Dubstep is a darker, slower sub-genre of electronic dance music that has only recently come into existence. Dubstep has evolved quickly from its origins, but some key characteristics have been consistent. For example, the tempo is always around 140 beats per minute, the augmented kick-snare drum pattern is always present, the vast majority of productions are in a minor key, and all motifs and ostinatos are 2 or 4 bars in length. Dubstep typically has two sections - an introduction and a drop section. However, there has been significant evolution in the drum machine rhythms and timbre. For the drums, artists have stopped focusing on syncopated cymbals in favor of displacement towards the alternating bass-snare pattern, shifting the beat around. With regards to timbre, a dominating prevalence of sub-bass ostinatos has faded to synthetic sounds which are much fuller and span a wider range over multiple octaves. Harmonic ostinatos were popular in both sections for earlier productions, but recently, the drop sections have tended to be homophonic.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:40:54 +0000
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