If you’re a fan of house music, then you need to know about the Chicago house scene. This scene is responsible for some of the most iconic tracks in house music history.
In this post, we’ll take a look at what makes Chicago house so unique, and we’ll list some of our favorite tracks from this genre.
If you’re new to Chicago house, then be sure to check out these tracks – you won’t be disappointed!
Table of Contents
What is Chicago House Music?
Chicago house music is one of the oldest and most influential electronic dance music styles.
Originating in the early 1980s, Chicago house mixed together elements of disco, soul, funk, and techno to create a unique sound that took the world by storm.
Today, Chicago house is still popular all over the globe, and continues to influence new generations of DJs and producers.
If you’re curious about this iconic style of dance music, read on to learn more about Chicago House Music.
What Does Chicago House Sound Like?
Chicago house is characterized by heavy, pulsing beats and fast-paced rhythms. Some of the most iconic tracks in this genre feature prominent synthesizer melodies and lush chords.
Many classic Chicago house songs also include soulful vocals that add an emotional element to the music. Overall, Chicago house music has a funky, upbeat sound that combines old school influences with modern production techniques.
Some of our favorite tracks from the Chicago house scene include “Baby Wants to Ride” by Frankie Knuckles, “Your Love” by Frankie Knuckles and Jamie Principle, and “Move Your Body” by Marshall Jefferson. If you’re a fan of this iconic genre, be sure to check out these classic tracks – you won’t be disappointed!
Is Chicago the Home of House Music?
While there are many different theories about the origins of house music, most experts agree that the Chicago house scene was one of the earliest and most influential scenes in dance music history.
This iconic genre is still popular today, nearly 40 years after it first appeared on the scene, and continues to influence new generations of musicians and producers.
Characteristics of Chicago House
1. Disco and Soul Influence
One of the most distinctive features of Chicago house is its strong disco influence. This genre often incorporates elements of disco music, such as funk basslines and soulful vocals.
2. Heavy Beats and Fast-Paced Rhythms
Chicago house is known for its heavy, pulsing beats and fast-paced rhythms. This signature sound is created by combining elements of techno and disco to create a unique and danceable sound.
3. Prominent Synthesizer Melodies
Many Chicago house tracks feature prominent synthesizer melodies that add an upbeat, energetic feel to the music.
4. Lush Chords and Emotional Vocals
Classic Chicago house songs often include soulful vocals and emotive chord progressions, which give the music a complex and emotional feel.
What BPM is Chicago House?
While the tempo of Chicago house tracks can vary, most songs fall in the range of 120-130 BPM.
History of Chicago House
The Chicago house scene emerged in the early 1980s, and quickly became one of the most influential dance music scenes.
Since its inception, this genre has continued to inspire new generations of producers and DJs, and remains popular all over the world today. If you love house music, then be sure to explore the iconic Chicago house scene!
Popular Chicago House Artists
Frankie Knuckles
Frankie Knuckles is one of the most well-known and respected DJs in the history of house music. A pioneer of the Chicago house scene, Knuckles was responsible for some of the genre’s most iconic tracks, including “Your Love” and “Baby Wants to Ride.”
Jamie Principle
Jamie Principle is another iconic figure in the Chicago house scene. He is best known for his collaboration with Frankie Knuckles, “Your Love,” which is widely considered to be one of the most important tracks in house music history.
Ron Hardy
Ron Hardy was a DJ and producer who was instrumental in the development of the Chicago house scene.
A master of mixing, Hardy was known for his ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music, including disco, soul, and techno.
Marshall Jefferson
Marshall Jefferson is a legendary DJ and producer who was one of the first to bring house music to a mainstream audience.
His track “Move Your Body,” which was released in 1986, is often cited as one of the most important tracks in dance music history.
![MARSHALL JEFFERSON - MOVE YOUR BODY [The House Music Anthem]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QAR8cq5Bl94/0.jpg)
Today, Chicago house remains one of the most popular and influential styles of dance music.
The Chicago House Music Festival
The Chicago House Music Festival is one of the biggest annual dance music events in the world, attracting thousands of fans from all over the globe.
If you love house music, be sure to check out some of the classic Chicago house tracks, and explore the vibrant scene that gave rise to this iconic genre! Whether you’re a seasoned house music veteran or just getting into the scene, there’s something for everyone in Chicago house.
Chicago House Music Playlist
If you’re looking for a good playlist to dive into some Chicago House, I recommend listening to this one on Soundcloud:
Final Remarks
In conclusion, Chicago house is a genre of dance music that emerged in the early 1980s. This style of music is characterized by its heavy beats, fast-paced rhythms, and prominent synthesizer melodies.
Chicago house is also known for its soulful vocals and emotive chord progressions, which give the music a complex and emotional feel. If you love house music, be sure to explore the iconic Chicago house scene! Thanks for reading!
Nate’s first ever major EDM event was Hard Summer in 2016. After hearing Porter Robinson close out the festival, he’s been attending live shows on a consistent basis. His favorite EDM genres are currently trance, drum and bass, and house.
