house
what it is
House music is a style of electronic dance music which originated in Chicago in the 80s. The style was developed by mainly African-American DJs who started experimenting with new editing techniques such as remixing, sampling and new electronic instruments like synthesizers and sequencers. Typical to the genre is a ''four to the floor'' beat, often a low bass and the use of recognizable instrumentation like piano chords and soulful vocals.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make house a playlist
turn these 40 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is house?
House music is a style of electronic dance music which originated in Chicago in the 80s. The style was developed by mainly African-American DJs who started experimenting with new editing techniques such as remixing, sampling and new electronic instruments like synthesizers and sequencers. Typical to the genre is a ''four to the floor'' beat, often a low bass and the use of recognizable instrumentation like piano chords and soulful vocals.
What are good house albums to start with?
Try Electroman by Benny Benassi, Nothing but the Beat by David Guetta, Dreamland by Black Box, and Remedy by Basement Jaxx.
Who are some women making house?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/house/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making house, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20