A Decade in the House: The Evolution of House Music 2010-2020

House music, a genre born in Chicago basements and nurtured in the sweaty confines of underground clubs, continued its remarkable journey throughout the 2010s. This decade witnessed a fascinating evolution, with established subgenres flourishing, new styles emerging, and the genre's influence permeating the broader dance music landscape.

The Legacy Continues: Mainstream House and Tech House

The early 2010s saw the continued dominance of mainstream house, characterized by its catchy hooks, uplifting chord progressions, and focus on dancefloor accessibility. Artists like David Guetta, Calvin Harris, and Swedish House Mafia churned out global hits like "Titanium," "We Found Love," and "One (More Time)" respectively, blurring the lines between house and mainstream pop. This period also saw the rise of "big room house," with its emphasis on anthemic melodies and powerful basslines, exemplified by tracks like Avicii's "Levels."

However, a counterpoint emerged in the form of tech house. Characterized by its driving, robotic grooves, intricate percussion programming, and darker atmospheres, tech house offered a more cerebral alternative. Artists like Dubfire, Sasha Carassi, and Adam Beyer dominated this space, pushing boundaries with their innovative productions and relentless DJ sets.

Deep House: A Haven for Soulful Sounds

Deep house, a subgenre known for its hypnotic basslines, soulful vocals, and focus on atmosphere, experienced a resurgence throughout the decade. Pioneered by Frankie Knuckles and Larry Heard in the late 80s, deep house found a new generation of enthusiasts. Labels like Defected Records and Suara flourished, releasing tracks that were both dancefloor-friendly and emotionally resonant. Artists like Dennis Ferrer, Theo Parrish, and Âme became synonymous with the genre, crafting timeless classics like "Hey Hey" and "Rej."

Nu-Disco and the Fusion Craze

The 2010s witnessed a surge in nostalgia, with producers revisiting and reimagining sounds from the disco era. Nu-disco, a genre that combined elements of classic disco with modern production techniques, emerged in full force. Labels like DFA Records and Italians Do It Better became tastemakers, releasing tracks that were both retro-tinged and dancefloor-ready. Artists like Chromeo, Daft Punk (with their phenomenal "Random Access Memories" album), and Franz Ferdinand incorporated disco elements into their music, blurring genre lines and creating a unique soundscape.

The Underground Booms: Minimal, Techno House, and Bass House

While mainstream house thrived, the underground scene nurtured a diverse array of subgenres. Minimal techno, characterized by its stripped-down aesthetic, hypnotic grooves, and focus on atmosphere, gained traction. Artists like Richie Hawtin and Marcel Dettmann became synonymous with the genre, pushing the boundaries of sound with their relentless sets. Techno house, a hybrid of techno and house, offered a more driving and energetic experience. Artists like Adam Beyer and Enrico Sangiuliano became known for their high-octane performances and pulsating productions.

Bass house, a genre known for its heavy basslines, aggressive synth stabs, and distorted vocals, also gained popularity. Artists like Dillon Francis and Flosstradamus injected a dose of hip-hop and trap influences into house music, creating a sound that was both hard-hitting and dance-inducing.

The Rise of the Machines: Deep Tech and Melodic Techno

The latter half of the decade saw a growing influence of technology on house music production. Deep tech, a genre characterized by its deep basslines, atmospheric synths, and intricate drum programming, emerged. Artists like Tale Of Us and Rødhåd pushed boundaries with their emotionally charged tracks and mesmerizing live sets. Melodic techno, a genre that combined the driving energy of techno with catchy melodies and soaring synths, also saw a rise. Artists like Stephan Bodzin and Eric Prydz became known for their epic live performances and uplifting productions.

The Future of House: Diversity and Innovation

As the 2010s drew to a close, house music remained a vibrant and diverse genre. Established subgenres continued to flourish, while new styles like Afro house and future house emerged. The influence of house music was felt across the electronic music spectrum, with artists from different genres incorporating its elements into their sound. House music in the 2010s was a testament to the genre's adaptability and enduring appeal. It provided a space for established artists to refine their sound, while also nurturing new talent and fostering innovation. As we move forward, house music shows no signs of slowing down, promising a future filled with exciting new sounds and captivating experiences.

Further Exploration: Delving Deeper into the Decade of House (2010-2020)

The provided article offered a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of house music during the 2010s. To delve deeper, here are some avenues for further exploration:

• Exploring Subgenres: Each subgenre mentioned deserves a closer look. Research the history and key artists of minimal techno, deep tech, or bass house. Discover labels and online communities dedicated to specific styles. Platforms like Discogs (URL discogs.com) and Resident Advisor (https://ra.co/) offer extensive resources.
  
  

• The Global House Scene: House music transcended national borders in the 2010s. Explore the rise of house in specific regions like South America (deep house in Argentina) or Europe (tech house in Berlin). Discover how local influences shaped the sound and identify prominent regional artists and labels.
  
  

• The Rise of Streaming: Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music revolutionized music consumption in the 2010s. Explore curated playlists dedicated to specific house subgenres or delve into artist-specific radio stations. Use these platforms to discover new artists and stay updated on the latest trends.
  
  

• The Live Experience: House music thrives in the live setting. Research iconic house clubs like Fabric London or Space Ibiza, and explore the legacy of legendary DJs like Carl Cox or Frankie Knuckles. Watch live sets on platforms like Boiler Room (https://m.youtube.com/@boilerroom) to experience the energy and artistry of house music firsthand.
  
  

• The DIY Movement: The rise of affordable music production software empowered bedroom producers. Explore platforms like SoundCloud (https://soundcloud.com/), where countless aspiring house producers showcase their work. Follow emerging artists and discover the raw talent bubbling beneath the surface.
  
  

Influential Artists and Labels:

Here are some key artists and labels that helped shape the 2010s house scene:

• Mainstream House: David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, Avicii

• Tech House: Dubfire, Sasha Carassi, Adam Beyer

• Deep House: Dennis Ferrer, Theo Parrish, Âme

• Nu-Disco: Chromeo, Daft Punk, Franz Ferdinand

• Minimal Techno: Richie Hawtin, Marcel Dettmann

• Techno House: Adam Beyer, Enrico Sangiuliano

• Bass House: Dillon Francis, Flosstradamus

• Deep Tech: Tale Of Us, Rødhåd

• Melodic Techno: Stephan Bodzin, Eric Prydz

• Labels: Defected Records, Suara, DFA Records, Italians Do It Better, Minus, Drumcode, Crosstown Rebels, Afterlife

The Impact of Technology:

Technology played a crucial role in house music's evolution during the 2010s. The rise of digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live made music production more accessible, allowing for more intricate soundscapes and innovative production techniques. DJ software advancements like Pioneer's CDJ series and Serato Scratch Live revolutionized DJing, enabling seamless mixing and creative manipulation of tracks. The proliferation of online music sharing platforms like SoundCloud and Beatport fostered a global community of producers and DJs, facilitating collaboration and rapid dissemination of new music.

Beyond Genres:

House music's influence extended beyond its subgenres. It permeated other electronic music styles like dubstep (think Skrillex's early house-influenced productions) and trap (artists like Baauer incorporated house elements into their trap beats). House music also crossed over to pop, with artists like Rihanna and The Weeknd incorporating house influences into their music. This cross-pollination between genres showcased the versatility and enduring appeal of house music.

Conclusion:

The 2010s were a vibrant and transformative decade for house music. Established subgenres flourished, while new styles emerged, pushing the boundaries of sound and exploration. House music's influence transcended genres and borders, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of electronic music. By delving deeper into the artists, labels, and trends, we gain a richer appreciation for this ever-evolving genre and its enduring legacy. As we move into the future, house music shows no signs of slowing down, promising exciting new chapters in its ongoing story.