Progressive house in Valencia.
What progressive house is, how it differs from the styles it often shares a dancefloor with, and why it is the sound that defines MUVRISE.
What is progressive house?
Progressive house is a style of electronic music that grew out of house and builds gradually. Tracks are long, layers come in and drop out slowly, the bassline carries the groove and melodies develop until the dancefloor opens up.
The name comes from that progression, which works on two scales: within each track, as it grows and changes, and across a set, where selection and mixing shape a journey of several hours rather than a series of peaks.
It emerged in the UK in the early nineties, when DJs and producers began combining house with longer structures, atmospheres and melodic layers. Names such as Sasha and John Digweed took it into the clubs and, from Argentina, Hernán Cattaneo has turned it into a sound with a loyal following worldwide.
Progressive house and neighbouring styles.
Genre boundaries are flexible and many DJs blend these styles in a single set. Even so, each one puts its focus somewhere different.
Progressive house
Gradual builds, melodic layers and a groove that pushes without hurry.
- Long, evolving tracks
- Grooving bass with house swing
- Gradual tension and release
- Sets built as a journey
Melodic techno
Techno's rhythmic foundation with arpeggios and darker, more cinematic atmospheres.
- Straighter kick and percussion
- Synths and arpeggios up front
- Long, dramatic breakdowns
- Similar tempo to progressive
Deep house
Warm and unhurried, rooted in Chicago and New York house.
- Soul- and jazz-derived chords
- Relaxed, enveloping rhythm
- Less built-up tension
- Soft vocals and textures
Afro house
African percussion and polyrhythms drive the groove.
- Organic, polyrhythmic percussion
- Vocals and chants
- South African scene influence
- Very physical energy
It should not be confused with the "progressive house" of 2010s EDM festivals, a more commercial sound of big builds and hooks. The progressive house we mean comes from club culture: deeper, more gradual and made for long sets.
What a MUVRISE set is like.
At MUVRISE, the music is the main reason to come. Progressive house with a strong groove shapes our choices: tracks with character, melodic depth and a rhythm that makes you want to dance.
We approach each set as a musical journey. Tracks speak to one another, the energy develops and transitions give the whole set its shape. Dancing, connection and that uplifting feeling grow from what is playing.
- Selection
- We choose each track for what it brings to the journey and how it moves the dancefloor.
- Mixing
- Every selection matters, as does the way it connects to the next: each transition prepares what comes next.
- Groove
- The bass holds the pulse, percussion gives the groove its shape and melodic layers open up new directions.
- Open dancefloor
- For people who already follow this sound and for those discovering it: no need to move alike or prove anything.
Hear the signal.
On SoundCloud we share a selection reflecting the journey, depth and groove we want to bring to the dancefloor.
Listen on SoundCloudAbout progressive house.
What is progressive house?
It is a style of electronic music that grew out of house and builds gradually: long tracks, layers that come and go, grooving basslines and evolving melodies. The name comes from that progression, both within each track and across a set.
How is progressive house different from melodic techno?
They share a tempo and a love of melody, and many DJs mix both. Melodic techno starts from techno's rhythmic foundation and tends to sound darker and more cinematic; progressive house keeps the swing of house and focuses on groove and a more gradual development.
How is it different from deep house and afro house?
Deep house is warmer and more unhurried, with soul- and jazz-derived chords and less built-up tension. Afro house revolves around African percussion, polyrhythms and vocals. Progressive house stands out for its layered construction and the journey of the set.
Is it the same as EDM festival progressive house?
No. In the 2010s, "progressive house" was also used for a more commercial festival sound with big builds and hooks. Progressive house comes from the club tradition of the nineties: deeper, more gradual and made for long sets.
Where can I hear progressive house in Valencia?
MUVRISE was born in Valencia to create events centred on progressive house with a strong groove. We publish the date, venue and access details on the events page only when everything is confirmed; sign up and we will tell you before anyone else.
Do I need to know progressive house to come to a MUVRISE event?
No. MUVRISE is for people who already follow this sound and for anyone looking for an electronic music experience with groove, progression and an open dancefloor.
Come for the music.
Date, venue and access for the next event in Valencia, before anyone else.