Tropical house

Definition

Tropical house is a subgenre of house music that blends elements of electronic dance music with chill, laid-back sounds often inspired by tropical and Caribbean influences. This genre features smooth melodies, soft vocals, and a relaxed tempo, making it popular in beach parties and summer playlists, connecting it to the broader trends of pop and electronic dance music fusion during the 2010s.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tropical house gained mainstream popularity in the mid-2010s, with artists like Kygo and Thomas Jack leading the way.
2. The genre is known for its use of instruments such as steel drums, marimbas, and other tropical-themed sounds that evoke a summery atmosphere.
3. Vocals in tropical house tracks are typically soft and airy, adding to the laid-back feel of the music.
4. Tropical house tracks often feature a slower tempo compared to other forms of house music, usually around 100-115 BPM.
5. This genre has influenced pop music by incorporating its elements into mainstream hits, blurring the lines between electronic dance music and pop.

Review Questions

• How does tropical house differ from traditional house music in terms of instrumentation and mood?
  • Tropical house differs from traditional house music primarily in its instrumentation and mood. While traditional house music often relies on synthesized sounds and a more upbeat tempo, tropical house incorporates instruments like steel drums and marimbas to create a chill atmosphere. This results in a laid-back mood that evokes feelings of summer and relaxation, appealing to listeners seeking a more mellow vibe.
• Discuss the impact of tropical house on pop music during the 2010s and provide examples of artists or songs that showcase this influence.
  • Tropical house significantly impacted pop music in the 2010s by introducing its relaxed sound and elements into mainstream hits. Artists like Justin Bieber collaborated with tropical house producers like Kygo for songs such as 'Sorry,' which features soft melodies reminiscent of the genre. The crossover appeal helped propel tropical house into the limelight, allowing it to shape the sound of pop music during this era.
• Evaluate how the rise of tropical house reflects broader trends in music consumption and cultural preferences in the 2010s.
  • The rise of tropical house reflects broader trends in music consumption where listeners gravitated towards genres that evoke specific moods and experiences, particularly during warmer months. The genre's relaxing vibe aligns with a growing cultural preference for laid-back atmospheres often associated with vacationing and leisure. Additionally, the integration of tropical house into mainstream platforms showcases how digital streaming services have enabled niche genres to reach wider audiences, emphasizing listener desires for accessible yet immersive soundscapes.

Related terms

Deep House: A subgenre of house music characterized by its complex melodies, soulful vocals, and use of jazz and funk influences.

EDM (Electronic Dance Music): A broad range of percussive electronic music genres intended for dancing, including house, techno, trance, and others.

Chillwave: A genre that incorporates lo-fi aesthetics and nostalgic elements to create a dreamy, relaxed sound often associated with summer vibes.