The earliest release of Dubstep music was actually in 1998, but it was far different than the Dubstep of now. Early Dubstep music was a lot darker and had lesser vocals. The name for Dubstep as a genre started around 2002, and by then stylistic trends had changed drastically and was far more different from the 2-step and grime that it originally was influenced from.
Towards the start of the 2010’s, Dubstep became incredibly popular as a genre, especially as a favorite sort of music for parties and raves, etc. It started becoming more hit and rose to prominence in the music charts. Dubstep music also started influencing pop in the 2010’s. It also began to be used regarding fusing the elements of dubstep music with other genres to create fusion genres. Other types of genres such as slower Dubstep music, future garage, and electro house, etc. stemmed out of this fusion.
All music describes dubstep music as “tightly coiled productions with overwhelming bass lines and reverberant drum patterns, clipped samples, and occasional vocals.” Dubstep is more often than not, largely instrumental with sparser vocals and lyrics. It is often dark and usually uses a minor key as well. It can also feature dissonant harmonies like the Triton interval, especially within a riff. Some of its other features are the use of samples, sparse rhythms, and a sub-bass that is extremely common. The rhythms are, more often than not, syncopated, and are also usually shuffled. The tempo is always within a range of 138-142 beats per minute, however with a clap or a snare being inserted every third beat. Though it was a lot more percussive in its early stages, dubstep music of today is a lot different.
Dubstep music also features the wobble bass which is usually called the ‘wub’. This type often has a ‘bass drop’ which is rather popular in pop culture references. In this bass drop, the percussion stops and resumes all of a sudden.
Culturally, this type has a lot of importance in rave and dance culture, especially in the underground dance and rave scenes. It is one of the best ways to experience dance and music all in one and is an exceptionally famous type of dance music within the youth of today.