House vs Trance
House and Trance are two words associated with music between which there are a number of differences. House and Trance should be understood differently even though both are electronic dance music. They are often considered as genres of music. The beat structure in both of them is said to be identical, but there is a difference between them when it comes to the baseline. It is believed that the house has a more prominent baseline. This is one of the main differences between the two. Through this article let us examine the two variations of music, in order to identify the differences.
What is House?
First let us begin with House. The birthplace of House music is Illinois, and it developed way back in 1980s. It was very popular among African-American, Latino-American and gay dancers in the US. Finally, it spread to the continent of Europe as well. It is interesting to note that the house music was inspired and influenced by the disco and funk music. The electronic drum is used to a great extent in the house music. Earlier bass drum was used in house music. Hence, it is often believed that a prominent baseline is the characteristic of the house music. During this period the 4/4, beat was used rather extensively in house music. After its development in the music industry, it was blended with pop music and dance. In-house music, another special feature is the prominence given to the repetitive rhythm. In most cases, this rhythm is given a higher position than the song. In the modern day, house music has altered very much from its earlier music, creating new variations such as Deep House, Micro House, Tech House, G House, and Bass House. Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, Madonna, are some of the artists that have incorporated house music to their creations. Now let us move on to an understanding of Trance music.
What is Trance?
Trance music can also be considered as a variation of electronic dance music, just like House. Trance has almost the same beat structure as house music, but it differs from it in the aspect of live-sound feel that is innate in the house music. The trance music allows the tension to build on until the beat drops in. It is interesting to note that there are a number of sub-genres in trance music such as acid, classic and uplifting trance. Melody is the hallmark of the house music whereas rhythm is the hallmark of the trance music. This is also an important difference between the two terms chiefly used in the field of music. In trance music, you can find long breaks bereft of beats. On the other hand, you can never find the house music bereft of beats. In fact, beats are the soul of house music.
What is the Difference Between House and Trance?
- House and Trance are different types of electronic dance music.
- Melody is the hallmark of the house music whereas rhythm is the hallmark of the trance music.
- In trance music, you can find long breaks bereft of beats. On the other hand you can never find the house music bereft of beats.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Swedish House Mafia and Benny Benassi” by Peter Salanki [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. “Trance Energy Utrecht 2002” by Nat Tarbox from Boston, United States [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
