Why Dubstep Isn’t Music
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Why Dubstep Isn’t Music
A lot of people seem to think that dubstep is a new genre of music. It’s not. It’s a disease.
What is dubstep?
Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in South London in the late 1990s. It is generally characterized by sparse, syncopated rhythmic patterns with prominent sub-bass frequencies. The style emerged as an offshoot of UK garage, drawing on a lineage of related styles such as 2-step and dub reggae.
In the 2010s, the genre began to be increasingly characterized by a more minimalistic approach, with many tracks employing a “less is more” aesthetic. This was in part due to the influence of folks within the dubstep community who were exploring techno and house music. The genre has also been associated with the “bass culture” movement in the UK, which promotes the use of sub-bass sound systems at clubs and festivals.
The history of dubstep
Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in South London in the late 1990s. It is characterized by a sparse, syncopated drumbeat with heavy bass and sub-bass lines. The earliest dubstep tracks were often produced by 2-step garage producers, and the genre later developed into a distinct style with its own sound, aesthetics and culture.
Dubstep productions are often marked by a lack of melody, atmosphere and emotion, as well as a focus on beats and basslines. The style is often minimalistic and stripped down, with a heavy emphasis on bass. This can lead to dubstep being seen as “unmusical” or “lowbrow” by some people.
Despite its origins in underground dance music, dubstep has been increasingly mainstream in recent years, with artists such as Skrillex and Calvin Harris incorporating elements of the genre into their chart-topping pop hits.
The rise of dubstep
With the rise of dubstep in the early 2000s, many people began to question whether or not the genre could be considered music. This debate has continued to this day, with proponents of dubstep arguing that it is a valid form of music and detractors claiming that it is nothing more than noise.
There are a few key reasons why dubstep has been subjected to such scrutiny. Firstly, the genre often relies heavily on bass elements, which can be perceived as being repetitive and monotonous. Secondly, dubstep tracks often feature very little in the way of melodies or musical phrases, instead relying on sound effects and samples to create a sense of rhythm. Lastly, the tempo of dubstep is often slower than that of other genres, which can make it seem drowsy or even boring to some listeners.
Despite these criticisms, there are many people who enjoy listening to dubstep and consider it to be a valid form of music. The genre has actually been quite successful in recent years, with several artists achieving mainstream success. In the end, whether or not you enjoy listening to dubstep is a matter of personal taste.
The fall of dubstep
In the early 2010s, dubstep was one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music. But by the end of the decade, its popularity had declined sharply. There are several reasons for this.
First, dubstep was never really its own genre. It was always a fusion of other genres, primarily two-step garage and drum and bass. As those genres evolved, dubstep lost its distinctiveness.
Second, dubstep was always a niche genre. It was never as mainstream as techno or house music. This made it more difficult for it to adapt as tastes changed.
Third, dubstep was too closely associated with EDM culture, which became increasingly disliked in the 2010s. This is particularly true in the UK, where dubstep originated.
Fourth, dubstep producers began to rely too heavily on artificial sounds and drum machines, which made the genre sound dated.
Finally, many people simply got tired of dubstep’s repetitiveness and lack of melody. It became stale and uninteresting.
Why dubstep isn’t music
dubstep, a type of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1990s, is characterized by its heavy bass and drum sounds. It’s often criticized for being too repetitive and simplistic, and many people argue that it isn’t “real” music.
