The Rise of Electronic Dance Music Dubstep
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The rise of electronic dance music has been nothing short of meteoric. In the past decade, the genre has exploded in popularity, with artists like Skrillex and Calvin Harris becoming household names. At the heart of this phenomenon is dubstep, a subgenre that has taken the world by storm.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the history of dubstep, its key features, and why it’s become so popular. We’ll also explore some of the
Origins of dubstep
Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in London, England in the late 1990s. It is characterized by a distinctive sub-bass sound and a slow, complex rhythm often support by half-time percussion.
The earliest dubstep tracks were produced by UK garage producers such as Skepta and Wiley, who experimented with incorporating elements of dub and reggae into their productions. These early tracks were generally overshadowed by the more popular 2-step and grime genres that dominated the UK garage scene at the time. However, dubstep began to gain popularity in the late 2000s as producers such as Burial and Kode9 began to release tracks on new labels such as Hyperdub and Tempa.
In the 2010s, dubstep experienced a massive surge in popularity, becoming one of the most commercially successful genres of electronic dance music. Its success was aided by the rise of streaming services such as SoundCloud and Spotify, which helped to expose a wider audience to the genre. Prominent dubstep artists in the 2010s include Skrillex, Calvin Harris, and Diplo.
The dubstep sound
The dubstep sound is characterized by a number of distinct features. First, it is typified by a two-step drum pattern that helps to create a sense of forward momentum and energy. Second, dubstep producers often use a range of different synthesizers and sound effects to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Finally, the music is often punctuated by “drops,” which are sudden changes in the song’s energy level that can be quite exhilarating for listeners.
The dubstep scene
In the late 2000s, a new type of electronic dance music emerged from the UK: dubstep. With its dark, brooding sound and heavy bass, dubstep was the perfect soundtrack for illegal warehouse parties and underground raves.
Soon, dubstep began to take over the mainstream music scene. Top 40 radio stations started playing dubstep tracks, and big-name EDM DJs like Skrillex and Calvin Harris started incorporating it into their sets. By 2012, dubstep was one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music.
Today, the dubstep scene is as strong as ever. New artists are constantly pushing the boundaries of the genre, and there seems to be no end in sight for its popularity.
The dubstep phenomenon
The dubstep phenomenon began in the early 2000s in the UK, with artists like Skream, Benga, and Artwork pioneering the new sound. These electronic producers took elements of 2-step garage and jungle and slowed them down to half-time, creating a dark, brooding style of music that was perfect for late-night clubbing. The dubstep sound soon caught on in the US, with producers like Rusko and Flux Pavilion leading the charge. By 2012, dubstep had taken over the mainstream, with artists like Skrillex and Baauer topping the charts with their huge hits “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” and “Harlem Shake.”
The future of dubstep
While the origins of dubstep are often debated, the genre has grown exponentially in popularity over the past decade. Dubstep music is characterized by its heavy bassline and drumbeat, as well as its use of samples and synthesizers. The genre has been used in a variety of films and video games, and has even spawned its own subculture.
As dubstep evolves, producers are experimenting with new sounds and styles. Basslines are becoming more complex, and sound design is becoming more creative. Tracks are often shorter and more focused on creating a mood or atmosphere. As the genre continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that we will see even more innovation in the years to come.
