The electronic dance music genre known as “prog house,” or progressive house, blends elements of house and progressive rock. It first appeared in the 1990s and has since attracted a devoted global following. The sound of progressive house is defined by its atmospheric, melodic quality, which frequently incorporates intricate arrangements & long build-ups.
Key Takeaways
- Prog House is a fusion of progressive rock and house music, creating a unique sound.
- House music originated in Chicago in the 1980s, while progressive rock evolved from psychedelic rock in the 1960s.
- Prog House was born in the 1990s when rock and house music collided, creating a new genre.
- Prog House is characterized by its use of complex melodies, atmospheric sounds, and long build-ups.
- Techno music plays a significant role in shaping the sound of Prog House, and the genre has had a significant impact on electronic dance music.
Prog house is the distinctive & engrossing result of the combination of progressive rock and house music. It blends complex melodies & progressive rock harmonies with the hard hitting beats & repeating rhythms of house music. Electronic music fans love this blend of genres because it produces a sound that is both introspective and energizing. It’s critical to examine the background of house music before attempting to comprehend the origins of prog house.
In Chicago’s underground clubs & parties of the 1980s, house music first gained popularity. The genre was significantly shaped by DJs and producers like Marshall Jefferson, Larry Heard, and Frankie Knuckles. House music swiftly became well-known in Chicago & extended to other American cities like New York and Detroit. After that, it traveled to Europe over the Atlantic and was well received there. People from all walks of life were drawn to the genre’s contagious beats & upbeat vibe, and house music quickly gained international recognition.
Prog rock, another name for progressive rock, is a subgenre of rock music that first appeared in the late 1960s and early 1970s. With the addition of jazz, psychedelic, and classical elements to their sound, bands like Pink Floyd, Yes, and Genesis stretched the bounds of conventional rock music. Since groups like Radiohead and Porcupine Tree started fusing electronic elements into their music, progressive rock has changed and broadened over time. Prog house, a hybrid of progressive rock & house music, is the result of this evolution.
| Metrics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Prog House tracks on Spotify | 1,500+ |
| Number of Prog House artists on Beatport | 200+ |
| Number of Prog House radio shows on DI.FM | 5+ |
| Number of Prog House festivals worldwide | 10+ |
| Number of Prog House record labels | 20+ |
When DJs and producers started experimenting with fusing the sounds of progressive rock and house music, prog house came into being in the 1990s. Leading figures in the genre’s invention & rise to popularity among fans of electronic music included Sasha, John Digweed, and Paul Oakenfold. The driving beats and repetitive rhythms of house music were blended with the melodic and atmospheric elements of progressive rock by these artists. What emerged was a genre that bridged the gap between the worlds of electronic dance music and rock music, appealing to both audiences. Prog house is distinguished from other electronic dance music genres by its distinct sound.
Rich melodies, complex harmonies, & layered arrangements are frequently present. Progressive house music has a slower tempo than other house music subgenres, which makes for a more immersive and contemplative listening experience. The utilization of build-ups & breakdowns is a fundamental feature of prog house. These components build anticipation and energy on the dance floor by releasing tension and releasing it. DJs can easily incorporate progressive house tracks into their sets because they frequently feature lengthy intros and outros.
Prog house also has a number of subgenres, each with unique traits of its own. Examples of this type of music are tech prog house, which blends elements of techno with deep and atmospheric sounds, and deep prog house. Prog house’s sound has been greatly influenced by techno music. House music & techno are similar in that they both have electronic instrumentation and repetitive beats, which originated in Detroit in the 1980s.
Techno has been a source of inspiration for progressive house musicians, who have incorporated elements of it into their sound. Prog house tracks often feature percussive elements and rhythmic patterns that are influenced by techno. Techno’s focus on hypnotic rhythms and driving beats gives prog house a more dynamic and energizing quality that makes it more appealing for dance floors. Musicians such as Guy J, Henry Saiz, & Hernan Cattaneo have effectively combined techno and prog house to produce a powerful & melodic sound. Their music offers a distinctive auditory experience with its pulsating basslines, complex percussion, and atmospheric textures.
Other forms of electronic dance music have been greatly influenced by progressive house. Many musicians & producers have experimented with incorporating similar elements into their music because of its melodic & atmospheric sound. Prog house has had a significant influence on several genres, including trance. Prog house and trance music are very similar in that they both place a strong emphasis on melody & build-ups.
Artists that have fused prog house elements into their trance tracks, such as Armin van Buuren, Above and Beyond, and Ferry Corsten, have created a fusion of the two genres. The recent rise in popularity of the progressive house sub-genre can also be attributed to progressive house. Progressive house draws influence from the ethereal and mellow sound of prog house, which frequently has complex arrangements and lengthy build-ups.
Progressive house musicians have a multitude of channels and methods at their disposal to market their music in the digital age. With social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, musicians can communicate with their fans directly & provide news about their new songs & live dates. Prog house artists now depend heavily on streaming services like Spotify and SoundCloud to expand their fan base. By uploading their music to these platforms, musicians can reach a global audience of listeners. Artists can also benefit from exposure and fan acquisition through the use of progressive house playlists curated by prominent DJs & tastemakers.
Prog house musicians also frequently release their music on labels that focus on electronic dance music. These labels’ well-established networks and distribution routes can assist artists in expanding their fan base & gaining industry recognition. Prog house is still developing & adjusting to the shifting electronic dance music market. Through the constant development of technology & the emergence of new production techniques, artists are constantly pushing the boundaries of their genre and discovering new auditory realms. Adding live instrumentation to progressive house tracks is one trend that has surfaced in recent years. This strategy has been adopted by musicians like Yotto and Lane 8, who have enhanced their music with a human touch & a more natural sound.
The incorporation of virtual reality & immersive experiences into live performances is another trend that will influence prog house going forward. In order to improve the listening experience and foster a closer bond between the listener and the music, artists are investigating ways to create immersive environments. Here’s a playlist featuring some of the greatest tracks in the genre for prog house fans:1. Sasha – “Xpander” 2. “Tangent” by John Digweed and Nick Muir 3. Guy J., aka “Lamur”4.
Soundexile & Hernan Cattaneo – “Altair” 5. “Madre Noche” by Henry Saiz 6. Pryda – “Allein” 7. 8. Eric Prydz – “Opus”. YO – “Intimate Area” 9. Lane 8: The “Fingerprint” 10.
Every song on this playlist is notable or important because of what it has contributed to the prog house genre (Joris Voorn, “Ringo”). These songs, which range from Sasha’s timeless classic “Xpander” to Joris Voorn’s more recent hit “Ringo,” demonstrate the genre’s inventiveness and diversity. To sum up, progressive house is a genre that blends the finest aspects of house music and progressive rock. Global audiences have been enthralled by its distinct sound, which is distinguished by melodic and atmospheric elements. The landscape of electronic dance music is still being shaped by progressive house, which encourages producers and musicians to push the genre’s bounds. Techno lovers will continue to love prog house for years to come because of its creative production techniques and genre-bending appeal.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to understanding the definition of progressive house, look no further than this informative article by Elegant Press. This article delves into the origins, characteristics, and evolution of prog house, providing a deep dive into the genre’s unique sound and its impact on the electronic music scene. To gain a deeper understanding of this captivating genre, check out Elegant Press’ article on progressive house here.
FAQs
What is prog house?
Prog house, short for progressive house, is a subgenre of house music that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its gradual progression of sound, often featuring long build-ups and breakdowns.
What are the key features of prog house?
Prog house typically features a 4/4 beat, a tempo of around 120-130 BPM, and a focus on melody and harmony. It often incorporates elements of trance, techno, and other electronic music genres.
Who are some notable prog house artists?
Some notable prog house artists include Sasha, John Digweed, Eric Prydz, Deadmau5, and Above & Beyond.
How has prog house evolved over time?
Prog house has evolved over time, with newer artists incorporating elements of other genres such as deep house, tech house, and even pop music. Some have also experimented with incorporating live instruments and vocals into their productions.
Where can I listen to prog house?
Prog house can be found on various streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. It is also played at many electronic music festivals and clubs around the world.
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