The term "acid house" is spelled with the use of the IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "ac" is pronounced with a short "a" sound (æ), followed by the "s" sound (s) and the long "i" sound (aɪ). The second syllable, "id" is pronounced with a short "i" sound ( ɪ) and the "d" sound (d) at the end. The spelling of this term is important to achieve accurate pronunciation and understanding of the genre and its characteristics. Acid house is a subgenre of house music that originated in the Chicago house scene during the mid-1980s.
Acid house refers to a subgenre of electronic dance music that emerged in the 1980s, particularly in Chicago, United States, and later gained prominence in the United Kingdom and Europe. It is characterized by its distinctive sound, blending repetitive four-on-the-floor beats with squelchy, resonant basslines and the heavy use of Roland TB-303 synthesizers or similar electronic instruments that produce a signature "acid" sound.
The term "acid house" is derived from the distinctive squelchy sound it produces, resembling the effect of psychedelic drugs on the human mind. The genre often incorporates elements of other electronic music styles, such as techno and house, but is distinguished by the prominent use of the TB-303, which was originally designed to accompany musicians during live performances but found a completely new purpose within the acid house genre.
Acid house is closely associated with the rave and club culture of the late 1980s and early 1990s, as it became an integral part of the emerging dance music scene. Its energetic and hypnotic qualities, fueled by repetitive beats and futuristic synthesizer sounds, created an ecstatic and euphoric experience for the listener. The genre's infectious rhythm and distinct sound quickly gained a dedicated following and has remained influential within the electronic music landscape.
Over time, acid house has continued to evolve and influence other genres, including trance, techno, and progressive house. Its impact can be seen in the music of countless artists, DJ sets, and electronic music festivals around the world, making acid house a significant cultural and musical phenomenon within the broader realm of electronic dance music.
The word "acid" in "acid house" refers to the type of music, specifically the subgenre of house music that emerged in the 1980s. The term "acid" derived from the use of a specific type of electronic instrument called the Roland TB-303 Bassline synthesizer. This synthesizer was initially designed to create realistic basslines for musicians. However, it was later discovered that when its settings were manipulated, it produced a unique and distinctive sound, often referred to as "acid".
In the early 1980s, musicians such as Phuture (a Chicago-based group) started experimenting with the Roland TB-303 and popularized the sound. They developed a new style of music combining elements of house music and the distinctive squelchy, "acidic" sound produced by the TB-303. As this sound gained popularity, it became known as "acid house".