The Rise of Middle Eastern Dubstep Music
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The rise of Middle Eastern dubstep music has been nothing short of meteoric. In just a few short years, the genre has gone from being relatively unknown to taking the world by storm.
And there’s no sign of the Middle Eastern dubstep music phenomenon slowing down anytime soon. If anything, it seems to be only getting bigger and bigger. So what’s behind the rise of this musical genre?
The History of Dubstep
The history of dubstep is often traced back to the early 2000s, when a group of producers in South London started experimenting with the use of 2-step garage rhythms in their productions. This new sound, which came to be known as dubstep, was characterized by its heavy basslines, sparse beats, and dark, atmospheric soundscapes.
While dubstep initially gained traction within the underground club scene in London, it quickly began to gain popularity worldwide. In the 2010s, dubstep producers began incorporating elements of other genres like trap and grime into their productions. This new sound, which came to be known as “trap-step” or “gutter-step,” was characterized by its hard-hitting basslines and 808 drums.
Today, dubstep remains one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music (EDM). Its popularity has led to the rise of a number of subgenres, including wonky, half-time, and brostep.
The Influence of Middle Eastern Culture
The dubstep music scene in the Middle East has been growing rapidly in recent years. The popularity of the genre can be traced back to the 2010s when artists likeSkrillexandZomboybegan to gain popularity in the region.
The Influence of Arabic Music
While the term “Arabic music” is typically used to refer to the music of the Arab world, it actually has a much broader history and influence. Arabic music has been around for centuries, and has been a major influence on other genres of music, including Western classical music, jazz, and even dubstep.
The Arab world is home to some of the oldest and most iconic musical traditions in the world. Arabic music is incredibly diverse, with different regions and cultures developing their own unique styles. Despite this diversity, there are some common elements that are found across all Arabic music, including the use of microtones (quarter-tones), complex rhythms, and intricate melodies.
Arabic music has had a significant impact on Western classical music. Many of the theory and notation systems that are used in Western classical music today were developed by Arab musicians in the medieval period. Arabic music also played a role in the development of jazz. Jazz Legend Duke Ellington famously said that “jazz was owes its origins to the Arabs”, and many jazz musicians have been influenced by Arabic scales and rhythms.
In recent years, Arabic music has also had a significant impact on dubstep. One of the most popular dubstep tracks of all time, “Mood Jihad” by British-Iraqi producer Baauer, samples an iconic Arabic vocal melody. And faultlines’ track “Riddim Dub” samples an Egyptian singer performing traditional Sufi chants. These tracks show just how deeply influential Arabic music can be – even on genres that may initially seem quite far removed from its roots.
The Influence of Turkish Music
While the United States, Europe, and other areas of the world were influenced by British and American music in the twentieth century, the Middle East was under the spell of Egyptian music. Egyptian music, which is a mix of Arab, Turkish, African, Persian, and Indian elements, has long been popular in the region. In recent years, however, Turkish music has begun to make inroads, particularly among young people.
Turkey is a country with a rich musical tradition. Turkish folk music is characterized by its use of indigenous instruments and vocal styles. These include the zurna (a kind of oboe), the ney (a flute), and the oud (a string instrument). Turkish classical music is also highly respected; it is based on Persian and Arabic musical traditions, but also incorporates elements from Byzantine, Central Asian, and Turkish folk music.
In recent years, however, it is Turkish pop music that has become most popular in the Middle East. This form of music combines elements of Western pop with traditional Turkish instruments and melodies. It first gained popularity in Turkey itself in the late 1990s and early 2000s; then, as more and more people in the Middle East began to accessTurkish-language media via satellite TV and the Internet, Turkish pop music began to find an audience in other countries as well.
One of the most popular Turkish pop stars is Tarkan; he has been described as the “Prince of Pop” and has sold millions of records both in Turkey and abroad. Other well-known Turkish pop stars include Mustafa Sandal and Murat Boz.
The rise of Turkish pop music has had a significant impact on Middle Eastern culture. Young people in particular have been drawn to this new form of music, which they see as modern and trendsetting. This has led to a increase in demand for Turkish-language media content (such as TV shows) in other countries of the region.
The New Generation of Middle Eastern Dubstep Artists
The new generation of Middle Eastern dubstep artists are making a name for themselves in the music industry. With their unique style and sound, these artists are quickly gaining popularity. Some of the most popular Middle Eastern dubstep artists include Borgore, Skream, andNumber Nin6.
Omar Basaad
Omar Basaad is a Canadian-born, Arabic-speaking DJ and producer of Egyptian descent. His music is a unique blend of Middle Eastern and Western sounds, with a heavy emphasis on dubstep and trap. Basaad has been described as “one of the most exciting new voices in electronic music”, and his work has been praised for its originality and creativity.
J-One
J-One is a rising star in the world of Middle Eastern dubstep music. Hailing from Lebanon, J-One has been making waves with his unique blend of traditional Arabic sounds and modern dubstep beats.
J-One’s music is characterized by its heavy basslines and Middle Eastern influences. His tracks often feature traditional instruments like the oud and the darbuka, as well as Arabic vocals. This combination of old and new makes J-One’s music stand out from other dubstep artists.
J-One’s popularity is growing rapidly, both in the Middle East and internationally. He has already performed at major festivals like Sunburn and Glastonbury, and his debut album is due to be released later this year. With his fresh perspective on dubstep music, J-One is sure to make a big impact on the scene in the years to come.
DJ Shanti
Shanti, real name Mostafa Farag, is a 27-year-old producer hailing from Cairo, Egypt. Heavily inspired by the work of Muslimgauze and Burial, Shanti’s music is atmospheric and intensely evocative, with a strong sense of place and time. His 2016 album Sands of Time was one of the most acclaimed electronica releases of the year, and he has since followed it up with the equally praised Desert Dreams.