Music Like Dubstep: What is it and Where to Find it

A comprehensive guide to understanding what dubstep is, its origins, and where to find the best tunes.

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.

Early dubstep was often more minimalist, with tracks typically featuring two or three layers of rhythmic elements and one or two basslines. These tracks were often released on 12-inch singles or EPs, making them accessible to a wider audience than the underground club scene where dubstep first emerged. In the mid-2000s, the style began to evolve into a more complex form, with additional melodic and percussive elements becoming more common. This process was facilitated by the development of new production software such as Ableton Live and Logic Pro.

As dubstep became more popular in the early 2010s, it began to be incorporated into other genres of electronic music such as house and techno. This process was helped by the rise of social media platforms such as SoundCloud, which allowed for easier sharing and discovery of new music. By the end of the decade, dubstep had become one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music, with artists such as Skrillex and Calvin Harris achieving mainstream success.

Origins 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, when producers began incorporating the characteristic rhythms and sound textures of 2-step into their tracks.

The earliest dubstep tracks were often dark and minimalist, featuring repetitive basslines and simple drum patterns. However, the genre has since evolved to encompass a wide range of styles, from the more experimental and minimal soundscapes of early dubstep to the more pop-oriented productions that have become increasingly prevalent in recent years.

If you’re looking for some good dubstep to listen to, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite tracks below.

Characteristics of dubstep

At its simplest, dubstep is characterized by sparse, syncopated rhythmic patterns with prominent sub-bass frequencies. Many dubstep tracks incorporate one or more “drop” – a sudden transition to a bass-heavy section – while others maintain a consistent rhythm throughout. In addition to the heavy bass, dubstep often features dark, ominous synthesizers and other sound effects.

Where to find dubstep

There is no one definitive answer to this question. Different people enjoy different types of music, and what one person considers to be dubstep may not be considered as such by someone else. There are a variety of ways to find dubstep music, including online radio stations, streaming services, and dedicated music websites. Some people also enjoy creating their own dubstep mixes using software such as Ableton Live or Logic Pro.

Notable dubstep artists

Skrillex: One of the most famous dubstep artists, Skrillex is known for his unique style which blends heavy metal and dubstep. His song “Bangarang” was nominated for a Grammy award in 2012.

Zeds Dead: A Canadian duo, Zeds Dead is known for their catchy hooks and melodic drops. They have remixed songs by Radiohead and Lana Del Rey, and have collaborated with Diplo.

Flux Pavilion: A British producer, Flux Pavilion is known for his 2011 single “Bass Cannon”, which was featured in the game “Destiny”. He has also collaborated with Steve Aoki and Matthew Koma.

Slushii: A young producer from New York, Slushii is known for his bouncy, feel-good melodies. His song “So Long” has been featured in a commercial for the iPhone X.