Dubstep: Is It Really Music?

In this post, we take a look at the history of dubstep and ask whether it really is music. We also explore the different sub-genres of dubstep and what sets them apart.

What is Dubstep?

Dubstep is a type of electronic dance music that originated in the early 2000s in the United Kingdom. It is characterized by a heavy bass line and often features distorted or chopped-up sounds. Dubstep is often associated with the subgenres of grime and garage.

The History of Dubstep

The history of dubstep is often told through the stories of two cities: London and Bristol. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, both London and Bristol were incubators for a new kind of music that would eventually be called dubstep. The sound was a dark,repetitive, and often menacing take on British garage music, with added elements of Jamaican dub and American hip-hop.

The first dubstep record is generally considered to be “Forward” byu El-B, which was released in 2000. Around the same time, another key figure in the history of dubstep was beginning to make a name for himself: Benga. Born in 1985, Benga was just 15 years old when he released his first track, “Skank,” in 2001.

In 2003, Benga and another key figure in dubstep’s history, Skream, founded the label Big Apple Records. Big Apple was one of the first labels to release dubstep tracks on vinyl, and its records helped to spread the sound beyond London and Bristol. One of the most important releases on Big Apple was Skream’s “Midnight Request Line,” which is often cited as one of the first true dubstep tracks.

As dubstep continued to evolve in the early 2000s, two camps began to form within the genre. On one side were those who saw it as dark and menacing music for DJs to spin in nightclubs; on the other side were those who saw it as something more than just club music—something that could be enjoyed by listeners at home as well as dancers in clubs. This debate continues to this day.

The Sound of Dubstep

The sound of dubstep is often characterized by its heavy bass, which is created by using a low-frequency oscillator to synthesize the sound of a kick drum. The genre also often make use of syncopated rhythms and stuttered, reverberant percussion. The term “dubstep” actually comes from the Dubplates that were popular in the UK underground music scene in the 1990s. These Dubplates were often made by cutting up and rearranging existing tracks to create new, unique mixes.

The Popularity of Dubstep

In recent years, dubstep has become one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music (EDM). It’s characterized by its heavy bass and aggressive drums, and it often features samples of other genres, such as hip-hop or reggae.

Despite its growing popularity, there is still some debate about whether or not dubstep is “real” music. Some people believe that it’s simply noise, while others argue that it’s a genuine art form.

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, and ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide whether or not they enjoy dubstep. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when thinking about this issue.

First, it’s important to remember that all music is subjective. What one person considers to be beautiful or interesting might sound like noise to someone else. There is no single definition of what constitutes “good” music; instead, it’s something that varies from person to person.

Second, the history of music is full of examples of genres that were initially dismissed as being unworthy of serious consideration. Jazz, for example, was once seen as little more than glorified background noise. Today, however, it is widely recognized as one of the most important and influential genres of the 20th century.

It’s possible that dubstep will someday achieve a similar level of respect and acclaim. Only time will tell. In the meantime, there’s no need to worry about whether or not it’s “real” music; just enjoy it (or don’t) according to your own taste.

Dubstep’s Influence on Other Music Genres

Dubstep has greatly influenced other music genres since it first gained popularity in the early 2000s. Its influence is particularly noticeable in electronic dance music (EDM) and hip hop. Many well-known artists in these genres have incorporated elements of dubstep into their music.

In EDM, dubstep is often used as a drop, which is a sudden change in the song’s tempo and energy level. This can make the song more exciting and create a sense of anticipation among listeners. Dubstep drops often use bass heavy sounds and distorted synths to create a sense of mayhem. Some well-known examples of songs with dubstep drops include Skrillex’s “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” and Knife Party’s ” Internet Friends.”

In hip hop, dubstep productions are often characterized by their dark, eerie atmospheres. This is achieved through the use of dark synth pads and loops, deep basslines, and percussion that is heavily processed with effects such as reverb and delay. Hip hop tracks that feature dubstep elements often have a slow tempo, which creates a sense of unease or tension. Some notable examples of songs that blend hip hop with dubstep include JAY-Z and Kanye West’s “Niggas in Paris” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Backseat Freestyle.”

The Future of Dubstep

As dubstep continues to evolve, many producers are experimenting with different sounds and styles. Some dubstep tracks now feature elements of grime, garage, house and even drum and bass. This means that the genre is constantly evolving and is always moving forward.

However, some people argue that dubstep is not really music. They claim that the genre is nothing more than noise, and that the tracks all sound the same.

Others argue that dubstep is the future of music. They believe that the genre has a lot of potential and is only going to get bigger and better.

So, what do you think? Is dubstep really music? Or is it just noise?