Tropical House
Tropical house, commonly referred to as trop house, is a vibrant subgenre of house music. It is a derivative of tropical music and incorporates elements from both dancehall and Balearic house. The genre is renowned for its laid-back, island-inspired melodies that evoke a Caribbean and beach-party atmosphere. This distinctive sound is characterized by its relaxed tempo and sun-kissed ambiance.
Origins and Evolution
The genre emerged in the mid-2010s and swiftly gained popularity through platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube. Here, artists would often remix mainstream tracks in the tropical style, sometimes garnering tens of millions of views before securing commercial label deals to produce original singles. In the earlier stages of its development, figures such as Bob Sinclar and Yves Larock shaped the sound with international hits that shared many features with tropical house. These artists drew inspiration from the 1980s Hi-NRG music.
Musical Characteristics
Tropical house is largely defined by its use of synthesized instrumentation and a four-on-the-floor beat. The tempo typically ranges between 100 to 120 beats per minute, which is notably slower than the average electronic dance music. This slower rhythm creates a relaxed and spacious soundscape that is perfect for summer festivals like Tomorrowland.
Leading Artists and Influence
The genre was popularized by a roster of prominent artists, including Kygo, Thomas Jack, Klangkarussell, Klingande, Robin Schulz, Bakermat, Matoma, Lost Frequencies, Felix Jaehn, Seeb, and Gryffin. These artists have been instrumental in defining and spreading the tropical house sound globally.
Distinction from Trouse
It is important not to confuse tropical house with trouse, as the latter is a blend of trance and progressive house featuring electro synths. While both belong to the broader category of house music, trouse focuses more on high energy beats and melodies, differing from the laid-back and tropical influences of tropical house.