What Exactly Is Deep House Music?

The term Deep House could almost be considered tautology: when it first appeared in the 80s, all House music was deep. Classic early House tracks, such as Mr. Fingers’ “Can You Feel It” and Nightwriters’ “Let The Music (Use You)” combine strong rhythmic grooves with understated production and a soulful, musical sensibility.

As House’s mainstream popularity boomed and a steady stream of sub-genres began to appear, though, the “deep” prefix came to define its more minimal or soulful side, and while the term is arguably ill-defined, it´s certainly a convenient catch-all for grouping together everything from chilled beats to thoughtful minimal stylings.

The main challenge in making an authentic Deep House is to create a strong groove and an emotional hook without being too over-the-top.

Deep House is also an interesting proposition for the computer musician, because while it’s perfectly possible to do everything “in the box”, the style lends itself well to the use of acoustic and electric instruments, too, not to mention vocalists.

Here are a few examples of early Deep House tracks

Inner City – “Good Life” (1988)

Inner City, a Detroit-based group led by Kevin Saunderson, released “Good Life” in 1988. It’s considered one of the most memorable gems that represent this electronic music style.

Ten City – “That’s the Way Love Is” (1989)

Ten City, a Chicago-based Deep House group, released “That’s the Way Love Is” in 1989. This track helped define the early sound of the genre and does have an official music video.

Marshall Jefferson’s “Move Your Body” is a seminal track in the history of housey music. It’s catchy and quite irresistible.

“French Kiss” by Lil Louis is another iconic track from the late 1980s. Its own sensual and hypnotic qualities are accompanied by repetitive beats.

Raze’s “Break 4 Love” is another classic hit from 1987. It has a music video that reflects the era’s style and dance culture.