Tech House is a subgenre of house music that has gained a strong following in recent years. It's characterized by its blend of techno and house elements, featuring a steady beat, driving bassline, and melodic synth and vocal hooks. Here are the top 10 best tech house artists that you need to know:
The Iconic Pioneers of Tech House: Carl Cox, Laurent Garnier, and More
Carl Cox is widely regarded as one of the most iconic DJs and producers in the history of tech house. He's been a key figure in the scene since its early days in the 1990s, and his signature sound has inspired countless producers over the years. Cox's early work with techno and acid house laid the foundation for his unique style, which combines hard-hitting beats with soulful melodies and driving basslines.
Another legendary pioneer of tech house is Laurent Garnier, who's been producing and performing for over three decades. Garnier's music has always defied categorization, drawing from a wide range of styles including techno, house, jazz, and world music. His 1997 album "30" is considered a classic of the tech house genre, featuring a mix of deep grooves, funky basslines, and soulful vocals.
Other iconic pioneers of the genre include Roger Sanchez, Danny Tenaglia, and Erick Morillo. Sanchez is known for his blend of tribal and deep house, while Tenaglia's high-energy sets have made him a favorite among tech house fans. Morillo, who sadly passed away in 2020, was a key figure in the New York house scene and his work with Subliminal Records helped to define the sound of tech house in the 2000s.
Eddie Richards is a British DJ and producer who's been a key figure in the UK house and techno scenes since the 1980s. He's known for his blend of acid house, techno, and early house, and he's been a major influence on the sound of tech house. Richards has released a number of classic tracks over the years, including "Acid Man" and "Somewhere in Time," and he continues to be an important figure in the global electronic music community.
Nathan Coles is another influential UK DJ and producer who's been instrumental in shaping the sound of tech house. Coles is known for his eclectic mix of styles, which range from classic house and techno to more experimental sounds.
He's been a key figure in the UK underground scene since the 1990s, and he's played a major role in developing the tech house sound. Coles is also the co-founder of the legendary club night Wiggle, which has been running for over 25 years and is widely regarded as one of the most important events in the history of UK house and techno.
The New Generation of Tech House Producers: Peggy Gou, Mall Grab, and More
In recent years, a new generation of tech house producers has emerged, bringing fresh ideas and innovative sounds to the genre. One of the most popular new producers is Peggy Gou, a South Korean DJ and producer who's been making waves with her infectious tracks and dynamic performances.
Gou's music is characterized by its catchy melodies, playful vocals, and driving beats, and she's been hailed as one of the most exciting new artists in electronic music.
Another rising star is Mall Grab, an Australian producer who's known for his lo-fi, sample-heavy sound. Mall Grab's music draws from a wide range of influences, including hip hop, jazz, and house, and his tracks are known for their deep grooves, warm textures, and soulful samples.
Other emerging producers to watch include FISHER, CamelPhat, and Patrick Topping, all of whom are known for their energetic, dancefloor-ready tracks.
The UK Scene: Jackin' House, Bassline, and Garage Influences
The UK has long been a hotbed of electronic music, and the country has played a major role in shaping the sound of tech house. One of the most influential movements to come out of the UK is jackin' house, a style that blends elements of classic house with funky basslines and vocal samples. Jackin' house has been a major influence on tech house, and many of the genre's biggest stars have drawn inspiration from this sound.
Key UK tech house producers include Jamie Jones, Patrick Topping, and Hot Since 82. Jamie Jones is one of the biggest names in the scene, known for his deep, groovy tracks that blend elements of house and techno.
Patrick Topping is another rising star from the UK, with a string of chart-topping hits and a signature sound that draws from jackin' house, techno, and acid house. Hot Since 82 is known for his driving beats and catchy hooks, and his tracks have been featured on some of the biggest tech house labels in the world.
In addition to jackin' house, the UK has also been a major influence on bassline, a subgenre of UK garage that's characterized by its heavy basslines and funky rhythms. Bassline has had a major impact on the sound of tech house, with many producers incorporating elements of this style into their tracks. Some key UK bassline producers include DJ Q, T2, and Mr. Virgo.
Garage is another style that originated in the UK in the 1990s and has had a major influence on tech house. Garage is known for its soulful vocals, deep basslines, and 2-step rhythms, and it's been a major influence on the melodic side of tech house.
Some key UK garage producers include MJ Cole, Artful Dodger, and Craig David, all of whom have had a major impact on the sound of electronic music in the UK and beyond.
The Minimalist Sound: Dubfire, Marco Carola, Loco Dice, and the Berlin Scene
One of the defining characteristics of tech house is its minimalist sound, which emphasizes repetition and subtlety over complexity. Dubfire, a techno and tech house producer from Iran, is one of the pioneers of the minimal tech house sound.
Dubfire's tracks are known for their stripped-down, hypnotic rhythms and deep basslines, and he's been a major influence on the sound of tech house since the early 2000s.
Loco Dice, a German producer and DJ, is another key figure in the Berlin scene, which has been at the forefront of the minimal tech house movement for many years. Loco Dice's music draws from a wide range of influences, including hip hop, techno, and house, and his tracks are known for their intricate percussion and moody atmospheres.
Other minimalist tech house producers to watch include Marco Carola, Enzo Siragusa, Archie Hamilton, Luciano, Riccardo Villalobos and Yaya. Enzo Siragusa is known for his deep, rolling basslines and hypnotic rhythms, while Archie Hamilton's tracks are characterized by their intricate percussion and subtle melodies.
Yaya's music draws from a wide range of influences, including techno, house, and minimal, and his tracks are known for their dark, brooding atmospheres.Ricardo Villalobos is a Chilean-German DJ and producer who's been a major force in the world of electronic music for over two decades. Villalobos is known for his experimental approach to techno and house, and he's been a key figure in the development of the minimal tech house sound.
His tracks are characterized by their intricate rhythms and hypnotic textures, and he's widely regarded as one of the most innovative producers in the industry.
Marco Carola is an Italian DJ and producer who's been at the forefront of the tech house scene for many years.
Carola's music draws from a wide range of influences, including techno, house, and minimal, and he's known for his driving beats and catchy hooks. He's released a number of classic tracks over the years, including "Bloody Cash" and "Avalanche," and he continues to be a major force in the global electronic music community.
Luciano is a Swiss-Chilean DJ and producer who's known for his eclectic mix of styles, which range from deep house and techno to world music and jazz. He's been a major influence on the sound of tech house, and he's released a number of classic tracks over the years, including "Fabric 41" and "Blind Behaviour." Luciano is also the founder of the influential label Cadenza Records, which has been home to some of the biggest names in the industry.
Tech House on the Main Stage: From Festivals to Las Vegas Residencies
Tech house has also made its way into the mainstream, with many tech house producers performing at some of the biggest festivals and venues in the world. One of the most notable examples is The BPM Festival, which takes place in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and features a lineup of some of the biggest names in tech house and techno. The festival has become a must-attend event for fans of the genre, and it attracts thousands of visitors from around the world each year.
Other major festivals that feature tech house include Movement Electronic Music Festival in Detroit, USA, Awakenings Festival in the Netherlands, and Creamfields in the UK.
These festivals attract some of the biggest names in the industry, and they're a great place to discover new talent and experience the energy and excitement of live tech house performances.
Tech house has also found a home in Las Vegas, with many of the city's top nightclubs featuring tech house DJs and producers. These venues offer a unique and immersive experience, with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and world-class performers. Some of the top venues for tech house in Las Vegas include Omnia Nightclub, Hakkasan, and XS Nightclub.
In addition to live performances, tech house is also a popular genre for radio shows and podcasts. Some of the most popular tech house shows include Toolroom Radio, hosted by Mark Knight, and Suara PodCats, hosted by Coyu. These shows offer a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest releases and trends in the tech house scene, and they're a must-listen for any fan of the genre.
Overall, tech house is a genre that's constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of electronic music. From its early roots in the underground scene to its current status as a global phenomenon, tech house has proven to be a resilient and exciting genre that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tech house is a genre that has a rich and vibrant history, with many influential producers and DJs shaping its sound over the years. From the iconic pioneers like Carl Cox and Laurent Garnier to the new generation of rising stars like Peggy Gou and Mall Grab, tech house has proven to be a dynamic and ever-evolving genre that continues to push the boundaries of electronic music.
The UK scene has played a major role in shaping the sound of tech house, with jackin' house, bassline, and garage influences all contributing to the genre's unique sound. The minimalist sound of dubfire and Loco Dice, and the Berlin scene has also had a major impact on the genre, inspiring producers to explore new rhythms and textures.
Tech house has also found its way into the mainstream, with festivals and venues around the world featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. And with the rise of radio shows and podcasts dedicated to the genre, there's never been a better time to discover the exciting and innovative world of tech house.
Whether you're a seasoned fan of the genre or a newcomer looking to explore new sounds, there's something for everyone in the world of tech house. With its infectious beats, driving basslines, and melodic hooks, tech house is a genre that's sure to keep you dancing all night long.
If you're looking to take your tech house production skills to the next level, be sure to check out the Academy on our website. Our courses cover everything from the fundamentals of creating a groove to advanced techniques for arranging and mixing tracks.
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