How Different Sub-Genres are Distinguished

House music is typically known for having a 4/4 time signature, kick on every beat, and a tempo of around 120-130bpm. The tempo can vary depending on the subgenre. What signifies a different type of subgenre of house varies from the different synths and beats being utilized as well as other instruments. The general overall vibe of the song or depth of the bass can also establish the subgenre of the song.

There are tons of subgenres of house, but here are the ones currently dominating the house genre that are more well known in the United States.

Bass House

Bass House is a style of house, that appeared in the early-mid 2010s. Bass House came about relating sounds similar to a bass drop of a dubstep song. It combines characteristics of house, bass music through an upbeat tempo and heavy distortion.

Credit: Tomorrowland

Notable Artists: Habstrakt, Ghastly, Dr. Fresch, Jauz, Blossom, Drezo, Joyryde, AC Slater, Brohug, Kendoll

Big Room House

The distinction with Big Room House is based around the drop, which contains a very simple lead melody (normally a Dutch-style synth) in front of a distorted kick drum. Since the mid-2010s it has become a popular form of electronic dance music from European artists bringing this style into the United States.

Notable Artists: Tiesto, KSHMR, Martin Garrix, R3HAB, Hardwell

Deep House

A slower sub-genre of house to take you on a journey. Typically is around 120 BPM tempo with influences of soul, jazz, and funk.

Credit: Dancing Astronaut

Notable Artists: Claptone, Nora en Pure, Lane 8, Yotto, Luttrell

Electro House

A subgenre of house music that has had influence from '80s music. This genre of house has more of a synth and pop sound to it making fun to bounce to. Electro house has also stemmed into other subgenres like jumpstyle, Melbourne bounce, Big room, and Dutch house.

Notable Artists: Benny Benassi, Daft Punk, Steve Aoki

Future House

Mainly popularized in late 2014-2015, pioneers of this genre blended UK Garage with Deep House to give a fresh and unique sound. Often sounding futuristic with contagious hooks and drops.

Credit: Rukes.com

Notable Artists: Oliver Heldens, Tchami, Don Diablo, Cazzette, Martin Solveig

Progressive House

Emerging in the 1990s, progressive house is the more well-known subgenre of EDM. It was initially developed in Europe then caught waves throughout the US. This type of subgenre tends to give that euphoric type of feeling with an infectious drop that leaves you smiling.

Notable Artists: Avicii, Axwell, Ingrosso, Swedish House Mafia, Zedd, Alesso

Tech-House

A beautiful blend of techno and house, tech-house originated in the mid to late 1990s in the UK. Pioneers of this genre created a subgenre that highlighted a steady beat, with a rugged baseline of techno tied with the grooves of house music. 

Credit: Factory 93

Notable Artists: Green Velvet, Camelphat, Hot Since ‘82, Claude VonStroke, Chris Lake, VNSSA

Tropical House

Originating from the subgenre deep house, tropical house takes you on a journey to an island far away. With instrument influences like steel drums, marimba, guitar, saxophone, and the pan flute, it can create an uplifting and relaxing feeling listening to this genre. 

Notable Artists: Thomas Jack, Kygo, Sam Feldt, Kilingande

We hope this little lesson in the different subgenres of house music has given you more people to listen to and check out. House music is one of the more diverse genres with so many layers to it. Let us know the next genre we should break down for you.