I do not like Dubstep, I want to make that clear. However, its sudden ubiquity in popular music has forced me to take notice. I can’t turn on the radio without being exposed to a dub breakdown in every mainstream song.? Even though I’m not a fan, even I can see that the genre is rapidly becoming absolutely fucking terrible. But why?
Before we discuss the reasons for dubstep’s missteps (lolz), here is a brief insight into the genre, for those of you who may not be aware:
Dubstep had its origins in the South London club scene, at the tail end of the 1990s. Its initial offerings were showcased at Forward>>; a clubnight originally based in Shoreditch. Dub tracks can be recognised as largely non-vocal, with liberal use of sub-bass. The bass is often wobbled on tracks, creating that indistinguishable ‘wob wob wob’ sound.
If that description wasn’t amazing enough for you, here is an example of a typical dubstep track:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrWSzA5XEiI&list=UUfLFTP1uTuIizynWsZq2nkQ&index=10&feature=plcp
The genre continued to spread around clubs in the UK; and was being picked up by a number of radio stations. John Peel, a Radio 1 DJ, was one of the first major DJs to play the genre on a major radio station.?So, what happens when something starts to get popular? Everyone wants to get their grubby little hands all over it, that’s what happens.
The most prominent ‘mainstream’ musical artist to incorporate dubstep into their music is Britney Spears. Beginning with her 2007 album Blackout,?Spears (well, her producers) have added a twinge of dub to many of her songs. The most prominent example is her 2011 song ‘Hold It Against Me’. I’m figuratively hanging my head in shame when I write that this was one of the best songs of last year. Don’t judge me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Edv8Onsrgg
Since Britstep proved quite popular, more and more pop songs are beginning to sound a little dubby. Some are alright, but most sound like they were made on someone’s old laptop. If you don’t believe me, have a listen to ‘Dub on the Track’ by Cher Lloyd. I told you so.
There’s one name that my dubstep-loving friends hate to hear. The very mention of this man’s name makes them go on a prolonged rant about musical hackery and the nature of being a sell-out. Who is this man? Skrillex of course!
I don’t know if its the silly haircut, the annoying voice, or just his terrible music; but people really fucking hate this guy. Their opinions don’t seem to matter though, as he is becoming increasingly popular. His last EP peaked at #14 on the Billboard chart, and he is producing tracks with a number of different artists.
Love him or hate him, I don’t think Skrillex is going anywhere. I don’t really care either way; unless his shitty tunes infect the sound of his girlfriend’s (Ellie Goulding) new album. If they do; I’ll definitely have to kill myself.
To conclude, I guarantee you that the popularity of dubstep will lead to its downfall. Once the fanboys get their knickers in a twist about it being too ‘mainstream’, they’ll abandon it all together. Soon after that, pop producers will find the new ‘in’ sound to use in their latest tracks. In a few months time, the only people who’ll still be listening to it are Persian club owners. From their white and gold BMWs, of course.
P.s. I hope I haven’t offended too many dubstep fans. Even if I have, I doubt they’d be able to respond under the influence of ketamine.
Kyle says
Yeah yeah. Regardless of your opinion the producers and performers make a great living off of it. Also there are a ton of festivals that are massive in size every year in the u.s. alone. I don’t think Electronic music is going anywhere too soon. People have way too much fun when they experience it!
Sophie Jenson says
Dubstep will go the same way as jungle, funky house, DnB, jump up and all the other recent rends of dance music…you will always have large groups of people who want to dance to something with a beat and some dirty bass…and are usually too wasted to worry about much more then that!
Non-Anon says
I think you speak on the trend as far as pop culture. Nothing last in pop culture. The only thing we can ever expect is that the masses will take what is core to a movement, dumb it down and simplify it, package it and spoon feed the masses with its bore. Dubstep will never ‘die’, instead, it will continue where it does now and those who think they like ‘dubstep’ will continue to listen to the same 3 tracks and call themselves fans. Those are the ones that will move on.
Bizerk says
You are way not representing the global view. This is a hater article that wont fool too many people. If you knew anything about dubstep you would have chosen a way better track to represent Dubstep. Have fun listening to Elvis Greatest Hits.
Stop Stealing Music says
Do something more productive and healthy with life .Dont be a dubstep music SNOB you will never turn back and hear talented peoples music anymore instead you will steal their music add some wub wub and think you are a musician and that your mix is better than the peoples music you stole it from.There is a psychological problem with most people who want fame and fortune and people who half ass everything but think they are talented.Notice the comments are all from dubstep SNOBS these people make me sick and are creating an entire generation of youth the are becoming hooked on some of the strongest most mind altering drugs in history.
ThatRationalThinker says
Skrillex (in his current form) will obviously go away when the next big electronic music trend becomes bigger than “wubstep.”
He was a massive trend-hopper ever since he entered the music industry with From First to Last.
Kathy C says
This music is not new. I can hear the Beatles in it: A Day in the Life, Strawberry Fields, I Am the Walrus. The Beatles were much better than the ones today.
Louis says
I am a massive fan of dubstep it is all I listen to and I am not under the influence of ketamine or any sort of drugs I am 13 I have never been under the influence of any drugs my friends like dubstep and the same stands for them you have obviously made your judgement on widely incorrect stereotypes
Andrew The Music Guy says
dubstep is annoying to listen to, it is a RIPOFF of Reggae Dub which has rerecorded tracks mixed with new material SO much better than dubstep. Dubstep will walk away from the music world like Disco had to because the “dance” became not popular. People who play it will never be remembered for playing it. Music with instruments and vocals has heart and will always be remembered. Pop culture sucks. It is sickning to thing someone created such a genre. Shame on dubstep. I hope it will end thanks for posting dude your right along with the other who said what you said!
ThePinkKirby says
You had me at “I don’t like dubstep”.
Draevon says
I am a young music producer who has taken a huge fascination in the genre Dubstep ever since I started producing – Dubstep became my passion.Im not following it because it’s “hip” or because it makes money or any sort of negative remark that all of you have made. I make it and listen to it because I honestly love it but I guess there are different strokes for different folks so I can understand where most of you are coming from (you don’t “appreciate” it like I do ) but what I don’t understand is if you hate it so much why bother being so angry with it rather then turning off the radio and listening to something else. The worst part is how can you people hate someone for doing something that they are passionate about and are making other people happy with the music that they are creating ? Just keep in mind music will always evolve – jazz and blues was considered to be ” the devils” music , because it was new and “some people” didn’t want to give it a chance , but look at it now ? It’s become branch for all the music we listen today like rock and many more . So rather keep all that anger buried deep rather then exploit a feeling that won’t make the slightest dent into the music industry. We Drop – will hopefully one day change what you guys think about this genre . Thanks for reading