is "dubstep" dead?

[crookedbill]

i mean, i know the genre itself will live on and evolve, but is the genre name "dubstep" dead?

i live in the US and have been into UK-based dubstep since about the spring of '06 (anything on DMZ, Tempa, Hyperdub, Planet Mu etc.), and i was a long-time UK drum&bass head before that (and loved UK 'ardcore before that). i took a break from dubstep between '09-'11 (listened to a lot of rock music), save for whatever "Dubstep Allstars" mixes and Burial EPs came out), though i regret it now and have gone back this year and picked up things i missed the first time around (Kryptic Minds' albums which i love, Silkie's albums, dungeon and purple sound stuff).

what really blows my mind is how "dubstep" as some sort of "genre" and pop-cultural force has blown up in the US in the last couple years simply based on Skrillex and that heavy-treble "transformers fucking" sound. this sound seems to permeate everything here now, from movie trailers to shampoo ads. people literally think that sound, and that sound alone, is "dubstep" and they are completely unaware of the genre's origins, founders, or major players. as a music fan, it's a nightmare. i don't even want to tell people i listen to dubstep, as most people associate it with Skrillex and that sound. there's really a growing stigma and loathing of that "genre" here now.

that leads to my question, is the genre name dead? the name has been dragged through the mud and it seems a bit like what people thought of "disco" by the early 80's. just some awful washed up trend of a music genre.

it's a shame.

[Lye_Form]

No

i get annoyed about artists i love that are making/paying music i don't like (skream & benga)

and its hard to find a lineup without some brosteppers on there.

But its not dead, just splintering.

[Genevieve]

Dunno if it's dead, but it's definetely long past its peak. Think about it... it's been around since the early 00s getting huge in 08/09 and blowing up all over. I think it's pretty much time. It's been completely taken over by brostep anyway. Jungle died a lot more quickly.

Bring on the next thing.

There's still quality records being released of course but it just ain't the same and no one's pushing an interesting sound anymore.

[vishes]

The genre itself definitely isn't of course, but the name, I don't know. For me personally it kinda is though, to be honest. When I'm asked what music I listen to or produce I never say dubstep because that'll just give 'em the wrong ideas. So I really never actually use the word anymore.

But that's just me. That's how I feel about it.

[ninjiless]

Bring on the next thing.

When I'm asked what music I listen to or produce I never say dubstep because that'll just give 'em the wrong ideas. So I really never actually use the word anymore.

I mean no offense, but this kills me. I'll rep dubstep til the day I stop breathing, it's complacency that's the problem. We can't just let something we love and cherish die so simply; music is a part of who you are, and seeing it's image before hearing the music is the root of what's wrong here.

I mean, I've shown pretty much every person I know dozens of dubstep tunes, and no one's not loved it yet. Try and keep it alive, really, it's worth it. I should think everyone here would agree. . .

[Genevieve]

Why? Things change. Everything will hit a peak and die down a little later or maybe make a comeback (like dnb after it was dead for some time). I've heard some awesome tunage but I don't feel like being stuck in 2006 either. New shit is good.

[Aufnahmewindwuschel]

hm how far does dubstep go like people call idm now dubstep
at some points dubstep became more of a word you say not a real genre anymore

[ninjiless]

Why? Things change. Everything will hit a peak and die down a little later or maybe make a comeback (like dnb after it was dead for some time). I've heard some awesome tunage but I don't feel like being stuck in 2006 either. New shit is good.

Of course it is, but we don't have to drop dubstep like a bad habit because other people have dissenting opinions. Either way, though, I'm incredibly optimistic and excited about the style's future, however it unfolds.

[Lye_Form]

When I'm asked what music I listen to or produce I never say dubstep because that'll just give 'em the wrong ideas.

I don't really think dubstep is a genre though, it's more of a scene.

[Genevieve]

Why? Things change. Everything will hit a peak and die down a little later or maybe make a comeback (like dnb after it was dead for some time). I've heard some awesome tunage but I don't feel like being stuck in 2006 either. New shit is good.

Of course it is, but we don't have to drop dubstep like a bad habit because other people have dissenting opinions. Either way, though, I'm incredibly optimistic and excited about the style's future, however it unfolds.

No one's talking about dropping it. But 140 isn't exciting anymore and most of the big name producers of the scene either went bro or started doing other things. Like if you're still excited about 140 that's cool, but it's just sort of died down. Fanwise and producer wise. And like I said, it's been 10 flippin' years. Dnb was what? 93 - 98.

When I'm asked what music I listen to or produce I never say dubstep because that'll just give 'em the wrong ideas.

I don't really think dubstep is a genre though, it's more of a scene.

Same with about all music though. Current Value and Commix are pretty different but their sounds are bred by the same subculture.

[vishes]

When I'm asked what music I listen to or produce I never say dubstep because that'll just give 'em the wrong ideas. So I really never actually use the word anymore.

I mean no offense, but this kills me. I'll rep dubstep til the day I stop breathing, it's complacency that's the problem. We can't just let something we love and cherish die so simply; music is a part of who you are, and seeing it's image before hearing the music is the root of what's wrong here.

I mean, I've shown pretty much every person I know dozens of dubstep tunes, and no one's not loved it yet. Try and keep it alive, really, it's worth it. I should think everyone here would agree. . .

Oh I've tried, believe me. But it's gotten to the point now that they just straight up tell you that it isn't dubstep when you play them a Mala or Loefah tune. It's just absolutely pointless to even start a discussion about it.

In the end I just stopped caring, really. I listen to what I like and that's all that matters. I don't give a fuck about what others think is dubstep anymore. I'm not getting involved.

[Lye_Form]

No one's talking about dropping it. But 140 isn't exciting anymore and most of the big name producers of the scene either went bro or started doing other things. Like if you're still excited about 140 that's cool, but it's just sort of died down. Fanwise and producer wise. And like I said, it's been 10 flippin' years. Dnb was what? 93 - 98.
.

Hmmm i think more bro step fans are shifting to deeper stuff all the time, the amount of old skream and benga youtube videos with "welcome to real dubstep" comments.

Skrillys fans are turning against him.

in terms of it getting boring people just need to mix it up - this scene shouldn't be defined by the 140 bpm. It should be based on music that has sub frequency's and good vibes, everything else is bullshit.

[Harkat]

I'm just getting into the stuff now and it's so exciting and alien. At the time of writing I'm listening to Vex'd's first album for the first time and I'm fucking loving it. I don't think it has to die. Then again, I got here from fucking Chase & Status' "Eastern Jam", so what would I know.

[Lye_Form]

I'm just getting into the stuff now and it's so exciting and alien. At the time of writing I'm listening to Vex'd's first album for the first time and I'm fucking loving it. I don't think it has to die. Then again, I got here from fucking Chase & Status' "Eastern Jam", so what would I know.

You got vexed after fucking chase and status?

[wysockisauce]

Yes it is. Time to listen to trap.

[sigbowls]

the drum in dubstep is dead it was done to death

[SCope13]

There's still quality records being released of course but it just ain't the same and no one's pushing an interesting sound anymore.

Excuse me but I think you're kidding yourself. How about Author? Deep Medi crew? And you can't tell me Mala in Cuba isn't going to be one of the most interesting and exciting releases of the year, not just in dubstep, but music as a whole.

[BonerJams04]

hm how far does dubstep go like people call idm now dubstep
at some points dubstep became more of a word you say not a real genre anymore

lol what...

[Hircine]

the dungeon sound is alive and kicking if you ask me.

[incnic]

its as fucking dead as teh reppsts in this thread