The Rise of Old School Music in the Dubstep Scene

As dubstep continues to evolve, we’re seeing a resurgence of old school sounds and vibes in the music. In this post, we explore the rise of old school music in the dubstep scene and what it means for the future of the genre.

The 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 drum and percussion patterns with bass lines that contain prominent sub-bass frequencies. The style emerged as a development within the UK garage music scene, and often features a half-time or slowed-down breakbeat.

The earliest dubstep tracks were often minimal in nature, with little more than a drum machine and a synth bassline. These early tracks were often played at nightclubs in the UK that specialized in dub and reggae soundsystem culture. Early dubstep tracks often incorporated elements of second-wave ska and punk rock, as well as Jamaican dancehall and dub music.

As the genre developed, it began to take on a more commercial form, with producers incorporating more pop and R&B influences into their tracks. This new wave of dubstep was often characterized by catchy hooks and melodies, as well as a focus on song structure rather than simply Jamaican soundsystem culture. By the early 2000s, dubstep had become one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music, with artists such as Dizzee Rascal, Skepta, and Wiley all scoring mainstream success.

The Evolution of Dubstep

The dubstep sound is often characterized by heavy bass, frequent tempo changes, and complex drum patterns. The genre evolved out of the UK garage scene in the early 2000s, and has since become one of the most popular and influential genres in electronic dance music (EDM).

While the origins of dubstep are often traced back to the work of producers such as Skream and Benga, it was actually a sound that was developed by a number of different producers and DJs. The term “dubstep” was first used in a 2002 article in -The Wire magazine, which described it as “a dark strain of two-step.”

Over the next few years, dubstep began to gain popularity in the UK underground music scene. By 2007, it had begun to enter the mainstream consciousness, with artists such as Burial and also Khalid scoring major hits.

The 2010s saw dubstep reach new heights of popularity, with artists such as Flume and Disclosure achieving global success. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in old-school dubstep, with artists such as Kornél Kovács and Jon Hopkins reviving the sound for a new generation of fans.

The New School of Dubstep

In the late 2000s, a new breed of dubstep producer began to emerge, influenced by the original sound of dubstep but also by a range of other genres. These producers – who included Burial, Joy Orbison, and Mount Kimbie – were dubbed the “new school” of dubstep.

The new school sound was characterized by a more experimental approach to production, with producers often crafting intricate soundscapes built around complex rhythms. This new breed of dubstep was also more melodic than its predecessors, incorporating elements of garage and house music.

The rise of the new school sound coincided with a renewed interest in old school dubstep. Producers like Skream and Benga – who had helped pioneer the genre back in the early 2000s – began to experiment with the new sounds being explored by the new generation of producers.

Today, dubstep is once again in a period of transition. The experimental sounds of the new school have been embraced by a wider audience, and old school artists are continuing to push the boundaries of what dubstep can be. As the genre evolves, it looks set to continue influencing electronic music for years to come.

The Rise of Old School Music in Dubstep

Old school music has been on the rise in the dubstep scene for a while now. Producers have been digging deeper into the crates and finding inspiration in a wide range of sounds, from 80s electro and funk to 90s rave and jungle. This resurgence of classic styles has brought with it a new wave of creativity and energy, resulting in some of the freshest and most exciting dubstep around.

Despite its relatively young age, dubstep has always been a genre that looks to the past for inspiration. The early pioneers of the sound were heavily influenced by the sounds of UK garage and 2-step, both of which have their roots in 80s disco and house music. This influence can still be heard in the work of modern producers like Burial and Mount Kimbie, who have taken those original ideas and pushed them in new and exciting directions.

In recent years, we’ve seen a real resurgence of old school influences in dubstep. Producers like Zed Bias, Kutmah, and Mala have been digging deep into the archives and unearthing all kinds of hidden gems. This new wave of old school-influenced dubstep has injected fresh energy into the genre, resulting in some truly innovative and exciting music.

The Future of Dubstep

With the popularity of dubstep on the rise, there has been a recent resurgence in the popularity of old school dubstep. This new wave of dubstep producers are bringing back the original sound and feel of the genre, while still keeping up with the modern production values. This has led to a whole new generation of dubstep fans being exposed to the music, and it is quickly becoming one of the most popular genres in the world.