House Production Guide: Mixing Tips, Labels & Analysis
What Is House?
House music is the foundation of electronic dance music, born in the clubs of Chicago in the early 1980s. Built on a steady four-on-the-floor kick pattern, syncopated hi-hats, and soulful vocal samples, house music prioritizes groove and danceability above all else.
Modern house spans a wide range of sub-styles, from the stripped-back minimalism of classic Chicago house to the polished, radio-friendly sound of commercial house. The genre is defined by its warm basslines, shuffling percussion, and an emphasis on creating a hypnotic, feel-good atmosphere on the dancefloor.
Producing house music requires careful attention to the low-end groove, ensuring the kick and bass work together without masking each other. The mid-range should leave room for vocal hooks and melodic elements, while the high end drives the rhythmic energy through crisp hi-hats and claps.
BPM Range
118-132
beats per minute
LUFS Target
-10 to -8
integrated loudness
Labels
209
accepting demos
Mixing Tips for House
- 1
Keep the kick punchy and centered, typically around 50-60 Hz fundamental with a click at 2-4 kHz for cut-through.
- 2
Use sidechain compression between the kick and bass to create that signature pumping groove.
- 3
Leave headroom in the 1-5 kHz range for vocals and melodic hooks to sit clearly in the mix.
- 4
Aim for a stereo width that keeps low-end mono while spreading pads and effects wide.
- 5
Reference against tracks from labels like Defected, Toolroom, and Dirtybird for level balance.
Frequency Balance for House
Low-end warmth (60-200 Hz) and mid-range clarity (1-5 kHz) are critical. Avoid muddy buildup in the 200-400 Hz range.
House Labels Accepting Demos
We track 209 house labels with verified demo contacts.
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