Deep house music has become increasingly popular on YouTube in recent years, with millions of views and dedicated channels devoted to the genre. This article will explore the world of deep house music on YouTube, including its origins, characteristics, and the best channels, tracks, mixes, and DJs to check out. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the genre, this article will provide a comprehensive guide to deep house music on YouTube.
What is Deep House Music?
Deep house music is a subgenre of electronic dance music that originated in the 1980s in Chicago and New York. It is characterized by its slower tempo (typically around 120-125 beats per minute), soulful vocals, and the use of jazz and funk elements. Deep house music often features repetitive beats and basslines, creating a hypnotic and immersive listening experience.
Deep house music is distinct from other electronic dance music genres such as techno and house. While techno is known for its fast-paced and futuristic sound, deep house has a more laid-back and melodic vibe. House music, on the other hand, is generally more upbeat and energetic than deep house. Deep house music is often described as more introspective and emotional, with a focus on creating a mood rather than getting people on the dancefloor.
The Origins of Deep House Music
Deep house music originated in the 1980s in Chicago and New York, where DJs began experimenting with combining elements of disco, soul, jazz, and funk with electronic beats. The genre was heavily influenced by the underground club scene in these cities, where DJs would play extended sets that allowed for more experimentation and creativity.
Key figures in the early days of deep house music include Larry Heard (also known as Mr. Fingers), Frankie Knuckles, and Ron Trent. Larry Heard’s track “Can You Feel It” is often cited as one of the first deep house tracks and a defining moment in the genre’s history. Frankie Knuckles, known as the “Godfather of House Music,” played a pivotal role in popularizing deep house music in Chicago and beyond.
The Characteristics of Deep House Music
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Tempo | Typically ranges from 120-130 BPM |
Beat | 4/4 time signature with a strong emphasis on the off-beat |
Bassline | Repetitive and often includes a sub-bass element |
Chords | Simple and repetitive, often using minor or seventh chords |
Sampling | Commonly uses samples from old disco, funk, or soul records |
Vocals | Often features soulful or spoken word vocals, but not always |
Atmosphere | Creates a relaxed and mellow vibe, often with a hint of melancholy |
Origins | Developed in the 1980s in Chicago and later popularized in Europe |
Deep house music is characterized by several key elements that contribute to its unique sound. Firstly, deep house tracks typically have a slower tempo than other electronic dance music genres, allowing for a more relaxed and atmospheric listening experience. This slower tempo also allows for more intricate and detailed production, with layers of synths, samples, and vocals creating a rich and immersive sound.
Another defining characteristic of deep house music is the use of soulful vocals. Many deep house tracks feature vocals that are often sampled from classic soul or R&B songs. These vocals add an emotional and human element to the music, enhancing the overall mood and atmosphere.
Deep house music also incorporates elements of jazz and funk, with the use of live instruments such as saxophones, pianos, and guitars. These elements give deep house music a warm and organic feel, setting it apart from other electronic dance music genres that rely heavily on synthesizers and digital production.
The Best Deep House Music Channels on YouTube
YouTube is a treasure trove of deep house music, with numerous channels dedicated to curating and promoting the genre. Here are some of the best deep house music channels on YouTube:
1. “The Sound You Need” – This channel features a wide range of deep house tracks, as well as other genres such as chillwave and indie dance. The channel has over 4 million subscribers and is known for its high-quality visuals and carefully curated playlists.
2. “Majestic Casual” – With over 3 million subscribers, Majestic Casual is one of the most popular channels for deep house music on YouTube. The channel features a mix of established artists and up-and-coming talent, with a focus on creating a laid-back and relaxing listening experience.
3. “DeepMixNation” – DeepMixNation is a channel that specializes in deep house music mixes. The channel features a mix of tracks from established artists and up-and-coming talent, with a focus on creating seamless and immersive mixes that take listeners on a journey.
The Top Deep House Music Tracks on YouTube
There are countless deep house tracks on YouTube, but here are some of the most popular and influential ones:
1. “Disclosure – Latch (feat. Sam Smith)” – This track by British electronic duo Disclosure is a modern classic of the deep house genre. With its infectious bassline, soulful vocals, and catchy hooks, “Latch” became a massive hit and helped bring deep house music into the mainstream.
2. “Duke Dumont – Ocean Drive” – “Ocean Drive” is another popular deep house track that has become a staple of the genre. With its nostalgic 80s-inspired sound and catchy melodies, this track is perfect for cruising down the highway or dancing the night away.
3. “Klangkarussell – Sonnentanz” – Austrian duo Klangkarussell’s “Sonnentanz” is a feel-good deep house track that became an instant hit when it was released in 2012. With its infectious saxophone riff and uplifting melodies, this track is guaranteed to get you moving.
The Best Deep House Music Mixes on YouTube
If you’re looking for a longer listening experience, deep house music mixes are the way to go. Here are some of the best deep house music mixes on YouTube:
1. “Anjunadeep Edition 300 with Jody Wisternoff & James Grant” – This mix from Anjunadeep, one of the leading labels in the deep house genre, features two hours of blissful and melodic deep house music. Jody Wisternoff and James Grant take turns mixing tracks from the label’s roster, creating a seamless and immersive listening experience.
2. “Solomun Boiler Room DJ Set” – Solomun is one of the most respected and influential DJs in the deep house genre, and this Boiler Room DJ set showcases his skills behind the decks. With its dark and moody atmosphere, this mix is perfect for late-night listening or getting lost on the dancefloor.
3. “Lane 8 – Summer 2021 Mixtape” – Lane 8 is known for his melodic and emotive deep house sound, and this mixtape is a perfect example of his style. With its uplifting melodies and dreamy atmospheres, this mix is perfect for summer days and warm nights.
The Best Deep House Music DJs on YouTube
There are many talented deep house DJs on YouTube, but here are some of the best:
1. Solomun – As mentioned earlier, Solomun is one of the most respected and influential DJs in the deep house genre. His sets are known for their dark and moody atmosphere, with a focus on creating a hypnotic and immersive experience.
2. Lane 8 – Lane 8 is known for his melodic and emotive deep house sound. His sets often feature uplifting melodies and dreamy atmospheres, creating a sense of euphoria on the dancefloor.
3. Nora En Pure – Nora En Pure is a Swiss DJ known for her melodic and atmospheric deep house sound. Her sets often feature lush synths, ethereal vocals, and a sense of wanderlust.
How to Discover New Deep House Music on YouTube
If you’re looking to discover new and interesting deep house music on YouTube, here are some tips:
1. Explore related videos – When watching a deep house music video on YouTube, take a look at the suggested videos on the right-hand side of the screen. This can lead you down a rabbit hole of related tracks and artists that you may not have discovered otherwise.
2. Follow deep house music channels – As mentioned earlier, there are many dedicated deep house music channels on YouTube. By subscribing to these channels, you’ll be notified whenever they upload new tracks or mixes, making it easy to stay up-to-date with the latest releases in the genre.
3. Create personalized playlists – As you discover new deep house tracks on YouTube, create playlists to curate your own personalized collection of music. This will make it easier to revisit your favorite tracks and share them with others.
The Enduring Appeal of Deep House Music
Deep house music has a timeless and enduring appeal that continues to captivate listeners around the world. Its laid-back and melodic sound, combined with its soulful vocals and use of jazz and funk elements, creates a unique listening experience that is both relaxing and uplifting.
YouTube has become a hub for deep house music, with dedicated channels, tracks, mixes, and DJs that cater to fans of the genre. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to deep house music, YouTube is the perfect platform to explore and discover new artists and tracks.
So why not dive into the world of deep house music on YouTube? With its rich history, unique characteristics, and a wealth of talented artists to discover, there’s no better time to explore this captivating genre.
Leave a Reply