With the rhythmic thump of bass drums and hisses of snares, senior Clare Antonow finds herself immersed in an electric atmosphere, the crowd filling the Cow Palace Arena in San Francisco with cheers. Many dance along to the energetic beat as popular DJ FISHER plays his sets for the crowd.
House music, an electronic genre originating from Chicago’s underground club culture during the ‘80s, has been one of the most popular genres of music for decades.
With at least 14 subgenres, ranging from “deep house” to “tech house,” house music has continued to capture the attention of younger generations.
Antonow said she first started listening to house music because of social media.
“From there, I started discovering playlists on Spotify and would listen to them,” she said.
Antonow said she thinks what continues to draw individuals to house music is its distinct, upbeat style.
“They have elements like the beat and rhythm which are unique in these songs and make them more fun to groove to,” Antonow said.
Antonow also said she expects the popularity of house music to continue to increase.
“House artists have the opportunity to reach wider audiences through social media platforms,” Antonow said. “I think we’ll also see more artists incorporating house-inspired elements into their own music as well as current artists experimenting with new sounds.”
Senior Malia Alvarado also said current mainstream artists she’s listened to such as Drake and Taylor Swift have both released house-inspired songs and albums, which have expanded her love for both house music and other forms of electronic music.
“Songs like ‘Passionfruit’ by Drake and ‘Style’ by Taylor Swift both incorporate house elements,” Alvarado said. “(It) has made me realize how these artists are attempting to attract a wider audience by making their music more relevant.”
According to sophomore Luke Joachim, who has experience creating mixes that incorporate house music genres, said that the process has allowed him to learn new skills while having fun.
“I use my dad’s DJ controllers to mix tracks,” Joachim said. “This is a hobby for me which I find to be relaxing and more importantly, enjoyable.”
Alvarado said house music hasn’t only influenced both people who listen to it and those around her, but has also left an impact on mainstream music and culture.
“I’ve noticed more house songs and artists are becoming popular, especially among younger generations,” Alvarado said. “And as they begin to explore the house music genre more, hopefully, more will find that house music can unite people and be appreciated by anyone.”
