Minimal House

The genre emerged in the late 1990s as a reaction against the high-energy rave and dense production styles of the era.

While American producers like Robert Hood laid the groundwork with minimal techno in Detroit, the distinct 'minimal house' sound found its true home in Germany. Labels such as Playhouse, Perlon, and Kompakt began releasing tracks that fused the mechanical precision of minimal techno with the swing and soul of house music.

In the early 2000s, the genre gained significant traction through the 'Microhouse' movement. Artists like Akufen and Ricardo Villalobos pioneered a sound defined by microscopic samples and glitch aesthetics. This era saw the genre move from niche underground circles to the forefront of the global electronic music scene.

By the mid-2000s, minimal house had become the dominant sound in major clubbing destinations like Ibiza and Berlin. It heavily influenced the broader tech house spectrum and eventually evolved into various regional scenes, such as the 'Rominimal' sound in Romania and the modern 'Deep Tech' style.

Start with a soft, punchy 4/4 kick drum (often from a TR-808 or 909) typically between 118 and 128 BPM. The groove relies heavily on swing; use crisp, short hi-hats and shuffled percussion (claps, snares, rimshots) placed slightly off the grid to create a rolling feel.

Keep the bassline deep, simple, and repetitive. It should sit 'in the pocket' of the groove, often using sub-bass frequencies or muted plucks to provide a warm foundation without dominating the mix.

Employ 'micro-sampling' by cutting vocals or instruments into tiny, unrecognizable snippets. Use glitch effects, clicks, cuts, and white noise to add texture. These elements should be used rhythmically rather than melodically.

Focus on subtractive arrangement. Establish a groove and slowly introduce or remove elements over a long duration (often 7-10 minutes). Use automation on filters, delay, and reverb to create movement and tension without necessarily adding new musical notes.