History
Future House is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 2010s. It is classified by its fusion of house music and deep house, with an emphasis on progressive and melodic sounds. The term is traced back to the Dutch DJ and producer, Oliver Heldens, who is often credited with defining the genre with his 2014 hit single "Gecko (Overdrive)."
The roots of Future House, however, can be traced back to the late 2000s and the emergence of deep house music. Influenced by the soulful and jazzy sounds of house music from the 1980s and 1990s, deep house became popular in underground clubs across Europe, particularly in the UK. Artists such as Jamie Jones, Maya Jane Coles, and Disclosure were at the forefront of this movement, mixing old house sounds with modern production techniques.
In 2013, Oliver Heldens released his debut single, "Stinger," which incorporated a deep and funky bassline with uplifting piano chords. The track was well-received by dance music critics and paved the way for his follow-up release, "Gecko (Overdrive)," which became his breakthrough hit. The track features a catchy vocal hook and a bouncy bassline, combining elements of deep house with the energy of classic house music.
Following the success of "Gecko (Overdrive)," other artists began to experiment with the future house sound. Artists such as Tchami, Don Diablo, and Curbi became popular for their blend of deep, groovy basslines with high-energy synths and percussion. The genre continued to evolve, with artists adding their own unique sounds and interpretations to the genre.
One of the defining characteristics of Future House is its sense of optimism and positivity. The use of uplifting melodies and vocal hooks, coupled with the infectious basslines, creates an energetic and uplifting atmosphere on the dancefloor. The genre also incorporates elements of funk, disco, and soul, adding depth and complexity to the sound.
Today, Future House has become a staple of the electronic dance music scene, with a dedicated fanbase and a thriving community of producers and DJs. From festivals to clubs, Future House can be heard around the world, with artists continuing to push the genre in new and exciting directions.
Notable artists
Oliver Heldens: Born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Heldens is considered the pioneer of the Future House genre. His iconic track "Gecko" became a viral sensation, propelling him to international fame. He has since released numerous hits and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Don Diablo: A Dutch DJ and producer, Don Diablo has been active in the industry for over a decade. He gained popularity with his Future House hits such as "On My Mind" and "Cutting Shapes". He has also worked with big names like Steve Aoki and Diplo.
Tchami: Hailing from Paris, France, Tchami gained recognition for his Future House sound which he describes as "future funk". He has remixed tracks for artists such as AlunaGeorge and Janet Jackson and collaborated with fellow Future House pioneer Oliver Heldens.
Joe Ghost: A Canadian DJ and producer, Joe Ghost gained attention for his remix of The Chainsmokers' hit track "Let You Go". He has since released several successful Future House tracks and collaborations with other notable artists in the genre.
Mike Williams: A Dutch DJ and producer, Mike Williams has been making waves in the Future House scene with his tracks that blend melody and bass. He has collaborated with artists such as Martin Garrix and Hardwell.
Mesto: A Dutch DJ and producer, Mesto gained attention with his track "Chances" which was played at various festivals and clubs. He has since released several successful Future House tracks and collaborated with Martin Garrix on the track "Breach".
Brooks: A Dutch DJ and producer, Brooks gained recognition for his remix of David Guetta's track "When Love Takes Over". He has since released several successful Future House tracks and collaborated with big names in the industry such as Martin Garrix and Julian Jordan.
Curbi: A British DJ and producer, Curbi gained attention with his track "Discharge" which was heavily supported by Martin Garrix. He has since released several successful Future House tracks and collaborated with artists such as Hasse de Moore and BLR.
Lucas & Steve: A Dutch DJ duo, Lucas & Steve gained popularity with their track "Up Till Dawn (On The Move)" which was a chart-topping hit in Europe. They have since released several successful Future House tracks and collaborated with artists such as Sam Feldt and Firebeatz.
Bali Bandits: A Dutch DJ duo, Bali Bandits gained attention with their track "Oh Baby" which was played at various festivals and clubs. They have since released several successful Future House tracks and collaborated with artists such as Mike Williams and KSHMR.
Broader context
In "The Future of Music" by Gerd Leonhard, the author describes Future House as a genre that "combines deep and funky elements of classic house music with the driving beat of modern electro to form a unique and energetic sound that is perfect for the club scene."
Popular DJ and producer Bakermat once said, "Future House is the sound of the future. It’s a blend of house, progressive, and electro that just works. It’s fresh, it’s exciting, and it’s what dance music needs right now."
Music critic and journalist Joshua Glazer described the genre as "a new direction for dance music, one that emphasizes bright, melodic synths, crisp percussion hits, and a driving four-on-the-floor beat that keeps the crowd moving all night long."
In the book "How to DJ in a Digital World" by Phil Morse and Jonathon Biddle, the authors describe Future House as "a genre that’s all about the future. It’s built on a foundation of classic house music, but with a futuristic twist that makes it incredibly exciting to listen to."
In "Dance Music Manual: Tools, Toys and Techniques" by Rick Snoman, the author said that Future House "takes the elements of deep and progressive house music and elevates them to new heights. It’s a genre that’s constantly evolving, and one that’s attracting a legion of fans who can’t get enough of its high-energy beats and futuristic sound."
DJ and producer Tchami, who is considered one of the pioneers of Future House, once said in an interview, "I created the Future House sound because I wanted to bring something fresh and different to the dance music scene. It’s a genre that’s constantly evolving, and I’m excited to see where it goes in the future."
In "Electronic Dance Music: Grooves, Beats, and Styles" by Mark J. Butler, the author describes Future House as "a genre that’s characterized by its high-energy beats, futuristic sounds, and infectious melodies. This is the kind of music that’s perfect for dancing, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular genres in the electronic dance music scene."
In an interview with Beatport, Dutch DJ and producer Oliver Heldens said, "Future House is a genre that’s all about blending different styles of house music into something new and exciting. This is the kind of music that gets people moving, and it’s the perfect soundtrack for a night out on the town."
In "The Dance Music Manual: Volume 2" by Rick Snoman, the author said that Future House "combines the best elements of classic house music with the newest sounds and technologies available. It’s a genre that’s constantly innovating, and it’s one of the most exciting things happening in the electronic dance music scene right now."
One of the most significant social factors that contributed to the emergence of Future House was the rise of electronic dance music (EDM) culture in the late 2000s and early 2010s. EDM had become a global phenomenon that transcended traditional cultural and geographical boundaries, and attracted young people from all walks of life. As a result, the demand for new, innovative, and exciting dance music genres was high, and producers were eager to experiment with new sounds and styles.
Another critical social factor that shaped Future House was the rise of social media platforms, such as SoundCloud and YouTube. These platforms enabled producers to share their music with a global audience and allowed fans to discover new artists and tracks. Additionally, they provided a platform for new record labels to establish themselves in the market, bypassing traditional gatekeepers like major record labels and radio stations.
Culturally, Future House was influenced by several genres of electronic dance music, including deep house, UK garage, and bassline. It featured a driving beat, deep basslines, and soulful vocals, blended with futuristic synths and percussion. The genre was characterised by its distinctive sound, which was often described as "futuristic" or "sci-fi."
Technologically, Future House was made possible by advances in music production software and hardware. Producers had access to a wide range of digital instruments, effects, and plugins, which allowed them to create complex and textured soundscapes. Additionally, the rise of affordable and portable music gear, such as MIDI controllers, laptops, and smartphones, democratised music production and enabled bedroom producers to compete with established artists.
In terms of record labels, Future House was closely associated with Spinnin' Records, a Dutch dance music label that specialised in EDM and its sub-genres. Spinnin' Records was instrumental in promoting Future House and nurturing new talent in the genre. Other notable record labels that played a significant role in the development of Future House include Confession, Night Bass, and Hexagon.
Journalists and music critics also played an essential role in shaping the reception of Future House. Notable publications, such as Mixmag and DJ Mag, regularly featured Future House tracks and artists in their reviews and charts. Additionally, bloggers and social media influencers helped to promote the genre and shape its aesthetic and cultural identity.