How to Create a Dubstep Music Composition

In this blog post, you will learn how to create a dubstep music composition using the must have keywords.

Introduction

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 achieve mainstream popularity in the UK, and was also encapsulated by the rise of online music platforms such as SoundCloud and YouTube. In the same decade, dubstep composers began to experiment with other genres, resulting in fusion genres such as future garage and wonky music.

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 early 2000s, dubstep began to emerge as a distinct genre in its own right, with artists such as Burial and Benga releasing pioneering records on new imprints such as Hyperdub and Tempa. The genre found wider recognition in the 2010s, with mainstream releases from artists such as Skrillrex, deadmau5, and Nero. Day-glo EDM anthems like Flux Pavilion’s “Bass Cannon” and Virtual Riot’s “Warehouse” brought the wobbling bass lines and stuttering beats of dubstep to festivals around the world.

The Equipment You Need

In order to create a dubstep music composition, you will need a computer with a music production program, a MIDI keyboard, and a good set of headphones. Once you have all of your equipment set up, you will need to choose the type of dubstep beat that you want to create. There are many different types of dubstep beats, so make sure to do some research before making your final decision. After you have chosen your beat, it is time to start creating your composition!

When creating your composition, it is important to keep in mind the structure of a typical dubstep song. A typical dubstep song consists of four parts: the intro, the drop, the build-up, and the outro. The intro should be around eight bars long and should serve as an introduction to the rest of the song. The drop is the part of the song where the bass and drums really come in and make things bang. This section should be around sixteen bars long. The build-up is a section that leads into the drop and includes elements such as synths and strings that gradually get louder and more intense. This section should be around eight bars long. Finally, the outro is a short section that brings the song to a close.

Now that you know the basic structure of a dubstep song, it is time to start adding in your own elements and sounds. When choosing sounds for your composition, it is important to remember that less is more in dubstep music. Too many sounds can make your composition sound cluttered and muddy. Instead, focus on choosing a few high-quality sounds that complement each other well. Once you have your sound palette set up, you can start programming your drums. When programming drums for dubstep compositions, it is important to use lots of subdivisions and syncopations to create an aggressive yet danceable groove.

Once you have your drums programmed, it is time to add in basslines and synth melodies. When creating basslines for dubstep compositions, it is important to focus on creating lines that are both catchy and easy to follow. One way to do this is by using simple chord progressions that resolve back to the root note every four bars or so. As for synth melodies, again less is more; simple melodies with lots of movement are typically most effective in this genre.

Finally, once you have all of your elements in place, it is time to mix and master your track. When mixing dubstep compositions, it is important to leave plenty of headroom so that everything has room to breathe. In terms of EQing things like basses and kick drums, again less is more; too much EQ can kill a track’s energy very quickly. When mastering dubstep tracks, it is important not to overcompress them; doing so will result in a track that lacks punch and dynamics

The Software You Need

To create a dubstep music composition, you will need a computer with music production software installed. The most popular software programs for this purpose are FL Studio, Cubase, and Logic Pro. You can find more information on these programs and others like them on the website for the software company Image-Line.

Once you have chosen your software, you will need to choose a sound card that is compatible with it. A sound card is a device that allows your computer to play audio files. The best sound cards for music production are typically those that have either an input or an output port that is separate from the computer’s main audio port. This will allow you to connect your sound card to other devices, such as speakers or headphones, without disrupting the main audio output of your computer.

Once you have chosen your software and sound card, you will need to select a virtual instrument (VI) that you would like to use in your composition. A VI is a software program that generates sounds that can be played back on a computer. There are many different types of VIs available, and the one you choose will depend on the type of music you would like to create. Dubstep music typically uses synthesizers and drum machines to create its unique sound.

The Steps to Creating a Dubstep Music Composition

Creating a dubstep composition is not incredibly difficult, but it does require some basic understanding of music composition and arrangement. If you’re new to music composition, or just want to brush up on the basics, check out our guide on how to get started composing music.

Assuming you have a basic understanding of music composition, the first step to creating a dubstep track is to choose your tempo. Dubstep tracks typically have a tempo of 140-145 beats per minute (bpm), so keep that in mind when choosing your tempos.

The next step is to choose your drum samples. Dubstep tracks often have heavy, distorted bass drums and snares, so choose your samples accordingly. You’ll also want to add in some hi-hats and cymbals to give your track some texture.

Once you have your drum samples sorted out, it’s time to start layering in your bassline. Again, dubstep tracks tend to have heavy, distorted basslines, so choose your samples accordingly. If you’re not sure how to create a bassline, our guide on how to create basslines will come in handy.

After you have your bassline sorted out, it’s time to add in the rest of your instrumentation. Typically, this will include synth pads and leads, as well as any other sounds that you feel will complement your track. Experiment with different sounds and see what works best for your particular composition.

Finally, once you have all of your instrumentation sorted out, it’s time to start mixing and mastering your track. This is where you’ll really bring everything together and make it sound polished and professional. If you’re not sure how to mix and master a track, our guide on how to mix and master music will come in handy.

Conclusion

Creating a dubstep music composition is not as difficult as it may seem. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to create a professional-sounding dubstep track that will impress your listeners. If you take the time to learn the basics of music composition and sound design, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful dubstep producer.