Acid House Music Guide: A Brief History Of Acid House

 

Exploring Acid House Music: The Origins, Key Artists, and How to Make It

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Acid House?
3. A Brief History of Acid House
4. Key Characteristics of Acid House
   • The Roland TB-303 Bass Line Synthesizer
   • 4 To The Floor
   • BPM
   • Part of the Wider EDM Scene
   • Minimalism
5. 5 of the Best Acid House Songs
6. How to Make Acid House Music
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

Introduction

Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is a broad genre, encompassing various sub-genres that bring unique flavors and sounds to the table. Among these, Acid House stands out for its distinctive electronic squelch and minimalist beats. In this guide, we'll dive into the world of Acid House, trace its roots, and explore the sounds and artists that defined it.

By the end, you'll know the key elements of Acid House and how to create this genre yourself, whether you're an artist or just curious about its impact on the wider EDM scene.

What is Acid House?

Acid House, often called "acid," emerged in Chicago in the mid-1980s as a minimalist form of dance music. It shares a close relationship with Chicago House but distinguishes itself with the distinctive electronic squelch created by the Roland TB-303 Bass Line Synthesizer.

A Brief History of Acid House

Acid House music made its mark in 1987 when Phuture released "Acid Tracks," a song that helped define the genre. It’s believed that DJ Ron Hardy first played the track at a Chicago club, where it became a sensation among the crowd.

Though it started in the U.S., Acid House also found its way to the UK in the late 80s, where it became intertwined with the Second Summer of Love. During this time, Acid House played a role in uniting youth culture through music and the rise of rave culture. The genre is often credited with shifting football hooligans toward peaceful partying, much like the 1967 Summer of Love in San Francisco.

Key Characteristics of Acid House

1. The Roland TB-303 Bass Line Synthesizer

The heart of Acid House’s unique sound is the Roland TB-303. Manufactured in the early 80s, this small synthesizer produces the iconic "electronic squelch" sound that defines the genre. The modulation of its frequency and resonance controls creates a dynamic, constantly moving bass line that is key to the Acid House style.

Often, the TB-303 is combined with the Roland TR-808, another legendary piece of electronic equipment known for its signature drum sounds, including hand-claps and kicks.

2. 4 To The Floor

Like other house music sub-genres, Acid House relies on a driving 4/4 time signature. Four electronic drum kicks mark the beat, while syncopated off-beat hand-claps add a funky rhythm to the mix. This steady beat is perfect for keeping the dance floor moving.

3. BPM

Most Acid House tracks are between 120 and 130 BPM, a tempo that gives the genre its high-energy, danceable quality. Since this BPM range is slightly faster than a resting heart rate, it helps create an uplifting and euphoric atmosphere on the dance floor.

4. Part of a Wider EDM Scene

Acid House doesn’t exist in isolation. It shares a connection with other electronic sub-genres such as Detroit Techno, Deep House, Big Beat, and even Psychedelic Trance. These genres often borrow elements from Acid House, which helps explain its lasting impact on the wider EDM landscape.

5. Minimalism

Much like other forms of EDM, Acid House tends to be minimalistic. Tracks are often built around short, repetitive musical phrases that loop throughout the song. Additional layers are introduced gradually, creating tension and release over time without the sudden "beat drops" found in other electronic genres like Slap House.

Because of this, Acid House tracks are often longer and more slow-burning, with songs typically lasting between 4:30 and 6 minutes.

5 of the Best Acid House Songs

1. “Acid Tracks” by Phuture

Phuture’s "Acid Tracks" is widely regarded as the first official Acid House track. Its slow build and distinctive squelching bass lines laid the groundwork for the genre, making it a must-listen for anyone exploring Acid House.

2. “Raga Lalit” by Charanjit Singh

Charanjit Singh’s 1982 album Synthesizing: Ten Ragas to a Disco Beat combines traditional Indian instruments with electronic beats. Though created years before Acid House’s mainstream emergence, Singh's work is now considered an early precursor to the genre.

3. “Box Energy” by DJ Pierre

DJ Pierre, the frontman of Phuture, continued to push Acid House forward with solo tracks like “Box Energy.” The 303 is front and center here, paired with the iconic 808 drum sounds that define Acid House.

4. “Flow Coma” by 808 State

Bringing the UK perspective to Acid House, 808 State’s "Flow Coma" features the TB-303 and TR-808 but also incorporates jazz-inspired counter-melodies. This gives the track a broader sonic range while staying true to the genre’s minimalist roots.

5. “Your Love” by Frankie Knuckles

One of the pioneers of house music, Frankie Knuckles’ track “Your Love” takes an earlier bass line from The Source and adds new synth and vocal melodies. This track shows how Acid House can evolve while staying true to its Chicago roots.

How to Make Acid House Music

If you’re inspired by Acid House and want to try your hand at making a track, start with the basics:

1. Roland TB-303: The signature squelch of Acid House comes from this iconic synthesizer. If you don’t have access to the real thing, modern DAWs like Logic Pro X include excellent emulations.

2. Roland TR-808: Adding this classic drum machine sound will give your track the authentic kick and hand-clap sounds that characterize the genre.

3. BPM: Keep your track between 120-130 BPM for that perfect dance floor vibe.

4. Bass Line: Your track should feature a short, repeating bass pattern, typically 2-4 bars long. This bass line should loop over a 4/4 beat with minimal breaks, helping maintain a continuous groove.

5. Minimalism: Focus on layering simple, repeated patterns. Add new elements gradually to build up the track, but avoid big, jarring changes that would interrupt the flow of the music.

Vocals in Acid House are optional but, when used, tend to be simple and repetitive. The goal is to keep the energy flowing, so avoid too much variation in lyrics or melody.

Conclusion: Dive into Acid House Music!

Acid House is a captivating genre that has withstood the test of time. Its repetitive rhythms, minimalistic layers, and the signature squelching of the TB-303 make it perfect for both dancing and focused listening. Whether you're an artist creating new Acid House tracks or a listener discovering the classics, this genre offers something unique for everyone.

FAQs

1. What makes Acid House different from other EDM genres?
Acid House is characterized by the use of the Roland TB-303 Bass Line Synthesizer, which produces a distinctive "squelch" sound, along with a steady 4/4 beat and minimalist structure.

2. Can I make Acid House without a TB-303?
Yes! While the TB-303 is central to the genre, many modern software synthesizers can replicate its sound effectively, making Acid House accessible to producers without the original hardware.

3. How long should an Acid House track be?
Most Acid House tracks are between 4:30 and 6 minutes long, allowing enough time for the gradual layering of musical elements.

4. Can Acid House be mixed with other EDM genres?
Absolutely. Acid House blends well with genres like Detroit Techno, Deep House, and even Psychedelic Trance, giving producers the flexibility to experiment.

5. Is Acid House still popular today?
Yes, Acid House continues to influence contemporary electronic music. While its heyday was in the late 80s and early 90s, its sound is still relevant in today’s EDM scene.