The Birth of Acid House

I am the creator

Acid house, one of the most influential genres in electronic music, emerged in the 1980s and quickly took the world by storm. Its origins can be traced back to the vibrant underground club scene in Chicago, where DJs and producers experimented with new sounds and techniques.

A new sound

Acid house is characterized by its distinctive sound, which was discovered almost accidentally by playing with the settings of a Roland TB-303 bass synthesiser.
This iconic instrument, which was originally designed as a substitute for an electric bass, was repurposed and manipulated by DJs and producers to produce the signature "squelchy" and hypnotic sound that defines acid house.

The music itself is characterised by its repetitive beats, pounding basslines, and hypnotic melodies. It draws influences from various genres, including disco, funk, and electronic music. The combination of these elements creates a unique and infectious sound that is instantly recognisable.

One of the pioneers of acid house is DJ Pierre, a Chicago-based DJ and producer who is credited with creating the first acid house track, "Acid Tracks," in 1987. His experimentation with the Roland TB-303 and its unique sound laid the foundation for the genre.

Lift off

While the creators of the music weren't quite sure what to do with it, acid house quickly found its way across the Atlantic and was embraced by the underground club scene in the United Kingdom. The UK became a hotbed for the genre, with clubs like Shoom and The Hacienda in Manchester playing a pivotal role in its popularity.

The rise of acid house coincided with the popularity of various recreational drugs including, Acid (LSD), Speed (Methamphetamine) and Ecstacy (MDMA).

The psychedelic and repetitive nature of the music, seemed to work in harmony with the hypnotic effects of the substances and led to a cultural association between the two.

Acid house had a profound impact on society, both musically and culturally. It challenged the mainstream music industry and paved the way for the rise of the rave scene and electronic dance music (EDM) as a global phenomenon. The genre's infectious beats and energetic atmosphere created a sense of unity and freedom on the dancefloor, transcending social boundaries and bringing people together.

Furthermore, acid house played a significant role in shaping youth culture and fashion. The iconic smiley face symbol, often associated with the genre, became a symbol of the rave movement. Meanwhile, the music developed, gradually being absorbed into the larger overall sphere of techno, and so contributing to the sound of EDM today.

Its origins in Chicago, its embrace in the UK, and the pioneering work of DJs and producers all contributed to its rise to prominence. The impact of acid music on society and its association with LSD further added to its cultural significance. Today, it continues to inspire and influence artists and remains a beloved genre within the electronic music community.