How Dubstep is Influenced by Native American Music

Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by a sparse, syncopated rhythm with heavy bass and sub-bass lines. In this article, we’ll explore how dubstep is influenced by Native American music.

Introduction

While the exact origins of dubstep are unknown, the genre is clearly influenced by a number of music styles, including Jamaican dub and British garage. One less-recognized influence on dubstep is Native American music. In this article, we’ll explore how Native American music has helped shape the sound of dubstep.

The first thing to understand about Native American music is that it is highly rhythmic. This is due to the fact that many Native American cultures have a strong tradition of drumming. This drumming often forms the basis of their music, providing a steady beat that other instruments can play along with.

This focus on rhythm is something that is shared by dubstep. In dubstep, the drums are often the most important part of the song, providing a steady beat for the other instruments to follow. The bass lines in dubstep are also very important, and they often have a similar rhythmic quality to Native American drums.

Another similarity between Native American music and dubstep is the use of repetitive patterns. In much Native American music, there are sections where a particular melody or drumbeat is repeated over and over again. This creates a hypnotic effect that can be extremely effective in getting people to dance. Dubstep also often uses repetition in this way, which helps to create its signature sound.

Finally, both genres make use of unusual sound effects to create unexpected moments in their songs. In dubstep, these sound effects are often created with digital software such as Ableton Live or Logic Pro. However, they can also be created with more traditional instruments such as guitars or keyboards. In Native American music, these sound effects are sometimes created with natural sounds such as bird calls or wind chimes. Either way, these sound effects help to add an element of intrigue and mystery to the music.

As you can see, there are numerous similarities between dubstep and Native American music. These similarities likely arise from the fact that both genres place a strong emphasis on rhythm and repetition. If you enjoy one type of music, you may want to check out the other to see if it appeals to you as well

What is dubstep?

Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by a heavy bass sound with syncopated drum patterns and layered with textures and melodies. The genre has its roots in dub and reggae, as well as other electronic music genres such as techno, house, and Drum & Bass.

The influence of Native American music on dubstep

Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that is characterized by heavy bass and drumbeats. The origins of dubstep can be traced back to the early 2000s in the UK. The genre has been influenced by many different music styles, including Native American music.

The history of Native American music

While the earliest forms of Native American music can be traced back to the Paleo-Indian period, it was during the Archaic period (8000 – 1000 BCE) that some of the earliest musical instruments began to develop. The first musical instruments were probably percussion-based, such as drums and rattles, and would have likely been used for both music and ceremonial purposes.

As Native American cultures began to evolve and grow, so too did their music. New instrumentation, such as flutes and whistles, appeared; vocal music became more prominent; and new genres, such as social dancing songs and powwow music, developed. With the arrival of Europeans in North America in the late 15th century, Native American music began to change once again as it incorporated elements of European musical traditions.

Today, Native American music is a rich tapestry of sounds and styles that reflect the cultural diversity of indigenous peoples across North America. From the throat singing of Inuit cultures in Canada’s Arctic to the powwow music of the Plains Indians in the United States, there is a wide range of musical traditions that fall under the “Native American music” umbrella.

The influence of Native American music on dubstep

Dubstep producers are increasingly using samples of powwow music in their tracks. The driving drums and ethereal singing of traditional Native American music provides a perfect backdrop for the wobbly basslines and bleeps of dubstep.

Producers like Zeds Dead, Flux Pavilion, and Rusko have all used powwow samples in their tracks, and the trend is only growing. In an interview with NPR, Zeds Dead producer Dylan Mamid (aka Hooks) talks about how he was first introduced to powwow music by a friend, and how it immediately caught his attention:

“As soon as I heard it, I was like, ‘This is incredible.’ It’s such a driving sound, but then there’s this element of spirituality and soulfulness to it that I’d never experienced in any other kind of music before.”

Mamid is just one of many producers who are drawn to the spiritual quality of powwow music. In dubstep, which is often criticized for being dark and aggressive, the addition of powwow samples gives tracks a feeling of hope and positivity.

As the popularity of dubstep continues to grow, we can expect to hear more and more powwow-inspired tracks. So next time you’re listening to your favorite dubstep song, see if you can pick out the Powwow influence!

Conclusion

In conclusion, dubstep has been significantly influenced by music from Native American cultures. This can be heard in the use of percussion and wind instruments, as well as the overall sound of the music. While dubstep may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is undeniable that the genre has been heavily influenced by the sounds and rhythms of Native American music.