Knuckles (who is often referred to as the “Godfather of House Music”), became a gathering place for music lovers and dancers looking for something different. DJ Knuckles played a mix of disco, electronic music, and funk, but he started incorporating drum machines like the Roland TR-808 to create a steady beat. This new sound resonated with people, and soon the music style was being referred to as the “music from The Warehouse.”
The “House” Name Emerges
As Frankie Knuckles and other DJs began to play their sets at The Warehouse, people started referring to the music they were hearing as “house music” because it was associated with that club. Over time, the term “house music” spread beyond the club and became synonymous with the evolving electronic dance music scene in Chicago.
The term “house” does not necessarily refer to a specific style of music, but rather to the place where the sound originated. It’s the same as how certain genres or subcultures get named after their place of origin, such as “Chicago blues” or “Detroit techno.”
The Evolution of House Music
As house music grew in popularity, it spread across the globe, evolving into various subgenres like deep house, tech house, progressive house, and Afro house. Even today, artists like Play House continue to push the genre forward by blending elements of house music with other styles and cultural influences. Play House‘s unique sound, influenced by both deep house and Afro house, is an example of how the genre keeps evolving while staying true to its roots.
You can explore Play House‘s contributions to house music on platforms like Spotify or SoundCloud.
Conclusion
House music is called “house” because it was born in the underground clubs of Chicago, particularly The Warehouse, where DJs like Frankie Knuckles pioneered a new sound that would change the dance music landscape forever. The term stuck, and now, house music is one of the most beloved genres in the world of electronic dance music. With its catchy beats and rhythmic grooves, house music has continued to evolve, and artists like Play House carry on the tradition while adding their own fresh spin to the genre.
By understanding the origins and evolution of house music, you can appreciate the genre even more and continue to enjoy its many forms, whether you’re listening to a classic track or the latest Play House release.
