The Spacious, Soulful Characteristics of Deep House Music

A music marketing executive, Jigar Thakarar works with the MusiCares Foundation on brand awareness and fundraising activities. Also an established DJ and producer, Jigar Thakarar focuses on melodic and deep house techno styles and has played at a range of private events and Los Angeles’ nightclubs.

A house music sub-genre, deep house ranges from 100 to 130 beats per minute (bpm) and often includes vocals that are smooth and soulful. The genre originated in the late 1980s and took its cues from the disco and Euro synth roots of early house music. Initially centered in Chicago and New York, it was distinguished by fewer bpm, combined with influences such as gospel, funk, Latin, and jazz. As it took off in venues such as Paradise Garage, Club Shelter, and Warehouse, it came full circle and became a mainstay of the European club experience.

Today, there are a myriad of variations on the basic deep house template, with hallmarks including spacious, reverb-drenched percussion and muted bass lines. Soft keyboard and synthesizer sounds tend to create sustained tones and a distinctive harmonic atmosphere. The minimalist emphasis generates a hypnotic relaxed feel, and the abrupt dynamic changes defined by breaks and drops found in other EDM styles are usually not present. The music hearkens to an acoustic sensibility in which various instrumentation and effects are given space to interplay and create a mood.