How to Make Dubstep Music

A beginner’s guide to making dubstep music with tips and advice on the best software to use and where to find samples.

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, characterised by a dark and intense sound that drew comparisons to dark garage and techno. A key characteristic of early dubstep was the use of sampled sounds and loops from a range of sources, including film and television scores, video games, and field recordings.

In the 2010s, the genre entered the mainstream with the release of commercial singles such as “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” by Skrillex and “In for the Kill” by La Roux. The popularity of dubstep led to a wave of spin-off genres such as future garage, wonky music, brostep, and bassline house.

The History of Dubstep

The history of Dubstep begins in the late 1990s, when a group of producers in London started experimenting with mixing elements of 2-step garage and other dance music with the heavy basslines and dark atmospheres of dub reggae. This new style of music, which came to be known as dubstep, quickly gained popularity in underground clubs and soon began appearing on mainstream radio and in the pop charts.

In the early 2000s, Dubstep began to evolve into a more commercial sound, as producers started to experiment with different tempos, rhythms, and synthesizer sounds. This new sound was pioneered by artists like Skream and Benga, who released a string of successful singles and albums that pushed the boundaries of what Dubstep could be.

As Dubstep became more popular, it began to attract attention from outside the underground club scene. In 2007, Dubstep producer Rusko released a cover of Madonna’s “Music” that became a surprise hit on YouTube, exposing the style to a whole new audience. In 2010, British pop singer Ellie Goulding scored a number one hit with her song “Starry Eyed,” which featured a prominent dubstep drop.

Since then, Dubstep has continued to grow in popularity around the world, spawning countless subgenres and influencing other styles of electronic music.

The Basics of Making Dubstep

Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in the early 2000s in the United Kingdom. It is characterized by a distinctive wobble bass sound and fast, syncopated rhythms. If you’re interested in making your own dubstep music, there are a few things you need to know. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of making dubstep music.

The Right Software

When it comes to making dubstep, the right software is essential. A lot of people try to use general purpose music production software, thinking that they can just figure it out as they go. This might work for some people, but if you want to make professional sounding dubstep it’s important to start with the right tools.

The two most popular pieces of software for making dubstep are Ableton Live and Logic Pro. These are both professional quality music production suites that come with everything you need to make great sounding dubstep. If you’re serious about making dubstep, either of these programs will be a good investment.

Once you have your software sorted out, the next step is to find some good quality samples and presets to use in your tracks. There are a lot of different places to find samples online, but make sure you get ones that are high quality and royalty free. Once you have your samples, you can start messing around with them in your chosen software and start building up your track.

The Right Samples

If you’re wondering how to make dubstep, one of the most important things you need to know is how to find the right samples. After all, the samples you use will be the foundation of your track.

When it comes to finding dubstep samples, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure that the samples you choose are high quality. Dubstep is all about crisp, clean sound design, so using low-quality samples will only hurt your track.

Second, you’ll want to make sure that the samples you choose fit together well. This means choosing samples that are in the same key and tempo. By doing this, you’ll make it much easier for yourself when it comes time to actually make your track.

Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the samples you choose are interesting and unique. There’s no point in using boring, generic sounds in your track. By using interesting and unique sounds, you’ll be able to create a track that stands out from the rest.

Keep these things in mind and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect dubstep samples for your next track.

The Right Sounds

Creating the right sounds is the first and most important step to making dubstep. A good way to start is by finding a software that has a lot of different sound options, like Massive or Serum. Once you have your software, you’ll need to find some good samples. Look for drums that have a lot of bass and are low in pitch. A lot of times, people will use distorted or filtered snares to create dubstep beats as well.

Putting it all Together

Dubstep music consists of a mixture of sounds, some of which you may already have on your computer. In this section, we will show you how to download and install the necessary software, as well as how to create and mix the various sounds together to create your own dubstep track.

The Drop

Now that you have all the elements of your dubstep track, it’s time to put them all together and create the “drop.” This is the part of the song that is most associated with dubstep, and is often the heaviest, most intense part of the track. The drop is usually introduced by a build-up section, which gradually increases in energy until it reaches a peak. Then, the bass and drums come in for the drop itself.

When creating your drop, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that your bass is nice and heavy. This is the most important element of dubstep, so don’t be afraid to go all out with it. Second, your drums should be equally as hard-hitting. Third, you’ll want to add in some effects to really give your drop some extra punch. Reverb and delay are two common effects that are often used in dubstep drops.

Once you have your drop complete, you can add in the rest of your track around it. Dubstep tracks typically build up to the drop, then return to a more subdued section after the drop has occurred. This gives the listener a chance to catch their breath before being hit with another massive dose of bass and drums!

The Buildup

A typical dubstep song structure features a lengthy build-up, followed by a heavy drop. The buildup is important because it allows the song to gradually increase in intensity, which makes the drop all the more impactful.

There are a few different ways to approach the buildup. Some producers like to start with a slow, atmospheric intro that gradually gets more and more energetic. Others prefer to start with a bang and then add in more layers as the song progresses.

One thing that all good buildups have in common is a clear sense of progression. Each new element should add something to the mix and take the song one step closer to theDrop.

As you’re working on your buildup, it can be helpful to think about which elements you want to bring in and when. A good rule of thumb is to start with the drums and then add in basslines, melodies, and other elements one at a time.

It’s also important to leave some space in your mix for each new element that you add. If everything is crammed together, it will be hard for the listener to appreciate each individual sound. A good way to create some space is by using filters or EQs to cut out certain frequencies when certain elements are not playing.

Finally, don’t forget about the all-important transition into the drop! This is often accomplished with a simple drum fill or Melody change that signals to the listener that something big is about to happen.

The Breakdown

Now that you understand the basic idea behind dubstep, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty and learn how to make this type of music. Just like any other type of electronic dance music, dubstep is all about layering different sounds on top of each other to create a unique and interesting sound. The key difference with dubstep is that the focus is on the “drop,” or the moment in the song when all of the different elements come together to create a huge punch of sound.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create a basic dubstep track:

– A drum loop: This will be the foundation of your track, so make sure it has a solid bassline and some nice 808 kick drums.

– A bassline: This should be a sub-bass synth line that complements your drum loop nicely.

– Some melody: Now it’s time to add some texture to your track with some melody. This can be anything from a simple lead synth line to more complex chords. Just make sure it doesn’t clash with your other elements too much.

– Some effects: To really bring your track to life, you’ll need to add some effects like reverb, delay, and filter sweeps. These will help fill out the sound and make everything gel together nicely.

Conclusion

Now that you know the basics of how to make dubstep music, you can start experimenting with your own sounds and beats. Remember to keep your tracks simple, and don’t be afraid to try new things. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create dubstep tracks that will get people moving.