Tech House

Tech House is one of the most popular musical genres around, adored by ravers and club-goers alike. It derives from the fusion of techno and house music styles and has undergone a significant evolution since it first appeared on the music scene in the early 2000s. The origins of Tech House can be traced back to the emergence of house and techno in the late 1980s. The two genres were heavily influenced by the club culture of London, Detroit, and Chicago, and many of the biggest players in the industry at the time were pioneers and innovators in this field. This overlap of styles allowed DJs to experiment with elements of both genres, incorporating techno's electronic influences with house's soulfulness. Thus, the first Tech House tracks began to emerge, which were notably marked by the use of minimal, deep, and rolling bass lines. Although not everyone was initially sold on the viability of Tech House music, it slowly began to spread internationally and gain traction in popularity. With artists like Carl Craig, Terry Lee Brown Jr., Laurent Garnier, and Satoshi Tomiie lending their unique style and support, the music style soon gained legs. In the late 1990s, Tech House began to experience significant growth in popularity, with DJs beginning to experiment with more advanced production techniques, better equipment, and personalized styles. The genre underwent a significant evolution, and soon, a more polished Tech House sound was emerging. DJs began incorporating drum and bass elements into their sets and layering complex rhythms of house music with rolling techno bass patterns. In the early 2000s, Tech House firmly established itself as a separate genre with a strong presence worldwide. With tech giants like The Barber Shop Music, Mark Knight, and Tiga at the helm, Tech House continued to evolve and diversify in sound. Tech House's dominant sound is characterized by a smooth, deep bass and high-tech, electronic beats, which are ideal for long, club-based sets. This is highlighted in the biggest Tech House tracks, which often don't carry much of an emotional feeling, instead, their focus emphasizes the melody and rhythm. It is difficult to talk about Tech House without referencing Ibiza (known as the Mecca of house and techno music) and the impact it has had on the genre. It is where many globally leading Tech House producers and DJs visit and perform each summer, and where you can usually hear the latest and greatest Tech House tracks being debuted. Today, Tech House continues to be one of the most revered and growing electronic dance music (EDM) genres. With its fusion of house and techno, it attracts a diverse audience globally, with tech giants like Carl Cox, Shiba San, and Jamie Jones continuing to create towards and push the boundaries of the sound.

Carl Cox: A Grammy:nominated DJ, producer and label owner whose influence on the genre is unmatched. Known for his high:octane sets and heavy use of percussion, Cox has been a staple of the dance music scene for over three decades. Green Velvet: Hailing from Chicago, Green Velvet (also known as Curtis Jones) combines elements of house, techno and electro to create his signature sound. His tracks have become classics in the tech house world, with hits like "Flash" and "La La Land" still filling dancefloors today. Jamie Jones: A leader of the UK's underground dance music scene, Jamie Jones has become synonymous with the modern tech house sound. He has released on notable labels like Hot Creations and Crosstown Rebels, and is also the founder of the popular Paradise party series. Solomun: A Bosnian/German DJ and producer, Solomun's emotive take on tech house has won him a legion of devoted fans. His label, Diynamic, is responsible for releasing some of the genre's biggest hits, including "Something We All Adore" and "Kackvogel." Nina Kraviz: Though mostly known for her techno sets, Nina Kraviz occasionally delves into tech house, putting her unique spin on the genre. Her sharp mixing skills and experimental approach have earned her a spot as one of the most respected DJs in the world. Denis Sulta: A rising star in the UK dance music scene, Denis Sulta's productions are known for their infectious energy and creative sampling. His remix of Romantics' "Talking in Your Sleep" was a huge hit in 2020, and he continues to push the boundaries of the tech house sound. Amelie Lens: A Belgian DJ and producer, Amelie Lens has made a name for herself with her dark, driving take on tech house. Her releases on labels like Drumcode and her own Lenske imprint have gained her a dedicated following around the world. CamelPhat This Liverpool:based duo burst onto the tech house scene with their 2017 hit "Cola," which became an instant classic. They've since continued to release chart:topping tracks, including "Panic Room" and "Breathe." MK: Marc Kinchen has been a force in the house and techno world since the '90s, but his recent output has been squarely focused on tech house. His remixes of songs like Storm Queen's "Look Right Through" and Wankelmut's "My Head Is A Jungle" have been massive hits. Patrick Topping- Another UK-based producer, Patrick Topping's style of tech house is characterized by its playful, jumpy energy. His releases on labels like Relief and Hot Creations have earned him a spot as one of the most sought-after remixers in the genre.

1. "Cola" - CamelPhat & Elderbrook 2. "Lola's Theme" - The Shapeshifters 3. "Finally" - Kings of Tomorrow 4. "Bigger Than Prince" - Green Velvet 5. "Sinnerman" - Felix Da Housecat 6. "The Whistle Song" - Frankie Knuckles 7. "Superstylin'" - Groove Armada 8. "Perculator" - Cajmere 9. "At Night" - Shakedown 10. "Your Love" - Frankie Knuckles 11. "Doctor Pressure" - Mylo vs. Miami Sound Machine 12. "Feel My Needs" - Weiss 13. "Need To Feel Loved" - Reflekt ft. Delline Bass 14. "My Love (2k12)" - Route 94 15. "I Feel Love" - Donna Summer 16. "Relax" - Frankie Goes to Hollywood (M.A.R.R.S. Remix) 17. "Can't Get Enough" - Soulsearcher 18. "Strings of Life" - Derrick May 19. "In The Middle (I Met You There)" - Matthew Dear 20. "Two Months Off" - Underworld 21. "Pushing On" - Oliver $ & Jimi Jules 22. "My Heart" - Marcus Worgull ft. Fink 23. "The Sound of Violence" - Cassius 24. "Higher State of Consciousness" - Josh Wink 25. "I Like It" - Cheap Thrills ft. Herve & Zebra Katz

Over the years, many writers and critics have discussed tech house and its impact on the electronic music scene. In his book "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life," music journalist Bill Brewster describes tech house as "an amalgamation of styles that takes the best of both worlds and makes it something new." Similarly, DJ, producer, and author Carl Cox states in his book "Oh Yes, Oh Yes!" that tech house is "a style of music that has a lot of soul and manages to stay true to its roots while still moving forward." In addition to these descriptions, there have been many notable quotes about tech house from artists and critics alike. For example, DJ and producer Mark Knight states that "tech house is all about the groove," while DJ and producer Roger Sanchez believes that tech house is "all about having a good time on the dancefloor." Another notable figure in the tech house scene is DJ and producer Jamie Jones, who has said that tech house is "a journey from start to finish" and that it "builds gradually and takes the listener on a ride." Beyond these personal opinions, there have also been some critical discussions of the genre. Music critic Simon Reynolds, for example, has argued in his book "Energy Flash" that tech house represents a "backlash against the eclecticism and clutter of house music" that emerged in the 1980s. Similarly, journalist Tim Lawrence has claimed in his book "Love Saves the Day" that tech house represents a trend toward "minimalism and austerity" that emerged in the early 1990s. Despite these criticisms, however, tech house has remained a popular and influential genre within the electronic music scene. It has continued to evolve and innovate over the years, with new artists and producers adding their own twists to the sound.

One of the primary social factors that contributed to the emergence of Tech House was the underground rave culture of the 1990s. Rave culture was a youth movement that developed around the world in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was characterized by a love of electronic music, dancing, and the use of recreational drugs such as ecstasy and LSD. Rave culture inspired a new generation of DJs and producers to experiment with different styles of electronic music, leading to the development of genres such as Tech House. Another cultural factor that contributed to the development of Tech House was the rise of DJ culture. During the 1990s, DJs became the stars of the electronic music scene, and their sets were highly sought after by clubgoers around the world. The DJ became a symbol of coolness and a cultural icon in their own right. This led to the development of a new type of electronic music that was specifically designed to be played in clubs and at raves, leading to the birth of Tech House. Technological advancements also played a significant role in the development of Tech House. The advent of digital audio workstations, such as Ableton Live and Logic Pro, made it easier for producers to create and manipulate electronic music, allowing them to experiment with new sounds and styles. Advances in music production technology also made it possible to create more complex, intricate rhythms and melodies, leading to the emergence of the repetitive and mechanical sound of Tech House. Several notable record labels played a significant role in the development of Tech House. One of the most influential labels was Defected Records, which was founded in 1999. Defected was instrumental in promoting Tech House to a wider audience and in establishing the genre as a legitimate form of electronic music. Other notable labels that played a significant role in the development of Tech House include Toolroom Records, Roger Sanchez's Stealth Records, and Steve Lawler's VIVa Music. Journalists and other figures also played a significant role in promoting Tech House to a wider audience. One of the most influential figures was DJ and journalist Terry Farley, who helped establish the genre as a legitimate form of electronic music in the UK. Farley championed Tech House in his columns for DJ Magazine and Mixmag, and his support helped to establish the genre as a staple of the UK club scene.