Witch House Music: A Haunting Journey into the Occult

Witch house, sometimes referred to as “drag,” is a mesmerizing microgenre of electronic music that emerged in the late 2000s. Its unique blend of eerie sounds, occult-inspired themes, and distorted vocals has captivated listeners worldwide. In this blog article, we’ll delve into the origins, style, and visual aesthetics of witch house music.

Origins and Etymology

The term “witch house” was coined in 2009 by Travis Egedy, professionally known as Pictureplane. Despite its name, witch house has little in common with traditional house music. Instead, it draws inspiration from various sources, creating a distinct sonic landscape.

Musical Characteristics

1. Soundscapes and Atmosphere:

• Witch house is characterized by its haunting and atmospheric soundscapes. It incorporates elements from industrial, trap, and ambient music.

• Creepy samples, dark synthpop-influenced lead melodies, and heavily altered vocals define the genre’s sound.

• The use of hip-hop drum machines and dense reverb adds to its otherworldly vibe.

2. Influences:

• Artists in the genre draw inspiration from 1980s ethereal wave bands like Cocteau Twins.

• Industrial and experimental bands such as Psychic TV and Coil also contribute to the genre’s evolution.

• Slowed-down remixes of pop and hip-hop songs are common, showcasing witch house’s versatility.

3. Visual Aesthetics:

• Witch house’s visual aesthetic is equally captivating. It embraces occultism, witchcraft, and shamanism.

• Artworks feature terror and horror-inspired elements, hidden messages, and Unicode symbols.

• Triangles, crosses, and cryptic symbols adorn titles, maintaining an underground allure.

Notable Witch House Artists and Mixes

1. Salem:

• Salem’s music embodies the essence of witch house. Their track “King Night” is a haunting masterpiece.

• Listen to Salem’s music here.

2. White Ring:

• White Ring’s distorted vocals and dark melodies contribute to the genre’s signature sound.

• Explore White Ring’s music here.

3. Mixes:

• Dive into witch house mixes for an immersive experience:

  • Best Witch House Mix 2021 (2-hour mix)

  • Best of Untitled Burial (2013-2023) (Witch House Mix vol.1)

  • 1 Hour Witch House / Phonk / Hardwave / Dark Ambient / Trap Mix

Conclusion

Witch house music invites us to explore the mystical, the unknown, and the shadowy corners of our imagination. Whether you’re a seasoned listener or a curious newcomer, this genre promises an unforgettable journey into the occult. So dim the lights, put on your headphones, and let the haunting melodies of witch house envelop you in their spellbinding embrace. 🌙🔮