Deep House is a subgenre of house music known for its smooth, soulful sound and a slower tempo compared to other house music styles. It emerged in the 1980s, blending elements of Chicago house with jazz, soul, and funk influences. The genre is characterized by its use of lush, melodic chords, groovy basslines, and often atmospheric or ambient textures.
Key features of Deep House include:
- Smooth and Mellow Sounds: Deep House often features warm, melodic synths, soft pads, and jazzy chord progressions, creating a relaxing and immersive listening experience.
- Vocal Elements: While instrumental tracks are common, Deep House often incorporates soulful vocals, either in the form of full vocal tracks or snippets used as samples.
- Groovy Basslines: The basslines in Deep House are usually deep and resonant, adding a sense of groove without being overly aggressive.
- Tempos: The tempo of Deep House typically ranges from 110 to 125 beats per minute, making it more laid-back compared to other forms of house music.
- Jazz and Soul Influences: Many Deep House tracks feature elements borrowed from jazz and soul, such as jazzy piano riffs, soulful vocals, and live instrumentation.
Artists and producers associated with Deep House include Larry Heard (Mr. Fingers), Kerri Chandler, Frankie Knuckles, and more recently, artists like Jimpster, Maya Jane Coles, and Black Coffee.
Deep House remains a popular genre in both underground and mainstream electronic music scenes, appreciated for its ability to create a chilled-out atmosphere while still maintaining a strong, danceable groove.
