The Ultimate Guide to Bass House

Bass house is a thrilling subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) that has taken the world by storm. Born in the mid-2010s, it expertly blends the rhythmic foundation of house music with the raw power and sound design of bass music, dubstep, electro house, and UK garage. This guide dives deep into the world of bass house, covering its history, signature sounds, key players, and more.  

A Brief History of Bass House

Bass house emerged from the fusion of several influential genres. It takes the classic four-on-the-floor beat and driving rhythm from house music and injects it with the heavy, distorted basslines and sound design techniques borrowed from dubstep, trap, G-house, and electro house. Some even trace its roots back to the late 90s with the early work of artists like Basement Jaxx and the emergence of speed garage.  

Several artists were instrumental in shaping and popularizing bass house:

  • AC Slater: A key figure, credited with coining the term "night bass," and whose Night Bass label has been a major force in the movement.  

  • Jauz: Brought bass house from the underground to festival main stages.  

  • Ephwurd: Another important artist in the development of the sound.  

  • JOYRYDE: Known for blending bass house with G-house influences.

  • Habstrakt: Distinguished by his gritty, textured sound.

  • Malaa: A driving force in pushing the genre forward.

  • Jack Beats: Long-time innovators in the scene.

The genre continues to evolve, with artists like JOYRYDE, Habstrakt, and Malaa leading the charge, and labels like Confession and Bite This! showcasing new talent.

Signature Sounds of Bass House

Bass house has a distinct sonic fingerprint:

  • Heavy Basslines: The core of the genre, featuring distorted growls, wobbles, and punchy hits. Often overdriven for a raw edge.  

  • Four-on-the-Floor Beat: The classic house music rhythm, with four beats per measure, providing a solid foundation. Crisp kicks, snapping snares, and high-energy hi-hats, often with a shuffled groove.  

  • Aggressive Synths: Synths with attitude, often processed for a metallic, warped, or bit-crushed sound.  

  • Call-and-Response Drops: Drops that use a call-and-response structure for maximum impact and energy.

  • Vocal Samples: Catchy vocal samples are frequently chopped, manipulated, and integrated into the tracks. A hint of hip-hop influence can also be found.  

  • Tempo: Typically ranges from 125-135 BPM, with 128 BPM being common.  

  • Sound Design: Emphasis on unique, distorted, and aggressive bass sounds, often utilizing techniques like FM synthesis, LFOs, and pitch bend.  

  • High Energy: Bass house is known for its high energy and dancefloor appeal.

Key Bass House Record Labels

These labels are essential to the bass house ecosystem:

  • Night Bass: Founded by AC Slater, a leading force in the genre.  

  • Confession: Tchami's label, pushing a heavier, bass-driven sound.  

  • Bite This!: Jauz's label, showcasing high-energy, festival-ready tracks.  

  • Monstercat: While not exclusively bass house, they have released notable tracks in the genre.

Bass House at Festivals

Bass house thrives in both intimate clubs and massive festival settings. Its high-energy sound makes it perfect for dance floors of all sizes. You'll often hear bass house at festivals like Ultra Music Festival, EDC, and HARD Summer.  

The Popularity and Growth of Bass House

Bass house has experienced significant growth since its emergence. Its blend of familiar house rhythms with powerful bass elements has attracted a wide audience. The support from influential artists, dedicated record labels, and prominent festival placements has solidified its position in the EDM landscape. While some discussions exist about the definition and fragmentation of the genre, its dedicated fanbase and continuous evolution suggest a bright future. The prevalence of ghost production in the genre also indicates that established artists see value in investing in bass house.

Top 10 Tips for Creating Bass House Music

  1. Solid Structure: Use an 8-bar structure as a foundation, referencing successful tracks.

  2. Hard-Hitting Drums: Focus on punchy kicks, layered claps, and dynamic hi-hats.

  3. Heavy Basslines: Design or use presets, experimenting with FM synthesis and modulation.

  4. Sound Design: Prioritize unique and aggressive bass sounds.

  5. Synths with Attitude: Use aggressive yet playful synths, processed for a distinct edge.

  6. Movement: Add movement with techniques like pitch bend.  

  7. Vocal Samples: Chop and manipulate vocal samples creatively.

  8. Call-and-Response Drops: Build energy with call-and-response drops.

  9. Variations: Introduce new elements and modulate existing ones to maintain interest.

  10. Music Theory & Production: Master music theory and production techniques for professional results.