House music is a style of electronic dance music which originated in Chicago in the 80s. The style was developed by mainly African-American DJs who started experimenting with new editing techniques such as remixing, sampling and new electronic instruments like synthesizers and sequencers. Typical to the genre is a ''four to the floor'' beat, often a low bass and the use of recognizable instrumentation like piano chords and soulful vocals. Eventually it gained popularity in the Detroit and New York club scenes and by the late 80s in Europe.

House music is strongly influenced by elements of the early to mid 1970s soul- and funk-infused dance music style of disco. House music takes disco's use of a prominent bass drum on every beat and developed a new style by mixing in a heavy electronic synthesizer bassline, electronic drums, electronic effects, funk and pop samples, and reverb or delay-enhanced vocals.