What is Tech House Music
Tech house music is a musical genre that arises from the fusion of techno and house. This musical style combines elements of techno such as the essential structure, simple rhythmic patterns, and stripped-down arrangements, with the sophistication and sounds of house, such as sound modeling and the use of synthesizers and software.
Just as techno and house gave birth to tech house, tech house also gave rise to sub-genres such as minimal tech house or minimal deep tech. These variations developed in the 2000s and are characterized by their attention to detail, simplicity, and reduction of sounds. Minimal tech house tends to be highly rhythmic and uses simple but effective rhythmic patterns, with a strong emphasis on sound modeling and evocative atmospheres. Minimal tech house is also distinguished by the use of minimal synths and effects, and its attention to detail in production. This genre is often associated with techno and house clubs and festivals that have a more sophisticated and experimental approach to music.
Some of the most important artists in minimal tech house are Arpiar, Djoko, Traumer, Janaret, and others. These artists have helped define and shape the genre, creating tracks that have become legendary in the minimal tech house scene. From a musical production perspective, both in tech house and its sub-genres, it is possible to hear complex and dynamic sounds made with modular synthesizers.
The Best Tech House Artists: a Look at the Most Influential Artists in the Genre
Many talented artists have contributed to making tech house famous. Some of the most important and influential are Fisher, Damian Lazarus, Matthias Tanzman, Davide Squillace, Luciano, Jamie Jones, The Martinez Brothers, Blondish, Apollonia, Marco Carola, Butch and others.
These artists have all brought a unique and distinctive sound to the tech house scene, contributing to shape and evolve the genre in different ways. Tech house has become a constant presence in clubs and festivals around the world, with events such as Circoloco (DC-10) in Ibiza, Bpm, and Elrow becoming synonymous with this musical genre. Tech house artists continue to perform at these events and release music, keeping the tech house scene alive and vibrant.
How to start Club-Ready Tech House: Essential Tips and Techniques
Here are the essential points for producing an impactful tech house song in clubs:
- Structure: The structure of a tech house song is very important in creating an engaging musical experience. Most tech house songs follow a basic structure consisting of an introduction, development, break, drop, and conclusion.
- Rhythm: Rhythm is a fundamental element for tech house and must be well balanced to create an engaging musical experience. The choice of instruments to create the rhythm, such as drum machines, synthesizers, and music production software, is crucial to achieve a consistent and powerful sound.
- Sounds: The sounds used in a tech house song are crucial in creating a unique and engaging atmosphere. The choice of synths, effects, and plugins is important in creating a distinctive and original sound.
- Arrangement: The arrangement of tracks is an important aspect of tech house production. The choice of melodies, sounds, and effects, as well as their arrangement within the track, is important in creating a coherent and engaging musical experience.
- Mixing and mastering: Mixing and mastering are two crucial stages in tech house production. Mixing involves balancing the various elements of the track, while mastering involves giving the track a uniform and powerful sound. These two stages are fundamental in ensuring that the track sounds its best in a club context.
These are the fundamental points for producing an impactful tech house song in clubs. Keep in mind that every producer has their own style, and there is no perfect formula for producing tech house music, but by following these points you will be on the right track to creating engaging tracks.
How to make unique Tech House drums with a Modular Synthesizer
We have created an example where we show how to create a tech house song groove using a modular synthesizer. The same production technique can be used on DAW stations like Ableton, Bitwig, Logic, and others.
In the example, we use a resonator effect to modulate a percussion sound to make it special and unique. Creating a tech house song groove with a VCV modular synthesizer requires some basic knowledge of how to use the modules and electronic music in general.
Here are some steps you can follow to create a basic groove:
- Choose the modules: To create a tech house groove, you will need some basic modules, such as an oscillator or sampler, a filter, an envelope generator, and a synchronization module.
- Configure the oscillators and samplers: Use the oscillators or samplers to generate the sounds you will use in your groove. Try choosing waveforms like sawtooth or square to get a warmer, more analog sound.
- Configure the filter: Use the filter to modify the sound of the oscillators. You can try adjusting the cutoff frequency and filter response to get a cleaner or grungy sound.
- Configure the envelope generator: Use the envelope generator to control the volume of the sound generated by the oscillators. You can also use the envelope to modify the filter, creating a sound that changes over time.
- Synchronize the modules: Use the synchronization module to synchronize the modules with each other, so they sound together as a single unit. Create the groove: Use these modules to create a basic groove, setting the speed and amount of sound you want to be produced at any time. Try creating a simple and repetitive rhythm base, which can be used as the foundation for the rest of your track.
Here are some of the steps you can follow to create a percussion-rich tech house groove using the resonator effect.
- The first step is to set a clock signal, to do this we use the Impromptu CLOCKED module and set a tempo of 126 BPM. We connect a count Modula trigger sequencer to the clock, which allows us to control when and how the sounds are played.
- We use a NYSTHI sampler and insert one shot audio samples containing a kick sound, clap sounds, some hi hat/open sounds, and a percussion sound. We do not need to search for specific percussion sounds because the sound result will be given by the resonator effect.
- We use a VCA mixer to which we connect the outputs of the sounds inserted into the sampler. We also connect envelopes to the mixer, which we use to shape the sounds of the sampler.
- We insert an Audible Instrument resonator effect into which we send the percussion sound. We open an LFO (8fo) and use it to modulate the resonator effect.
Here we can listen to the sound result:
We invite you to experiment using this technique to create unique tech house grooves!
What is the Difference Between a House and a Tech House?
The primary difference between house and tech house lies in their musical elements and stylistic approach. House music is typically characterized by its uplifting, soulful melodies, and funky basslines, often incorporating vocal samples and rich harmonic progressions.
Tech house, on the other hand, blends the groove and rhythm of house with the minimalistic and repetitive elements of techno. It often features a darker, more industrial sound, with stripped-down arrangements, punchy basslines, and an emphasis on percussive and rhythmic elements. While house music is more melodic and vocal-driven, tech house is known for its hypnotic beats and focus on groove.
How to Know if It's a Tech House?
Identifying a tech house track involves listening for specific characteristics. Tech house typically features a steady four-on-the-floor beat, a deep and rolling bassline, and minimal melodic content.
The sound is often driven by percussion, with a heavy emphasis on hi-hats, claps, and shakers. Vocals, if present, are usually sparse and repetitive, serving more as rhythmic elements than as the main focus.
Additionally, tech house tracks often have a stripped-down, minimalistic structure, with subtle variations in rhythm and sound design that maintain energy and groove throughout the track.
Is Tech House Still Popular?
Yes, tech house remains a popular genre in the electronic music scene. Its infectious grooves and danceable rhythms continue to dominate clubs and festivals worldwide.
Tech house has maintained its relevance by evolving with the times, incorporating elements from other genres and adapting to new production technologies. Artists and DJs like Fisher, CamelPhat, and Hot Since 82 have kept the genre fresh and exciting, attracting both new listeners and seasoned fans.
The genre's popularity is also evident in the continuing presence of tech house tracks on major dance music charts and streaming platforms.
Where Did Tech House Come From?
Tech house originated in the early 1990s in the UK, emerging as a fusion of the rhythmic elements of house music with the darker, more minimalistic sounds of techno.
It developed as DJs and producers began experimenting with combining the groove and soulfulness of house with the repetitive, hypnotic beats of techno. London, in particular, was a significant hub for the development of tech house, with influential clubs like The End playing a crucial role in promoting the sound.
The genre quickly spread to other parts of Europe and the world, becoming a staple in the global dance music community.
What is the Structure of a Tech House?
The structure of a tech house track typically follows a standard arrangement, designed to keep the dance floor moving. Most tracks begin with an intro—a gradual build-up of beats and rhythms—followed by a development section where additional elements like basslines, synths, and effects are introduced.
The break is a key moment in the track, often stripping away the beats to create tension, before leading into the drop where the full energy of the track is unleashed. The track then moves toward a conclusion, gradually winding down the elements to bring the song to a close.
This structure is essential for maintaining the groove and keeping the audience engaged.
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