Dubstep isn't music
by Bradley Roberts / WRITER
Apr 12, 2012 | 6049 views | 15 15 comments | 26 26 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Dubstep is for people who hate music, but love bass, subwoofers and neon clothing.

I’m sure you are all very aware of this new genre of “music” which has taken the world by storm.

Dubstep is nothing more than sequences of computerized sound samples mixed together by wannabe musicians working with a free download of second-rate sound engineering software.

It’s a lazy music genre that produces uninspired, unemotional and uninteresting music.

We are unfortunate enough to live in a world dumbed down by smartphones, reality television and now music that prides itself on being nothing more than amplified bathrooms sounds.

I have been surrounded by music my entire life. I love to listen to all types of music. I grew up singing in choir, learning about musical notation, time signatures and other basic music theory.

I’ve played drums for seven years now, and I have had the opportunity to play with some talented and classically trained musicians.

I’m no expert, but I feel like I at least have an understanding for what makes good music. I know the work that goes into writing a song, playing a show and recording an album.

So it is insulting to me when dubstep artists call themselves real musicians when the only instrument they play is a MacBook Pro.

One of the most common arguments I hear from fans of dubstep is that I just “don’t get it.”

I agree 100 percent. I don’t get why it’s so popular. I don’t understand the purpose the artist wishes to convey with his music. I don’t get the point of dubstep at all.

Music isn’t just about what you “get,” it’s also something you feel, and all I feel when listening to dubstep is an intense throbbing in my temple and sick to my stomach.

All music is subjective, and I don’t want to simply make fun of people for liking something I don’t like, but it’s insulting to myself and other musicians when people call dubstep real music. How could this overhyped, chaotic and unstructured noise garner millions of fans in such a short time period? How could this computerized atonal abomination possibly win Grammys? The whole thing blows my mind.

Dubstep is a trend that needs to die out soon. It isn’t music; it’s just another excuse to take ecstasy, wear airbrushed trucker hats and talk about how “that bass drop was so filthy, bro.”

Dubstep is a cancer on American music culture that needs to be cut out, and while putting an end to dubstep would put an end to the glowstick, neon green tank top and zany sunglasses industry, I think that is a hit our economy would be willing to take.
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Comments
(15)
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DanPatrick
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April 13, 2012
This is where you education about dubstep SHOULD start.

http://www.xlr8r.com/news/2011/01/mary-anne-hobbs-uploads-seminal-
Reply
DanPatrick
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April 13, 2012
*your
DanPatrick
|
April 13, 2012
This show aired in 2006 after dubstep had been growing for years in the UK. Contrary to popular belief it isn't "new". Here the producers and DJs that invented the genre discuss what it is and isn't.
DanPatrick
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April 13, 2012
Here's a comment left on that Dub Warz anniversary track listed above that seems to apply here:

"I first got drawn to dubstep via the more aggressive US-bred sound championed by Excision, Datsik, Downlink, etc, and through them I ventured further down the proverbial rabbit-hole back to the "source", the real face of Dubstep & UK Bass i.e. Skream, Benga, Coki & Mala, the revered "Big Apple", and of course the prophet herself M.A. Hobbs. I've never looked back, and I now refer to US "dubstep" as "mid-range cack."

DanPatrick
|
April 13, 2012
This is where you education about dubstep SHOULD start.

http://www.xlr8r.com/news/2011/01/mary-anne-hobbs-uploads-seminal-
Reply
jcatzcustoms
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April 12, 2012
"It’s a lazy music genre that produces uninspired, unemotional and uninteresting music."

So much so that BBC philharmonic and Nero worked a symphony translation of many of his works.

There is so much amazing dubstep out there. I'm sure most of what you heard was probably terrible noob-step. Like any genre there's good and bad. If you make an attempt to understand it and talk to people who really listen dubstep you might be more informed.

As far as the article goes... it's crap.
Reply
guardsman
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April 12, 2012
I consider myself a pretty musically open minded person.

Punk? Black Metal? Hip-hop? Alt-Country? Glitch? Pop?

Sure. I'm down. I like something in pretty much every genre. I even used to spin some dark ragga style jungle back in the day...

...but I'm having a hard time understanding Dubstep. I want to like it, I really do. I've always been a big fan of the "dark" parts of Dn'B songs, and I love me a good, nasty Amen Break as much as the next guy, but the Dubstep I've heard seems anti-climactic. One tempo, lots of bass, and nasty sine wave stabs. It's like a one trick pony genre so far.

I'm not posting this to crap on Dubstep, mind you: I just think I may not have heard anything that constitutes GOOD Dubstep. I'm calling out to any fans of the genre to school me and post up some links to your fave DS tunes here.

I even tried creating my own dubstep using specialized software (http://beatartisan.com/review/dr-drum/) in order to maybe appreciate the effort that goes into making it, but still i just...dont....get...it.

I need to be schooled. Please.
Reply
DanPatrick
|
April 13, 2012
guardsmen - You're right to have an open mind. The day that people turn to The Auburn Plainsman for well-informed and cosmopolitan views on music and culture is a sad day.

This is where you should start. Dubstep was already up and running in the UK for years before this show which aired in 2006!

Here the people who INVENTED dubstep talk about what it is and isn't

http://www.xlr8r.com/news/2011/01/mary-anne-hobbs-uploads-seminal-
Jsand42
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April 12, 2012
Dubstep isn't music? I believe you misinterpret the definition of the word. And why is it that only this type of synthesized "noise" is such a travesty? It's pathetic to think that this same hatred arises whenever a new style of any sort comes about. You remind me of little old ladies that cried when their children listened to the noise that Elvis called music. If I hadn't agreed to the terms of service, I would question if your father was also your uncle. SMD
Reply
xauburnx
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April 12, 2012
who the hell are you to sterotype and judge dubstep? you say your familiar and understand music then how do you know not understand the beats and rhythm that flows along with dubstep and electronica music. What kind of music do you listen to, because i bet you listen to shit of a music. i know your just writing about your opinion but when its for everyone to see, dont call us people who hate music because im sure we have better taste than you
Reply
ntrentacosti
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April 12, 2012
It's a shame that someone so surrounded by music and is proclaiming to be well versed in what "good music" is cannot appreciate a genre of music that many people around the world enjoy and do find a deep connection to. I personally hope that this "cancer on American music culture" continues to grow and bring as much joy into future generations as it is bringing to the pioneers who are enjoying it now. As someone who should understand the true meaning of music, I question where your hatred for dupstep truely comes from, and what other bias in your life you struggle with.
Reply
ntrentacosti
|
April 12, 2012
It's a shame that someone so surrounded by music and is proclaiming to be well versed in what "good music" is cannot appreciate a genre of music that many people around the world enjoy and do find a deep connection to. I personally hope that this "cancer on American music culture" continues to grow and bring as much joy into future generations as it is bringing to the pioneers who are enjoying it now. As someone who should understand the true meaning of music, I question where your hatred for dupstep truely comes from, and what other bias in your life you struggle with.
Reply
acsummerfield
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April 12, 2012
I agree, wholeheartedly, that American dubstep, also known as "brostep", is a travesty to music and quite painful to listen to, but what about the original 2001 UK dubstep, which was more dub, ragga, and atmospheric? What about the plethora of electronic music subgenres?

I agree, when it comes to modern day DJs taking the easy route and using pirated software and a MacBook, but you have to look past that and look at some real electronic acts that have stood the test of time and use mostly analog equipment when producing their music.

Take time to do a little research and listen to a bit of music that isn't being blasted at a house party in, of all places, Auburn, AL, before you judge all music that isn't played on contemporary instruments. Synthesizers need tuning, upkeep, and tons of maintenance just like any other instrument.
Reply
acsummerfield
|
April 12, 2012
I agree, wholeheartedly, that American dubstep, also known as "brostep", is a travesty to music and quite painful to listen to, but what about the original 2001 UK dubstep, which was more dub, ragga, and atmospheric? What about the plethora of electronic music subgenres?

I agree, when it comes to modern day DJs taking the easy route and using pirated software and a MacBook, but you have to look past that and look at some real electronic acts that have stood the test of time and use mostly analog equipment when producing their music.

Take time to do a little research and listen to a bit of music that isn't being blasted at a house party in, of all places, Auburn, AL, before you judge all music that isn't played on contemporary instruments. Synthesizers need tuning, upkeep, and tons of maintenance just like any other instrument.
Reply
acsummerfield
|
April 12, 2012
I agree, wholeheartedly, that American dubstep, also known as "brostep", is a travesty to music and quite painful to listen to, but what about the original 2001 UK dubstep, which was more dub, ragga, and atmospheric? What about the plethora of electronic music subgenres?

I agree, when it comes to modern day DJs taking the easy route and using pirated software and a MacBook, but you have to look past that and look at some real electronic acts that have stood the test of time and use mostly analog equipment when producing their music.

Take time to do a little research and listen to a bit of music that isn't being blasted at a house party in, of all places, Auburn, AL, before you judge all music that isn't played on contemporary instruments. Synthesizers need tuning, upkeep, and tons of maintenance just like any other instrument.
Reply