Trystan Casey
Electro house is a genre of electronic dance music characterized by heavy bass and a tempo of 125–150 beats per minute. Notable electro house DJs include Avicii, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Bassjackers, David Guetta, and Steve Aoki. There is no age limit to becoming an electro house DJ, and some of the biggest DJs today are in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. To become an electro house DJ, it is important to enjoy the music you play and develop technical skills such as beatmatching and mixing records or CDs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Electro house is a genre of electronic dance music and a subgenre of house music. |
| Tempo | 125-135 beats per minute. |
| Style | Heavy bass, often in the form of buzzing basslines or large bass drum sounds in a four-on-the-floor pattern. |
| Similar genres | Tech house, but can contain melodic elements and electro-influenced samples and synths. |
| Subgenres | Complextro, fidget house, Melbourne bounce, Dutch house, jungle terror. |
| Age | No minimum or maximum age limit. Some of the biggest DJs are in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. |
| Skills | Beatmatching manually, mixing records or CDs, technical mixing, simple programming. |
| Experience | Playing gigs, performing at festivals and nightclubs. |
| Equipment | Traktor, Ableton, Itch, controllers, emulators, laptops. |
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What You'll Learn
Learn to beatmatch manually
Beatmatching is one of the most important techniques in DJ mixing. While many DJs use the sync button to play tracks with matching tempos, this tool can be unreliable, and learning to beatmatch manually is essential when it lets you down. Beatmatching ensures tracks play at the same tempo, keeping the groove rolling and allowing for smooth transitions between songs.
To beatmatch manually, you'll need to adjust the pitch fader on the first track until it reaches the same speed as the second track. While the initial track plays through the main speakers, tweak the tempo slider for the second track using the jog wheel to drop it at the beginning of a bar. Listen carefully to ensure the two tracks are beatmatched, paying attention to any additional noises aside from the kick drums and percussion to avoid harmonic clashes or conflicting sounds once the second track drops.
Once you have your two tracks beatmatched, select the cue point on the first track where you want to start playing the second track. Cue points work best when they come at the end of a big drop or musical phrase, creating an easily identifiable buildup to the first beat of the mix. As you approach the cue point, set up the second track to begin in the right place, using the jog wheels to make any adjustments to its BPM.
Beatmatching takes practice to master, but it's a crucial skill for any aspiring DJ. It will enable you to create more dynamic and professional mixes and broaden your repertoire as you experiment with different genres and tempos.
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Understand the history of electro house
To be an electro house DJ, it is important to understand the history of the genre. Electro house is a genre of electronic dance music and a subgenre of house music. It is characterized by heavy bass and a tempo of around 125–135 beats per minute. The genre has been described as having little relationship with either house or electro, despite being a fusion of the two.
The origins of electro house can be traced back to the early 2000s, when it gained prominence as a fusion of tech house and electroclash. By 2004, a subgenre of electro house called electrotech emerged and became popular in Europe, eventually spreading to the rest of the world by 2009. Early songs that have been retroactively labelled as electro house include "Dark Invader" (1996) by Arrivers and "Raw S*it" (1997) by Basement Jaxx. Mr. Oizo's "Flat Beat" (1999) has also been considered an early example of the genre. However, it was Italian DJ Benny Benassi's 2002 single "Satisfaction" that was described as a precursor to electro-house, with Benassi being regarded as the first DJ to have directly experimented with the genre in 2004.
By the mid-2000s, electro house saw an increase in popularity, with tracks like "Put Your Hands Up For Detroit" by Fedde Le Grand and the D. Ramirez remix of "Yeah Yeah" by Bodyrox and Luciana reaching the top spots in the UK Top 40 singles charts in November 2006. This popularity led to the emergence of electro house producers such as Feed Me, Knife Party, The M Machine, Porter Robinson, Yasutaka Nakata, and Dada Life. The genre continued to evolve, with the development of subgenres like complextro, big room, Dutch house, and Melbourne bounce. Complextro, coined by Porter Robinson to describe his own music, is characterized by glitchy and intricate basslines, while big room songs gained popularity through EDM-oriented events and festivals, resembling Dutch house with simple melodies and synth-driven breakdowns. Dutch house, also known as 'Dirty Dutch', originated in the Netherlands and was pioneered by Vato Gonzalez, Afrojack, and DJ Chuckie, featuring complex rhythms and high-pitched lead synths. Melbourne bounce, originating in Melbourne, Australia, progressed from the uptempo horn-infused Dutch house style, incorporating tech trance synths, electro house stabs, and scouse house-influenced bass lines.
Electro house has had a significant impact on the electronic dance music scene, with many DJ Mag Top 100 DJs associated with the genre, including Skrillex, Steve Aoki, Deadmau5, Zedd, Erol Alkan, and Bloody Beetroots. The genre has also influenced a diverse range of artists, from Tommy Lee to Will.i.am, and has led to collaborations between electro house producers and African American singers such as Akon, Kid Cudi, and Kelis. Understanding the history of electro house provides context, influences, and a deeper appreciation for the genre, which can be invaluable for an aspiring electro house DJ.
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Know the key artists and their music
To become an electro house DJ, it's important to know the key artists and their music. This will help you understand the genre, draw inspiration, and develop your own style. Here are some of the notable artists and their contributions to the world of electro house music:
Benny Benassi is an Italian DJ and producer who has been credited with creating a precursor to electro house with his song "Satisfaction" in 2002. Andy Kellman of AllMusic described the track as influential in shaping the electro-house genre.
Deadmau5 is another influential artist in the electro house scene. Known for his distinctive mouse headgear, he has been active since the early 2000s and is known for his complex and intricate productions. Deadmau5's music often features heavy basslines and glitchy textures, showcasing his technical prowess.
Afrojack is a Dutch DJ and producer who has made significant contributions to the electro house genre. He is known for his dynamic and energetic sets, often incorporating complex rhythms, Latin-influenced drum kits, and high-pitched synths. Afrojack has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work in the industry.
Steve Aoki is a well-known electro house artist who has been in the industry for many years. He is known for his high-energy performances and has collaborated with various artists, both within and outside the EDM genre. Aoki's music often blends electro house with pop and hip-hop elements.
The Bloody Beetroots are an electro house group that has gained recognition for their unique style. They incorporate snatched vocal snippets, pitch-bent dirty basslines, and rave-style synth stabs over glitchy beats, creating a distinct sound that has influenced many other artists in the scene.
Avicii is considered one of the top electro house artists by fans. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us, but his music continues to inspire and excite fans around the world. Avicii's productions often blended uplifting melodies with powerful basslines, creating anthemic tracks that resonated with audiences worldwide.
In addition to these artists, there are many other notable figures in the electro house scene, including Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, and many others. Exploring their music and understanding their contributions to the genre will provide a solid foundation for anyone aspiring to become an electro house DJ.
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Develop open-format DJ skills
Developing open-format DJ skills can be highly advantageous for aspiring DJs. Open-format DJing involves playing a mix of many genres, rather than just one, to cater to a wide range of audiences. This means that open-format DJs are in high demand and can access a broader range of gigs and commercial opportunities, such as weddings, corporate events, clubs, and parties.
To become a successful open-format DJ, you need to develop a few key skills. Firstly, you must have a deep understanding of music theory and a vast music library with an extensive collection of tracks from various genres. This includes classic songs, chart-toppers, and niche genres like Latin music, depending on the event and the crowd you're playing for. You can use playlisting software to create your setlist and experiment with different orders.
Secondly, you need to be able to transition smoothly between different genres. This involves considering the key and tempo of the tracks and looking for songs with similar or compatible keys and tempos to make harmonic mixing easier. You can experiment with various mixing techniques, such as fade-ins, beat-matching, EQ adjustments, and looping, to create seamless transitions and maintain the energy on the dance floor.
Lastly, it's essential to develop audience awareness and learn how to read the room. As an open-format DJ, you need to be adaptable and versatile, adjusting your set based on the crowd's reactions and taking them on a journey by switching gears at the right moments. This delicate balance of skill, creativity, and intuition will ensure that you can create an inclusive atmosphere and an electrifying musical experience for your audience.
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Learn to mix records or CDs
Learning to mix records or CDs is an essential skill for aspiring DJs. While some may discredit the use of software like Traktor or Ableton to mix, it is still beneficial to learn how to use these tools as they open up a lot of creative possibilities.
To learn how to mix, it is best to find someone with the right gear who is willing to teach you. This skill will help you appreciate other DJs' technical skills. It is important to note that technical mixing is not everything. Simple programming and a hybrid approach that includes looping the intro of a dance track can also be successful.
When you are starting, it is a good idea to focus on learning the basics of mixing records or CDs. This will provide a strong foundation for you to build upon and develop your own style. You can find many resources and tutorials online to help you get started. Additionally, there are many DJ communities and forums where you can connect with experienced DJs who can provide guidance and advice.
As you learn, it is important to practice regularly and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. Mixing is a skill that requires patience and dedication to master, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away. Remember to listen to a variety of music and draw inspiration from different sources to develop your unique style.
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Frequently asked questions
Electro house is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) and a subgenre of house music. It is characterised by heavy bass, buzzing basslines, large bass drum sounds, and a tempo of 125–135 beats per minute.
Electro house emerged in the early '80s on the heels of the disco revolution. Early songs that have been labelled as electro house include "Dark Invader" (1996) by Arrivers, "Raw S*it" (1997) by Basement Jaxx, and Mr. Oizo's "Flat Beat" (1999).
Some popular electro house songs include "Satisfaction" (2002) by Benny Benassi, "Put Your Hands Up For Detroit" by Fedde Le Grand, and the D. Ramirez remix of "Yeah Yeah" by Bodyrox and Luciana.
There are no age limits or rules when it comes to being an electro house DJ. However, it is important to have a good understanding of the music you play and the craft of DJing. Additionally, beatmatching manually and mixing records or CDs are valuable skills to have.
