Nice article.
I’m glad to see such a topic being elaborated at last; especially that progressive sounds have been one of the fundamentals in Electronic Music throughout its rich history. “Progressive-music” is a solid spectre in my opinion, always up to the level for whatever occurring changes and firmly complementary whether in the case of Trance or House music. Besides I’m also glad to say that this is the time when I can loudly acknowledge that current progressive house music can easily draw blissful traits on my face whenever I listen to it, yet on a side I am still a big listener to other house derivatives such as minimal, tech and techno. However, progressive house has become more pleasant than any other time in my opinion; while looking back at a previous decade from now, it is highly noticeable that progressive house music has indeed changed a lot unlike to what some people still claim ‘It is progressive music after all’. Obviously, when things were at its peak back with Northern Exposure, Global Underground and Renaissance (only to name few), there was only one labelling to such as: progressive music. Clearly Trance and House music coincided in that special area and an outcome of this was a fine particular metamorphosis in the music industry. Beats per minute seemed faster, edgier; melodies and effects weren’t subject to a major alteration within such a combination of both. I know so many people, who actually avoided that Proggy side and instead kept themselves loyal to Detroit’s old-school techno or any German stuff as well. Which was also highly understandable? Nevertheless, music has generally evolved ever since, and in parallel to these technical changes a rise of new sub-genres took place and altered a wholly structure. Progressive house and progressive trance shined separately in my opinion, with each side its own speciality despite of some common characteristics. Hence speaking of one at a time, Progressive House turned out as an experience, a journey just like before. Nonetheless, current Progressive music is subject to numerous influences, and contemporary producers aren’t restricted to a single area, but to a wider one. You can listen to a proggy piece consisting of minimal, techno, fine electro, jazz, oriental, acid, ambient background, breaks/dub, short appealing vocals and melodies within lovely FX pads and gorgeous kicks but in a unique harmonious technique. Labialization has become a far tool for this music in specific, when nowadays almost all the bright DJs and Producers rather look for eclectic music than standard music. Progressive House has become so enjoyable in my opinion, sometimes not quite of a dance-floor type as much as other music derivatives of course, however a brilliant mixture of sensual, nostalgic, vivid music. It has gotten the groove, the right percussion, the class, the intimacy, the style, its original fan base, its proper mood, its own well-mixing technique and a distinctive sophistication to get pleasure of whether during a road-trip, a chillax session with a glass of Rose, or just at a cosy club with your choice of an exquisite escort. It happens that sometimes you get to hear complaints concerning new music in many divisions, tiresome productions and monotonous music that is instantly stereotyped. But it also happens that sometimes a charming touch eventually breaks the ice in an esthetical manner, and in my opinion (personally) it has majorly been Progressive Music up to this initiative, fine progressive House music that tends to move you delightfully inside-out. Excuse me I got carried away, however this subject really matters to me as I’m a huge fan of almost various sounds, and nowadays progressive music has been my direct eclectic-music filtering tool for a selective listener like me, opposing to many claims stating that it is not as attractive as before. Most of the infamous pioneers we know today passionately stood out (and still) in that experimental sound, needless to mention albums and vinyls that most of us still keep on our shelves up ‘till today.
Hence personally, I cannot but look forward for more to come of these rising names !