Is Dubstep Based on Video Game Music?

A lot of people ask me if dubstep is based on video game music. The answer is yes and no. While there are some tracks that sample video game music, the genre as a whole is not based on video game music.

Introduction

Video game music has come a long way since the early days of bleeps and bloops. Now, video game soundtracks are often lauded for their quality, blending well with the action on screen and becoming earworms in their own right. Some have even argued that video game music is its own genre, with recognizable tropes and conventions.

Within this growing genre of video game music, there is a subgenre that has been getting a lot of attention in recent years: dubstep. Dubstep, for those who are not familiar, is a type of electronic dance music characterized by heavy bass and rhythmic footsteps. It often features samples from other songs or movies, which are then chopped up and rearranged into a new song.

So what does this have to do with video games? Well, it turns out that dubstep and video game music share a lot of common ground. Both genres make use of strong bass lines and rhythmic elements, and both often feature samples from other sources. In fact, some argue that dubstep is simply an evolution of video game music, taking the basic ideas and conventions of the genre and amplifying them to create something new and exciting.

What is Dubstep?

Dubstep is a type of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by a heavy bass line and syncopated drums. Many people believe that dubstep is based on video game music.

The Origin of 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 range of influences including jungle, 2-step, and dub.

The earliest dubstep releases date back to 1998, and the genre continued to evolve throughout the early 2000s. Dubstep began to achieve mainstream popularity in the 2010s, culminating in the release of several commercial hits. In the 2020s, dubstep has continued to be successful, with artists like Jauz and Virtual Riot achieving international fame.

Despite its relatively young age, dubstep has already undergone several changes and evolution since its inception in the late 1990s. The earliest releases were largely influenced by UK garage and jungle, two genres that were popular at the time. As dubstep developed in the early 2000s, it began to incorporate elements of 2-step and dub. These new genres helped to shape the sound of dubstep and make it into the distinct genre it is today.

In the 2010s, dubstep began to achieve mainstream success. This was largely due to the popularity of commercial hits like Skrillex’s “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” and Calvin Harris’ “Awakening”. As dubstep became more popular, it began to branch out into different subgenres and styles. Today, there are many different types of dubstep being produced by artists all over the world.

The Sound of Dubstep

The sound of dubstep is often described as dark, menacing, and aggressive. It is characterized by heavy basslines, syncopated drum patterns, and simple melodic motifs. The tempo is usually around 140 beats per minute, and the music often features sparse, minimalistic arrangements. Dubstep originated in London in the early 2000s, and it has since become one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music.

Video Game Music

Dubstep, like all other electronic dance music, has its origins in video game music. The 8-bit sounds of early video game consoles were the first electronic music to be played in clubs. These sounds were then further developed by artists like Aphex Twin and Squarepusher to create the dubstep sound that we know today. So, in a way, you could say that dubstep is based on video game music.

The Origins of Video Game Music

The origins of video game music are as old as video games themselves. One of the earliest examples of video game music was created by Japanese video game developer Koji Kondo for the 1985 Nintendo game Super Mario Bros. The theme song, which has become one of the most recognized and iconic pieces of video game music, was inspired by a Italian folk song called “Turkey in the Straw”.

Video game music has come a long way since then, with composers creating complex and emotive pieces that convey the mood and atmosphere of the games they are written for. Today, video game music is widely appreciated by gamers and non-gamers alike, with many concert series and fan remixes dedicated to its celebration.

The Sound of Video Game Music

Video game music is one of the most popular and iconic genres in the world. It has been used in movies, TV shows, and even commercials. But what is it about video game music that makes it so special?

For one, video game music is often based on classical music. This gives it a unique sound that is both familiar and new. Additionally, video game music often relies heavily on melody and repetition. This can create an addictive quality that keeps people coming back for more.

Finally, video game music often has a positive or upbeat tone. This can help players feel more motivated and engaged with the game. It also helps to create a sense of community among players.

The Relationship Between Dubstep and Video Game Music

Dubstep music has its roots in electronic dance music and was first created in the late 1990s. The music is typified by its heavy bass, which often drones on for long periods of time. This can create a feeling of unease or even anxiety in some people. The genre has its origins in video game music, specifically the 8-bit and 16-bit music of early console games.

The Similarities Between Dubstep and Video Game Music

While the term “dubstep” didn’t originate until the late 1990s, the musical style can trace its roots back to the 1980s, when early electronic musicians experimented with melding Jamaican dub reggae with British techno. This new sound quickly caught on in the underground club scene in London, and by the early 2000s, dubstep had become its own distinct genre.

Interestingly, dubstep shares several key sonic characteristics with another relatively new musical phenomenon: video game music. Like dubstep, video game music often features a heavy focus on bass, as well as synthesizers and other electronic instrumentation. In addition, both genres often make use of “glitchy” or distorted sounds, which adds to their overall sense of unease or uneasiness.

Of course, there are also some key differences between dubstep and video game music. For one, video game music is often designed to be “catchy” or memorable, whereas dubstep is typically more atmospheric and abstract. In addition, video game music is often based around traditional song structures (verse-chorus-verse), whereas dubstep tracks are usually much more experimental and open-ended.

So what does all this mean? It’s hard to say for sure. But it’s interesting to note the similarities between these two relatively new musical genres. Could it be that dubstep is indirectly influenced by video game music? Or are the similarities simply coincidental? Only time will tell.

The Differences Between Dubstep and Video Game Music

Dubstep and video game music are two genres that often overlap. Many dubstep producers have cited video game music as an influence, and there are numerous examples of songs with a clear video game influence. However, there are also some important differences between the two genres.

Video game music is often designed to be background music, while dubstep is usually designed to be the focus of attention. Video game music is often more melodic and has a stronger sense of melody than dubstep. Dubstep is also usually more bass-heavy than video game music.

Conclusion

It’s safe to say that yes, dubstep is based on video game music. The popular style of electronic dance music (EDM) has relocated from its early origins in the clubs of London to the mainstream music festival circuits of America, and it has done so by fusing the sounds of two very different cultures.