Bass House: A Groovy History

Bass house, a subgenre of house music, emerged in the late 2000s, blending the pulsating energy of house with the heavy basslines of UK garage. It’s a genre defined by its relentless four-on-the-floor beats, chunky basslines, and often aggressive synth melodies. Think of it as a sonic roller coaster ride that takes you from the depths of bass to soaring synth peaks.

Early pioneers of the genre like Skrillex, Rusko, and Feed Me helped to solidify its place in the electronic music scene. Skrillex, infamous for his high-pitched, distorted vocals, actually started his career as a drummer, which explains his impeccable timing! Rusko, known for his quirky and playful sound, was so obsessed with bass music that he even named his record label “EatBrain.”

Bass house’s popularity exploded in the late 2010s with the rise of artists like Jauz, Slushii, and the legendary duo, Tchami & Malaa. Jauz, a master of the genre’s signature “wub” sound, once famously dressed as a giant marshmallow in a music video, proving that bass house artists aren’t afraid to be a bit silly.

The genre has since evolved with a new wave of artists like Chris Lake, AC Slater, and Fisher bringing their own unique twists to the formula. Chris Lake, known for his energetic sets and iconic “Chris Lake bounce” sound, once famously admitted to using a vacuum cleaner as an instrument in one of his early tracks! The genre continues to be a vibrant and exciting force in electronic music, pushing boundaries and making dance floors around the world move.

Fun Facts:

• The name “Bass House” is actually a bit of a misnomer. The genre incorporates many elements beyond just bass and house music, like trap, dubstep, and even some elements of techno.
• Bass house is known for its use of “wubs” – a distinctive sound made by manipulating a synth bassline. One theory suggests that the sound originated from a vocal sample that was accidentally pitched down too low!
• Bass house is also known for its energetic and often wild live performances. Artists like Tchami & Malaa are known for their signature dark and mysterious stage presence, complete with full-body masks.

So there you have it – a brief but groovy look at the history of bass house! Get ready to drop the bass and get your groove on!