The origins

In the early 1980s, house music is born in the underground clubs of Chicago. The genre starts in the famous Warehouse club, where Frankie Knuckles is seen as the founding father. By mixing disco, soul, drum machines, and European electronic music, he creates a new, hypnotic sound. Together with pioneers like Ron Hardy, known for his raw and experimental sets at the Music Box, he lays the foundation for house as a club culture.

At this time, house is more than just music: it is a safe space for the Black and queer community. DJs are not superstars yet, but storytellers who guide the night. Meanwhile, Larry Heard (Mr. Fingers) develops a more melodic and emotional style, later known as deep house.

In New York, DJs like David Morales and Tony Humphries help bring house music to a wider audience, while the genre slowly reaches Europe. Imported records arrive in England, Italy, and Germany. In these early years, everything is about innovation, community, and the dancefloor. House is still raw, but the base for a global movement is set.

Global growth: 1990s

In the 1990s, house music explodes worldwide. In Europe, it grows into a mass movement. Carl Cox becomes one of the first true superstar DJs, famous for his high-energy sets and long marathon performances. In the UK, DJs mix house with techno and rave influences, leading to big festivals and illegal warehouse parties.

In France, Daft Punk brings house into pop culture, while Laurent Garnier protects the underground scene. In the US, Masters at Work (Louie Vega and Kenny Dope) continue to shape the soulful side of house. Their productions connect clubs, radio, and the charts.

In the Netherlands, a strong club scene develops, especially around clubs like the iT and the Roxy. At the same time, the Dreamteam breaks through in the hardstyle scene. The original Dutch Dreamteam in the gabber/hardcore scene consists of The Prophet, DJ Dano, Buzz Fuzz, and DJ Gizmo. From 1991 on, they perform together at events like Thunderdome and Mysteryland.

Ibiza becomes the spiritual home of house music during this period. DJs like DJ Jean, Marcello, Danny Tenaglia, and Sasha & John Digweed create long, story-driven sets that turn DJing into a musical journey. The DJ becomes more of an artist with a clear identity. Technology becomes more important, vinyl still rules, but the scale of house music is bigger than ever. House has truly grown up.

Mainstream and diversity: 2000s

The 2000s mark the move from club hero to global superstar. Tiësto is one of the first DJs to play in stadiums and huge events, opening the door for commercial house and EDM. At the same time, artists like David Guetta, Erick Morillo, Roger Sanchez, and Fedde Le Grand stay close to the roots of house.

Digital technology changes everything. CD players and later laptops make DJing more accessible. This leads to a wide range of styles. Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Steve Angello (later Swedish House Mafia) mix house with big-room energy and strong melodies, becoming worldwide stars. Harder styles are represented by DJs like Hardwell, Paul Elstak, and Buzz Fuzz.

In the underground, DJs like Richie Hawtin and Luciano keep minimal and tech-house alive. Festivals grow fast, and the DJ becomes a brand. House music is everywhere: in clubs, on the radio, and in commercials. Even though some criticize the commercial side, the core remains the same: rhythm, groove, and connection on the dancefloor.

Back to the roots and new generations: 2010–2020

In the 2010s, a clear counter-movement appears. While EDM reaches its peak, many DJs return to the roots of house. Afrojack, Don Diablo, and Jamie Jones bring warm, deep sounds back to the clubs. Labels and collectives like Innervisions and Defected play an important role. One of the new rising stars is top talent Martin Garrix.

Streaming and social media make it possible for new artists to break through without big labels. DJs like Peggy Gou, Honey Dijon, and Black Coffee mix house with personal influences and strong cultural identity. Black Coffee, in particular, brings Afro-house to a global audience.

House is once again seen as an inclusive culture, not just party music. Clubs focus more on atmosphere than on spectacle. By 2020, house is no longer a trend, but a lasting movement that keeps reinventing itself. From Chicago to Ibiza, and from vinyl to streaming, the house scene keeps dancing, evolving, and connecting.

Let's start a new WAVE.