deep house
subgenre of house music that originated in the 1980s
Deep house envelops you in a warm, hypnotic embrace, characterized by its smooth basslines, ethereal chords, and soulful vocal samples. It's the kind of music that lingers in the background while still commanding your attention; the steady four-on-the-floor beat invites dance, but the lush melodies encourage introspection. The atmosphere can shift from euphoric to contemplative, dancing effortlessly between joy and melancholy, making you feel both grounded and elevated at once.
Emerging from Chicago's vibrant house scene in the mid-1980s, deep house gained traction in the early '90s, primarily in the underground clubs of New York City and London. It was a soothing response to the more frenetic styles of acid house and techno of the time, emphasizing melody and emotion over raw energy. Pioneers like Larry Heard (also known as Mr. Fingers) with his classic "Can You Feel It," along with artists such as Kerri Chandler and his essential tracks like "Bar A Thym," helped define this subgenre. London’s Groove Armada also played a significant role with their lush soundscapes, particularly on albums like "Northern Star."
If you're diving into deep house, start with tracks like "Music Sounds Better With You" by Stardust for its irresistible groove and timeless charm. Follow that with "Can't Get Enough" by Soulsearcher for an uplifting vocal experience that captures the genre's essence. Don’t miss out on "Deep Burnt" by Pepe Bradock—it’s a perfect blend of jazzy instrumentation and deep vibes. Finally, take a listen toDisclosure's debut album “Settle” for a modern twist on classic elements. And if you find yourself captivated, consider exploring the realms of downtempo or even ambient house for more sonic treasures.
102 artists in the catalog.
Guides for deep house artists
Top deep house albums
See essentials
All deep house artists
Mary Gu
pop music
Yotto
Meute
house music, techno
Nora En Pure
progressive house
Tom Budin
future house
Anna Naklab
CamelPhat
house music
Le Youth
electronica, house music
Henrik Schwarz
Route 94
dubstep, tech house
Mike Mago
electro house, house music
Michael Calfan
future house, house music
Classixx
house music, nu-disco
Roxen
pop music
Tchami
bass house, electro house
Dennis Ferrer
About deep house
What is deep house?
subgenre of house music that originated in the 1980s
Where should I start with deep house?
Start with "Parade of the Athletes" by Tiësto. It captures what makes deep house worth exploring.
What are the best deep house albums?
The deep house albums worth hearing first: "Parade of the Athletes" by Tiësto, "Cloud Nine" by Kygo, "Club Life: Volume Three Stockholm" by Tiësto, "Magik Three: Far from Earth" by Tiësto and "Forbidden Paradise 5: Arctic Expedition" by Tiësto.
How many deep house artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 102 deep house artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.