Much like other alternative sub-genres, the beauty of alt house is that there's not one common characteristic that defines this style of music. Alt house tracks have the essence of house music while giving the artist total artistic integrity and control to experiment.
Many alt house artists remove a specific quality common in house music, like how Metro Area removes the 4/4 rhythmic structure. It's also common to abstract the need for hand percussion or the emphasis on the beat. Alt house can also add elements or completely twist and transform them into a contemporary experimental project as musician Herbert does.
Some artists have been known to infuse '70s disco influences much as Daft Punk did. Artists like Basement Jaxx have integrated several other genres and styles into their music resulting in a pop-leaning alt house style. Then there are DJs such as Theo Parrish who weave obscure gems into house classics for a soulful and unconventional twist.
The point being is, alternative music can be what you want to make it. Alt house is all about starting with a house music foundation and adding your unique take on it.
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