4Groovers

Many people are confused about what house music is. There are many who equate it with techno; if they only knew how many artists they would offend.

Yes, there are quite a few producers who have liberally blurred the lines. However, in true house there are several telltale musical elements. House is strongly influenced by elements of Soul- and Funk-infused varieties of Disco (see Wikipedia article on House Music for other influences.) By extension, other forms of R&B, Jazz, and Hip-Hop have been also borrowed as samples for the music. Oh, if it doesn't have a ground shaking bass drum, one is definitely missing a unique sonic experience that almost forces you to move...

So what does this all mean? It means if you like Rick James, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Aretha Franklin, The Surpremes, The Isley Brothers, etc.; or you like later artists that attempt to mimic, emulate, update, or mix those styles, you would probably like House Music.

Do you like Michael Jackson's songs from Off The Wall? You'd like House Music. Alot of Madonna's pre- and Material Girl albums were produced by who? Yes, House DJ/Producer's John 'Jellybean' Benitez and Junior Vasquez.

Picture this:

The wife of one of my DJ partners(a Jewish family, by the way) was listening to a podcast of a recent DJ set and was moved to ask, "this is cool. What is this?" His response was, "this is House Music." He also said it was like Soul, Funk, and R&B on [drugs], especially when referring to the rhythm section. Funny, Mike, funny--but true too.

House music is not about bottle service, or pomp and circumstance. Some of the sounds are certainly popular among some in those circles. However, true house heads are about inclusion, diversity, love, and most of all, getting down to some funky-soulful tunes...

So, will you join me in 'shakin your booty down to the ground'?

-s