Why progressive house is still alive and kicking (with Super Progressive)

Since it emerged in the 90s, progressive house has impacted the lives of countless people around the world. Heroes like Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Sasha, John Digweed and many more have been advocates of this unique brand of club music.

At @superprogressive, William Noglows has channelled his love of the music to build a huge global community of progressive lovers. Here he explains why the music is so special…

ITS COMMUNITY IS ONE BIG FAMILY
Progressive house emerged around the time rave culture was shifting from its illegal roots into designated club spaces. Because of this, a lot of people had their first real club experiences to progressive. Out of these regular club nights, raving families formed, which helped build the community that exists today.

MORE THAN A GENRE, IT’S A PHILOSOPHY
Progressive is a sound that doesn’t give you everything all at once, which makes those moments of euphoria all the more special when you get there. It’s a journey that builds through the night. More than a genre, it’s a philosophy that can incorporate different genres, moods and feelings.

THE ARTISTS ARE APPROACHABLE
There was a time when the top DJs were progressive DJs. Today, the scene takes up a little niche corner of the electronic music scene, so there’s a unique level of intimacy. Everyone knows each other and the DJs are accessible and approachable, which is really special.

LONG, JOURNEY-LIKE SETS
Longer sets facilitate deeper connections, simply because of the amount of time spent with each other on the dance floor, and they cultivate mutual respect. When Hernan Cattaneo plays at Stereo for 12 hours, he’s thankful for the ravers that stick with him and the ravers are thankful he was up there for that long.

EMOTIONAL IMPACT
Progressive DJs make full use of the idea that a set can be recorded in the studio and composed like a symphony, as opposed to just a club set. These pieces of music are intended to be listened to in everyday life, soundtracking many aspects of people’s lives and connecting with their full spectrum of emotions.