Bass house is a subgenre of house music that emphasizes heavy, distorted basslines, punchy kicks, and energetic grooves. Emerging around 2014-2015, bass house blends elements of UK bass music, electro house, and G-house (gangster house), creating a festival-friendly sound.
Pioneers & Sound
Producers like Jauz, AC Slater, Habstrakt, and Tchami pioneered bass house’s aggressive, bass-driven sound. The genre sits around 125-130 BPM with wobbling basslines, tight drums, and occasional vocal chops. Bass house tracks are designed for high-energy festival sets and club dance floors.
”G-House” Influence
G-house (gangster house) — house music with hip-hop vocal samples and trap influences — heavily influenced bass house. Tracks often sample rap acapellas over house beats, creating crossover appeal. DJ Snake’s “Turn Down for What” (2013) is considered a proto-bass house anthem.
Festival Presence
Bass house became a mainstage staple at EDM festivals, with DJs like Jauz, Joyryde, and Ephwurd incorporating bass house into sets. The genre’s accessibility (catchier than dubstep, harder than tech house) appealed to diverse EDM audiences.
Sources:
- Bass house playlists: https://soundcloud.com/
- AC Slater’s Night Bass label: