Deep House

Deep House is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the United States during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is characterized by its smooth, soulful sound that often features jazz, funk, and soul elements. The genre is noted for its use of complex chords and melodies, as well as its emphasis on creating a chill, relaxed atmosphere. The roots of Deep House can be traced back to the mid-1980s, when DJs in Chicago began experimenting with a more soulful and jazzy sound. This sound was heavily influenced by the music of disco and funk artists like Isaac Hayes, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder. DJs like Frankie Knuckles, Larry Heard, and Ron Hardy were among the pioneers of this sound, which would later develop into Deep House. At the time, House music was becoming increasingly popular in clubs across the United States. However, many DJs felt that the music was missing something – specifically, a deeper, more soulful sound that incorporated elements of jazz and funk. To fill this gap, they began experimenting with new sounds and styles, ultimately giving birth to what we now know as Deep House. The first Deep House tracks began to emerge in the late 1980s, and they quickly caught on with audiences in clubs across the country. By the early 1990s, Deep House had become a popular genre in its own right, with artists like Kerri Chandler, Joe Claussell, and Doc Martin leading the way. These artists helped shape the sound of the genre, incorporating new instruments and sounds into their tracks and pushing the boundaries of what was possible with electronic music. Throughout the 1990s, Deep House continued to evolve, with artists experimenting with new sounds and styles. In New York, the genre began to incorporate elements of Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms, which added new layers of complexity and depth to the music. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, Deep House began to blend with other genres like Techno and Acid House, creating new sounds and styles that would come to define the UK dance scene in the 1990s. In the decades since its inception, Deep House has remained a popular genre of music, with new artists continuing to push the boundaries and explore new sounds. Today, the genre incorporates a wide range of influences, from hip-hop and R&B to global rhythms and world music. Despite these changes and progressions, however, the core elements of Deep House – soulful melodies, complex chords, and a chill, relaxed atmosphere – remain the same.

Kerri Chandler: An iconic figure in the deep house scene, Kerri Chandler has been creating music for over two decades. His soulful and emotive sound has earned him the nickname "The Prince of House." Chandler's ability to infuse jazz and funk into his tracks has made him a favorite among DJs and fans alike. Maya Jane Coles: Known for her intricate production, Maya Jane Coles has quickly become one of the most respected artists in the genre. Her unique blend of deep basslines and ethereal melodies has led her to perform at some of the biggest international festivals. Larry Heard: Widely regarded as a pioneer of deep house, Larry Heard has been creating music since the '80s. His use of live instruments and jazz-inspired chords have made his tracks timeless classics in the genre. Moodymann: Detroit-based DJ and producer Kenny Dixon Jr. (aka Moodymann) has built a reputation for his raw and eclectic sound. His tracks are often filled with soulful samples and spoken-word snippets, giving them a distinct underground feel. Osunlade: Osunlade's music is a blend of deep house, soul, and afrobeat. His tracks are characterized by tribal drums and spiritual lyrics, reflecting his interest in traditional African culture and spirituality. Dennis Ferrer: A Grammy-nominated producer, Dennis Ferrer's tracks are known for their uplifting and soulful sound. His work often incorporates live instrumentation, giving his tracks a warm and organic feel. Black Coffee: One of the most successful artists in the South African music scene, Black Coffee's sound is a fusion of deep house, soul, and African rhythms. His tracks are often driven by hypnotic percussion and soulful vocals. Bicep: The Northern Ireland-based duo of Andy Ferguson and Matt McBriar, better known as Bicep, have become known for their retro-inspired sound. Their tracks often feature vintage synthesizers, creating a nostalgic yet modern feel. Manoo: A well-known name in the French house scene, Manoo's tracks are full of lush chords and groovy basslines. His use of African instruments and rhythms has led to collaborations with artists from across the continent. Fred Everything: With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Fred Everything is a veteran of the deep house scene. His music is characterized by warm melodies and funky basslines, often incorporating live instrumentation and soulful vocals.

1. "Show Me Love" - Robin S. 2. "Frankie Knuckles - Your Love" 3. "Finally" - CeCe Peniston 4. "In My Arms" - Mylo 5. "Needin' U" - David Morales presents The Face 6. "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)" - Crystal Waters 7. "Can't Get Enough" - Soulsearcher 8. "My My My" - Armand Van Helden 9. "It's You" - FCL 10. "Atmosphere" - Kerri Chandler 11. "Love Sensation '06" - Loleatta Holloway 12. "Promised Land" - Joe Smooth 13. "Don't You Worry Child" - Swedish House Mafia 14. "Beautiful People" - Barbara Tucker 15. "Such a Good Feeling" - Brothers in Rhythm 16. "Finally We Are No One" - Múm 17. "Strings of Life" - Rhythim Is Rhythim 18. "Your Love" - Jamie Principle 19. "Alone" - Marshmello 20. "Good Life" - Inner City 21. "Jack Your Body" - Steve 'Silk' Hurley 22. "Lola's Theme" - The Shapeshifters 23. "Closer" - Tegan and Sara 24. "Hung Up" - Madonna 25. "Hey Boy Hey Girl" - The Chemical Brothers

Over the years, deep house has become a popular genre among electronic music lovers. Several books have been written on the subject, providing insights into the history and evolution of the genre. One such book is "The Underground is Massive: How Electronic Dance Music Conquered America" by Michaelangelo Matos. The book chronicles the rise of electronic dance music in America and how it became a mainstream genre. Matos examines the impact of deep house and other subgenres on the electronic music culture. Another book is "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life: The History of the Disc Jockey" by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton. The book traces the history of the DJ and how it evolved from playing music in nightclubs to becoming a global phenomenon. The authors discuss deep house as an important genre in the electronic dance music culture. Notable artists and musicians have also shared their thoughts on deep house. In an interview with Mixmag, British DJ and producer Maya Jane Coles described deep house as "an emotional energy that you can't get from other genres." Similarly, Dutch DJ and record producer Armin van Buuren believes that deep house has "a very timeless, classic, and soulful feel to it." He describes it as a genre that has a "real drive and a real energy behind it." Legendary American DJ and producer Carl Cox also weighed in on the genre's appeal in an interview with Resident Advisor. "It's a soulful vibe; it's a certain way of playing records that's really important," he said. "I think that's why deep house is still so important today." Deep house's influence extends beyond the music world. It has also inspired fashion and art. French fashion label Chanel used a deep house track in their 2018 runway show, while Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama created a series of artworks inspired by the genre.

The social and cultural context of Deep House is intimately linked to the wider culture of House music that preceded it. Like House music, Deep House emerged from the Black and Latinx communities of urban America who were looking for a way to express their creativity through music. However, whereas House music was characterized by its high-energy, upbeat sound, Deep House took a more laid-back approach, emphasizing the use of deep, atmospheric chord progressions, soulful vocal samples, and lush instrumentation. These differences were driven in part by the changing social conditions of the late 80s and early 90s. Whereas House music was largely the product of a tightly-knit community of DJs and producers who were primarily centered around Chicago and Detroit, Deep House emerged as a more global phenomenon. As the internet became more widespread and DJ culture started to spread beyond the borders of the US, Deep House began to take on a more international flavor, with artists from Europe, Asia, and Latin America all contributing to the genre's evolution. At the same time, the cultural context of Deep House was shaped by a growing awareness of the broader social and political issues that were affecting urban America at the time. With the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing struggles against police brutality, Deep House emerged as a form of music that spoke to the lived experiences of many young people of color. By illustrating the struggles and joys of life in the inner city, Deep House became a powerful tool for social commentary, engaging listeners with themes of social justice, self-discovery, and resilience. The technological context of Deep House is equally important to the genre's development. Unlike earlier forms of House music, which relied on simple drum machines and synthesizers, Deep House was built on a more complex set of production techniques that allowed for greater experimentation and creativity. This was made possible by the emergence of new digital technologies, such as samplers and sequencers, which allowed producers to sample and manipulate a wider range of sounds than ever before. This technological revolution also paved the way for the emergence of new record labels and media outlets that were dedicated to promoting Deep House and other forms of electronic music. Labels such as Salted Music, Large Music, and Ovum Recordings all played a key role in shaping the sound of Deep House in the 90s and 2000s, while journalists and critics like Bill Brewster, Tim Lawrence, and Simon Reynolds helped to raise awareness of the genre through their writing and analysis.