Dubstep
Born in South London in the late ’90s, Dubstep is a genre that’s hard to ignore. It’s that ear-pounding, earth-shattering, adrenaline-pumping music that’s made its way into everything from commercials to festivals.
Table of Contents
Where Did Dubstep Come From?
Originating in the UK, Dubstep is a fusion of 2-step, grime, and drum and bass. Early pioneers like Skream, Benga, and Digital Mystikz paved the way, making this genre a mainstay in underground clubs before it burst into the mainstream.
What Makes a Track “Dubstep”
Dubstep is all about the bass. Tracks are usually around 140 BPM and the drum patterns are often syncopated. But what really makes Dubstep unique is the “wobble bass” and the infamous “drop.”
Wobble Bass: This is the oscillating, kinda-erratic bassline that makes you feel like you’re swimming in sound.
The Drop: The drop is that intense, heart-stopping pause and release that catapults you into bass heaven.
Who’s Who in the Dubstep World
Skrillex: Probably the name most people associate with Dubstep. His tracks like “Bangarang” and “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” shook the scene.
Excision: Known for his heavy tracks and insane visuals at concerts.
Zeds Dead: A duo that blends various genres, but their Dubstep tracks are bangers for sure.
Flux Pavilion: Famous for hits like “I Can’t Stop” and “Bass Cannon.”
The Evolution
Dubstep is constantly evolving. It has spawned sub-genres like Brostep, which emphasizes the highs and lows, making tracks even more aggressive. There’s also Melodic Dubstep, which combines heavy drops with emotional melodies.
Where to Experience Dubstep
You haven’t truly experienced Dubstep until you’ve felt it live. Festivals like Lost Lands in the U.S. or Rampage in Europe are basically Dubstep meccas.
Dubstep in Pop Culture
Dubstep isn’t just confined to the audio realm. It’s infiltrated video games, movies, and even memes – remember Skrillex’s cameo in Wreck-It Ralph?
Now you know what Dubstep is, where it came from, and why it’s more than just noise.