Dubstep

What is Dubstep?

Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music known for its heavy, deep basslines, syncopated rhythms, and dramatic drops. While its modern form developed in the late 1990s in the UK, its roots trace back to the late 1960s in Jamaica, where it originated as a subgenre of reggae. The genre later gained traction in London’s underground club scene before spreading to the United States. Dubstep emerged from a blend of influences like dub, garage, and grime, with pioneering artists such as Skream, Benga, and Burial playing key roles in shaping its early sound. Dubstep's core elements include slow, half-time beats (typically around 140 BPM), bass wobbles, and creative sound design.

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Subgenres of Dubstep

Brostep

Brostep shares the same tempo as dubstep, typically 140 BPM (or 70 in half-time), but it stands out as a more intense and aggressive variation. It's known for its heavily distorted bass synths and prominent "wubs," with a focus on sharp, metallic sounds and robotic fluctuations that give it a rough, industrial edge. Brostep gained mainstream popularity in the early 2010s by American producer Skrillex and eventually picked up traction amongst other artists such as Excision.

Melodic Dubstep

Melodic dubstep is a subgenre of dubstep that combines the heavy bass and drops of traditional dubstep with melodic, atmospheric elements. It features uplifting melodies, emotional breakdowns, and a more harmonically rich sound, often creating a balance between intense drops and serene, melodic sections.

Future Bass

Future bass is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 21st century, blending elements of trap and dubstep with melodic, atmospheric sounds. It features heavy basslines, syncopated rhythms, and lush synths, often creating a dynamic, emotional sound. It is known for its use of vocal chops and vibrant, uplifting melodies.

Riddim

The term "riddim" comes from the Jamaican pronunciation of "rhythm" and is rooted in reggae music. It’s known for its stripped-down, heavy basslines and simple, repetitive rhythms, often with percussive triplets and extreme low-end frequencies. Riddim typically avoids vocal overlays, complex melodies, or intricate chord progressions. Its sound is often described as aggressive and swampy, with a raw, underground vibe that has become increasingly mainstream in recent years. Riddim usually operates within the 140 to 150 BPM range, similar to dubstep, but is distinguished by more space between sounds and wide, echoing delays.