Over the years, technology has propelled the growth of various music genres. In the distant past, musical instruments were the sole means of music production.
As technology advanced, musical experimentation shifted towards computers, giving birth to electronic music. DJs played a pivotal role, experimenting with electronic sounds and creating new beats and flows that blossomed into diverse genres.
What is Dubstep?
Dubstep, a sub-genre of electronic dance music, emerged in early 2000s London, characterized by heavy basslines, syncopated rhythms, and distinctive effects. It evolved into multiple sub-genres, garnering a global fanbase.
Dubstep's Musical Essence
Dubstep finds its roots between glitchy drum beats and the dark reverb of Jamaican dub music, offering a fast beat experienced as a slow groove and flow. Notably, its defining feature is the heavy reliance on bass, a vital element across all Dubstep genres.
Dubstep's Origin and Influences
Dubstep's origins trace back to the UK Garage, a fusion of 2-step garage, techno, and reggae. It branches from the Drum & Bass genre, emphasizing the crucial role of bass in its unique sound.
Unraveling the Name: Why Dubstep?
The term "Dubstep" arises from the two sub-genres it evolved from. "Dub" refers to a reggae technique, emphasizing bass and drum rhythms by replacing the vocal track with an instrumental version. "Step" originates from "2-step garage," symbolizing a dance move or rhythm and reflecting the genre's distinctive rhythms created with step sequencing software.
Key Features of Dubstep
Dubstep is marked by heavy basslines, dark soundscapes, and syncopated rhythms. It incorporates elements from various electronic genres, influencing pop, hip-hop, and rock with its aggressive, high-energy sound.
Dubstep's Genesis: When Did It Start?
The earliest prototype of Dubstep dates back to 1999-2000, marking its initial emergence.
Pioneers of Dubstep: Who Invented It?
While the debate persists on the true inventor, cited producers include Oris Jay, El-B, Steve Gurley, and Zed Bias. Regardless, Dubstep has become a globally popular genre, spreading worldwide thanks to artists like Skrillex and Bassnectar.
Digital Mystikz: Fathers of Dubstep
Originating from the sound system party scene in 1980s Jamaica, Digital Mystikz (Mala & Coki) are widely acknowledged as the fathers of Dubstep. Through their record label DMZ and pioneering club nights, they played a pivotal role in shaping the genre's identity.
Dubstep Sub-Genres
Dubstep, a sub-genre stemming from the electronic music realm, originated from the fusion with the Drum & Bass genre, resulting in a distinctive musical style. The dynamic nature of music continually gives rise to various sub-genres within Dubstep, each with its unique characteristics.
The Evolving Tapestry of Dubstep Sub-Genres
The ever-changing nature of Dubstep makes it challenging to pinpoint an exact number of sub-genres. However, several prominent ones have carved their niche in the scene, including classic Dubstep, filthstep, wobblestep, glitchstep, chillstep, neurostep, robostep, techstep, deathstep, and ganjastep.
Top Ten Dubstep Sub-Genres
-
Classic Dubstep: The foundational form of Dubstep, characterized by wobbly sound effects and touches of glitch, maintaining a focus on bass sounds.
-
Filthstep: Altered to sound lo-fi, reminiscent of 16-bit computer game sounds from the '90s, featuring aggressive rhythms and minimal melody.
-
Wobblestep: Concentrates on the wobble aspect, utilizing heavily synthesized bass sounds with pitch bends that explore the low pitch of the frequency spectrum.
-
Glitchstep: Emphasizes glitch sounds within the tune, setting aside heavy bass and wobbles for quick, high-pitched glitches.
-
Chillstep: Offers an enjoyable and dreamy experience, evoking a calm and peaceful forest atmosphere akin to fantasy-themed video games.
-
Neurostep: Infused with a science-fiction influence, this sub-genre features philosophical and meditative sounds, incorporating mechanical elements from Neurofunk, Drum & Bass, and Dubstep.
-
Robostep: Immerse yourself in a science fiction narrative with robotic sounds, incorporating metallic and mechanical elements for enthusiasts of futuristic themes.
-
Techstep: Influenced by techno music, Techstep boasts abstract, synthetic noises, integrating clunky mechanical sounds and a post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
-
Deathstep: A unique blend of Death Metal vocals with Dubstep beats, featuring Screamo vocals and distorted electric guitar sounds.
-
Ganjastep: A fusion of Dubstep and Reggae, Ganjastep offers a quick beat while maintaining a relaxing vibe, combining the beats of Reggae with the drum and bass sounds of Dubstep.
The rich tapestry of Dubstep sub-genres showcases the genre's versatility, appealing to a wide audience with varied musical preferences.
Prominent Dubstep Producers
Renowned DJs often double as prominent Dubstep artists, their names frequently adorning music billboards. While many explore various electronic dance music genres, a significant number contribute significantly to the world of Dubstep.
- Skrillex
- Diplo
- Major Lazer
- DJ Snake
- Zeds Dead
- Flux Pavilion
- Krewella
- Borgore
- Seven Lions
- Kill The Noise
These ten artists stand as among the most influential DJs crafting Dubstep music.
Dubstep's Cultural Impact
Initially an underground phenomenon, Dubstep transcended its origins to wield influence across music genres, fashion, art, and advertising. The genre's heavy bass and distinctive rhythms have permeated popular TV shows, movies, video games, and various music genres, including pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music (EDM). Dubstep's imprint extends to fashion, where its dark and edgy aesthetic has become a staple in urban streetwear, shaping the overall aesthetic of contemporary culture.
Dubstep's Cultural Significance: Examples
-
Influence on Mainstream Pop Music: Dubstep elements have found their way into mainstream pop music, with artists like Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry incorporating Dubstep sounds into their tracks.
-
Dubstep in Films and TV Shows: Dubstep tracks, such as Skrillex's "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites," have been featured in popular movies like "Project X" and TV series like "Breaking Bad."
-
Dubstep in Fashion: Dubstep's bold and edgy aesthetic has left an indelible mark on fashion, inspiring individuals to incorporate its style into their clothing and accessories.
Criticisms of Dubstep
Despite its popularity, Dubstep is not without its critics. Some common criticisms include a perceived lack of musical diversity, the overuse of bass drops, concerns about negative influences on youth due to aggressive themes, and debates about cultural appropriation.
A Decline in Mainstream Popularity
Around the mid-2010s, Dubstep experienced a decline in mainstream popularity, with listeners leaning towards other genres. Notable figures like Skrillex and Skream diversified their musical endeavors, contributing to the genre's evolving landscape.
The Future of Dubstep
The trajectory of Dubstep remains a topic of debate. While some argue that its peak has passed, others contend that it continues to evolve and adapt. Several artists have started experimenting with new sounds and styles, incorporating elements from genres like trap, house, and techno. This fusion has the potential to attract new audiences and expand Dubstep's appeal.
Despite a potential decline in mainstream popularity, Dubstep maintains a robust underground following, featured prominently in festivals, clubs, and online communities. As long as passionate artists and fans remain committed, Dubstep's future remains promising and dynamic.
