What is Dubstep?
Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in the early 2000s in the United Kingdom. It is characterized by its heavy bass, syncopated rhythms, and sparse, minimalist arrangements. Dubstep also incorporates elements of other genres, such as garage, drum and bass, and reggae.
One of the key differences between Dubstep and other forms of EDM is its use of the "wobble bass" sound, which is created by modulating a low-frequency oscillator to produce a distinctive "wobbly" sound. Dubstep also tends to be slower than other forms of EDM, with a typical tempo of around 140 beats per minute.
Some characteristics that set Dubstep apart from other EDM genres:
Heavy basslines: Dubstep is known for its deep, heavy basslines, which are often the most prominent element of the track.
Syncopated rhythms: Dubstep often features complex, syncopated rhythms that create a sense of tension and release.
Minimalist arrangements: Dubstep tracks tend to have simple, stripped-down arrangements that allow the bass and percussion to stand out.
Use of effects: Dubstep producers often use a variety of effects, such as filters and delays, to create unique sounds and textures.
Sub-bass drops: A common feature of dubstep tracks is the “sub-bass drop,” in which the bassline drops suddenly to create a dramatic effect.
Some well known dubstep artists include:
- Skrillex: Skrillex is an American DJ, producer, and musician who helped popularize dubstep music in the early 2010s.
- Benga: Rusko is an English producer and DJ who was one of the pioneers of the dubstep genre.
- Rusko: Rusko is an English producer and DJ who was one of the pioneers of the dubstep genre.
- Zeds Dead: Zeds Dead is a Canadian duo known for their eclectic mix of electronic genres, including dubstep.
- Excision: Excision is a Canadian DJ and producer known for his heavy, hard-hitting dubstep tracks.
- Downlink: Another Canadian producer who frequently collaborates with Excision.
- Flux Pavilion: Flux Pavilion is a British producer and DJ who gained popularity in the dubstep scene with his hit.
- Zeds Dead: Zeds Dead is a Canadian duo known for their eclectic mix of electronic genres, including dubstep.
- Caspa: Caspa is a British dubstep producer and DJ who helped shape the early dubstep sound.
- Doctor P: Doctor P is a British producer and DJ known for his catchy, upbeat dubstep tracks.
- Knife Party: Electronic dance outfit Knife Party started as a side project featuring the two founding members of Perth, Australia's long-running drum'n'bass act Pendulum. Emerging in the early 2010s, the pair made an early splash on a collaboration with Swedish House Mafia, the multi-platinum "Antidote." They went on to release a handful of EPs that charted across the globe, issuing their official debut full-length, Abandon Ship, in 2014.
- Bassnectar:
- Burial: Burial is the pseudonym of British electronic musician William Bevan, known for his atmospheric blend of dubstep, ambient, and UK garage.
- Nero: Nero is a British electronic music duo known for their blend of dubstep, drum and bass, and house music.
These artists are known for their heavy use of bass and their ability to create intense, high-energy tracks that are perfect for dance floors and festivals.
Some Top Dubstep Songs
Skrillex ft. Sirah
- “Bangarang” was one of his biggest hits, featuring heavy bass drops and Sirah’s catchy vocals.
- “Everyday” is a classic Rusko track with wobbling bass and
infectious melodies.
- “Crowd Control” is a prime example of their intense dubstep sound.
“I Can’t Stop.” The track features his signature wobbling bass and catchy vocal samples.
“Adrenaline” features heavy bass drops and glitchy, distorted synths.
Skrillex - (Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites)
“Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” is one of his most famous tracks, featuring catchy vocal samples and aggressive bass drops.
Benga & Coki - “Night”: Benga and Coki are both British dubstep producers who were part of the early dubstep scene in the UK.
“Night” is a classic track from the two producers, featuring a deep, rolling bassline and haunting synths.
Rusko - “Cockney Thug”
“Cockney Thug” is one of his most famous tracks, featuring a heavy bassline and energetic synths.
Excision & Downlink - (Existence VIP)
“Existence VIP” is a reworked version of their original track “Existence,” featuring even more intense bass drops and glitchy sound design.
Doctor P (Sweet Shop)
"Sweet Shop” is one of his most famous songs, featuring a playful melody and heavy bass drops.
Nero “Promises”
“Promises” is one of their biggest hits, featuring a catchy vocal hook and pulsing bass drops.
Caspa - (Rubber Chicken)
“Rubber Chicken” is a classic track from Caspa, featuring a bouncing bassline and glitchy sound design.
Burial - (Archangel)
“Archangel” is one of his most famous tracks, featuring haunting melodies and textured soundscapes.
Knife Party (Internet Friends)
"Internet Friends"
Subscribe to Knife Party's YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/KnifePartyInc
Taken from the debut EP '100% No Modern Talking' available to download for free from http://knifeparty.com and http://facebook.com/knifeparty
Also available to buy from all good digital stores
These tracks showcase the heavy bass, syncopated rhythms, and minimalist arrangements that are characteristic of the dubstep genre.
