progressive house

A Trip Through the Labyrinth: Progressive House’s Tale

Progressive house, a genre that’s as much about atmospheric journeys as it is about four-on-the-floor beats, has its roots firmly planted in the fertile soil of the 1980s. It emerged from the burgeoning house scene in Chicago and Detroit, where DJs like Frankie Knuckles and Larry Heard were pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

Early progressive house tracks, like “No Way Back” by Josh Wink, showcased a blend of house music’s driving energy with elements of trance, techno, and even jazz. This fusion created a sound that was both familiar and exhilarating, perfect for late-night clubbing or those long, introspective drives.

But progressive house wasn’t just about the music; it was also a cultural movement. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the genre became synonymous with a certain aesthetic. Think flowing hair, tie-dye shirts, and the rhythmic clapping of hands at raves.

And speaking of raves, let’s not forget the iconic “Swedish House Mafia” era. These three Swedish DJs (Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Steve Angello) dominated the progressive house scene, selling out arenas worldwide. They were so popular, in fact, that their 2012 farewell tour had some fans weeping openly.

But it wasn’t all seriousness. There were some truly hilarious moments in progressive house history:

• Remember Paul van Dyk’s infamous “VooDoo” tour bus incident? Apparently, the bus was stolen and later found abandoned in a field. Talk about a “Van Dyk” in the road!

• And who can forget the time Eric Prydz accidentally played a trance track instead of progressive house during a live set? The crowd went wild, but Prydz was left scratching his head (and his mixer) wondering what happened.

• Or how about the time Armin van Buuren accidentally played the wrong intro to his iconic track “In and Out of Love?” The crowd was so confused, they thought it was a new track altogether!

Progressive house is a genre that continues to evolve, blending elements of older styles with new sounds and ideas. While the raves may not be as common as they once were, the music lives on in the hearts and minds of fans worldwide. And even if it’s not always serious, it’s always a good time.