What is dubstep?

Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in South London, England, in the late 1990s. It is generally characterized by sparse, syncopated rhythmic patterns with prominent sub-bass frequencies.

Key characteristics of dubstep include:

• Tempo: Typically around 140 bpm (beats per minute).
• Bass: Heavy and prominent, often distorted and wobbly. This is a defining feature.
• Rhythms: Often syncopated and complex, with a focus on half-time feel.
• Production: Employs heavy use of digital audio workstations (DAWs) and software synthesizers.
• Structure: Often built around drops, breakdowns, and build-ups.

Important subgenres and related styles include:

• Brostep: A more aggressive and commercially successful subgenre.
• Garage: One of the early influences of dubstep.
• Grime: Another key influence, particularly in terms of rhythmic patterns.
• Drum%20and%20Bass: A genre with some shared characteristics.

Notable artists in the dubstep scene include:

• Skream
• Benga
• Digital Mystikz (Mala and Coki)
• Caspa
• Rusko
• Skrillex

Dubstep gained mainstream popularity in the early 2010s, influencing pop music and other genres. While its peak commercial success has passed, it remains a significant and influential force in electronic music.