Progressive vs. Progressive House

Attribute	Progressive	Progressive House
Origin	United States	United Kingdom
Tempo	Varies, typically slower than Progressive House	Varies, typically around 128-130 BPM
Characteristics	Focuses on progression and evolving soundscapes	Blend of house and trance elements with melodic and atmospheric qualities
Popular Artists	Deadmau5, Sasha, John Digweed	Eric Prydz, Jeremy Olander, Lane 8
Subgenres	Progressive Trance, Progressive Breaks	Progressive Trance, Deep Progressive

Origins

Progressive music is a genre that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, characterized by its complex compositions and experimental approach to songwriting. Bands like Pink Floyd, Yes, and Genesis are often cited as pioneers of the genre. Progressive House, on the other hand, is a subgenre of house music that originated in the early 1990s. Artists like Sasha, John Digweed, and Paul Oakenfold are considered to be some of the early innovators of Progressive House.

Characteristics

Progressive music is known for its long song structures, intricate melodies, and use of unconventional time signatures. The genre often incorporates elements of classical music, jazz, and rock. In contrast, Progressive House is characterized by its steady beat, melodic elements, and gradual progression of energy throughout a track. It often features atmospheric sounds, lush pads, and subtle builds and drops.

Influence

Progressive music has had a significant influence on a wide range of genres, including rock, metal, and electronic music. Bands like Tool, Dream Theater, and Opeth have all been influenced by the progressive sound. Progressive House, on the other hand, has had a major impact on the electronic dance music scene. Many modern electronic artists incorporate elements of Progressive House into their tracks, blending it with other genres like trance, techno, and deep house.

Popularity

Progressive music has a dedicated fan base, but it has never reached the mainstream success of other genres like rock or pop. The complexity and length of progressive songs can be a barrier for some listeners. Progressive House, on the other hand, has enjoyed widespread popularity in the electronic dance music scene. Its melodic and uplifting sound has made it a favorite among club-goers and festival attendees around the world.

Evolution

Progressive music has continued to evolve over the years, with bands incorporating new technologies and influences into their sound. Some modern progressive bands blend elements of electronic music into their compositions, creating a fusion of genres. Progressive House has also evolved since its inception, with artists experimenting with new sounds and production techniques. The genre has branched out into subgenres like deep progressive and melodic techno.

Conclusion

While Progressive music and Progressive House share a similar name, they are distinct genres with their own unique characteristics and influences. Progressive music is known for its complex compositions and experimental approach to songwriting, while Progressive House is characterized by its melodic elements and gradual progression of energy. Both genres have had a significant impact on the music world and continue to evolve and inspire new generations of artists.