WEEKEND MIX 5.20.11: DUBSTEP FOR YO' ASS

Some might argue hate is necessary, most others believe strongly it is useless and serves no purpose except to make things worse; does hating something actually improve, end, or change it? I think it’s safe to say no, which is why I find it odd that when real fans of music, who reference love so often as one of its most essential side-effects, so easily and regularly “hate” music that is different, new, or they simply don’t understand. Lately, a victim of this has been the relatively young genre known as Dub step.

Dub step began in the UK in the late 90’s, a mix of Drum and Bass, Dub, 2-step and basically, as is always the case for every genre there ever was, the passion and ingenuity of dedicated fans of music. Artists making waves in the scene are names such as Skrillex, Digital Mystikz, Ramadanman, Vex’d, Benga, and many more.

It is quite easy to think Dub step is chaotic, a jumbled concoction of random chopped up beats, bass lines and rhythms. It can actually unnerve the listener with its conflicting percussion and bass lines, bass drops, and rewinds (playing the record backwards, usually right back to the beginning). It has a higher BPM range than House but not as fast as Drum and Bass. It can be hard like Techno or even Metal, or it can be spacey. It almost always features a prominent Wobble bass, a bass line that is manipulated via an oscillator to form a rhythm all its own. Dub step is usually instrumental, though MC’s play a big part during live performances, throw in some Hip Hop and Reggae influence, and you have yourself the unique sound that is Dub step.

Over the last few years, Dub Step has made a name for itself among the European underground set in particular and has plenty of fans throughout the world. Artists like Katy B are bringing it to a whole new audience, and she sings, which will only confuse those who have no idea they’re listening to a new form of music.

Of course, Dub step also has its fair share of haters. Those who forget that whatever genre they prefer, it was at one time new, different, and not understood by those on the outside. What mattered at this point was that it spoke to you, made sense to you; you recognized the good and bad qualities inherent in it and loved it just the same. You know that whole “do onto others” philosophy? You should practice it, especially when it comes to music.

As a site dedicated to nitelife culture and all the different genre’s that contribute to its soundtrack we would be, well, fake ass posers if we shun any particular style. We need to remind people that it truly is all about love!

And all this cuz I wanted to play some Dub Step! Are you ready? Press play partners!

Mixed by Synthakt

Neuroattack Records

Share your love, opinions, and experience with Dub step in the comments below. Leave the hate at home!