Deep house is a type of house music that began in the 1980s. It combines Chicago house with the rich sounds of 1980s jazz-funk and soul music. The start of deep house is linked to early songs by Larry Heard, also known as Mr. Fingers. One important song from him is "Can You Feel It."

Characteristics

Deep house music usually has a tempo between 110 and 125 beats per minute. It features quiet bass sounds, open and spread-out drum patterns often made with a Roland TR-909 drum machine, gentle keyboard tones called pads, complex chord arrangements, atmospheric music mixes, and emotional vocal performances.

History

Deep house music was started by Chicago producers like Marshall Jefferson and Larry Heard. They created songs such as "Mystery of Love" (1985) and "Can You Feel It?" (1986). The song "Can You Feel It?" had a big influence on deep house, similar to how Derrick May's "Strings of Life" (1987) influenced Detroit techno. The sound of deep house became more jazzy because producers used softer, more natural sounds from synthesizers and other instruments. Richie Unterberger, an author, said that Larry Heard's deep house style helped house music return to a rich, soulful sound similar to early disco music from Philadelphia International and Salsoul records. "Can You Feel It?" became a model for deep house music. Larry Heard used a Roland Juno-60 synthesizer to make the deep bassline and a Roland TR-909 drum machine for the beats.

DJ Ron Trent explained that the term "deep house" was first used to describe the music of Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy. These DJs mixed different styles, including disco, jazz, and underground music, instead of only using electronic house sounds.

In the 2000s and 2010s, deep house remained popular. However, by the mid-to-late 2010s, some people began using the term "deep" incorrectly for certain types of house music. Over time, the term "deep house" has come to describe many kinds of house music with strong basslines, later called Brazilian bass or slap house, as the genre changed from its early beginnings.

Artists, DJs and record labels

For a list of deep house music creators and disc jockeys, refer to: Deep house musicians.

Record labels connected to this music style include Alleviated Records (Larry Heard), Madhouse Records, Inc. (Kerri Chandler), AFTR:HRS, Glasgow Underground, Naked Music, Om Records, Peacefrog Records, and Soma. Examples of deep house albums by artists who are also known for other types of music include The Martyr Mantras (1990) and Modernism: A New Decade (1989) by The Style Council.