In the ever - evolving landscape of electronic dance music (EDM), few names have made as significant an impact as Skrillex. His music has been a driving force in popularizing a particular brand of high - energy, bass - heavy sounds that are often associated with dubstep. However, the question of whether Skrillex invented dubstep is a complex one that requires a deep dive into the history of this genre.
The Origins of Dubstep
Dubstep has its roots in the late 1990s and early 2000s in the United Kingdom, specifically in the London club scene. It emerged as a fusion of various musical elements, drawing inspiration from dub reggae, UK garage, grime, and 2 - step. Producers like Kode9, Benga, and Skream were at the forefront of this emerging genre. Kode9, in particular, is often credited with helping to define the sound of early dubstep. His label, Hyperdub, released many of the early dubstep tracks that set the foundation for the genre. These early dubstep tracks were characterized by a slow tempo (around 140 BPM), a prominent bassline with heavy sub - bass frequencies, and a syncopated rhythm. The sound was darker and more minimal compared to the more mainstream and energetic dubstep that we are familiar with today.
Skrillex's Impact on Dubstep
Skrillex, whose real name is Sonny Moore, burst onto the EDM scene around 2010. His music brought dubstep to a global mainstream audience like never before. His tracks, such as "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites," were a game - changer. Skrillex took the basic elements of dubstep and amplified them. He added a new level of aggression and energy to the genre. His use of glitchy, distorted sounds and rapid - fire bass drops created a sound that was both exhilarating and highly recognizable. He also incorporated elements of other genres like rock and pop, making his music more accessible to a wider range of listeners.
However, while Skrillex's contributions to the popularity of dubstep cannot be overstated, he did not invent the genre. Instead, he took an existing underground genre and transformed it into a worldwide phenomenon. He was a pioneer in bringing dubstep to the festival circuit and the airwaves, collaborating with major artists from different musical backgrounds. His influence led to a new wave of producers creating their own interpretations of dubstep, often with a more commercial and accessible edge.
The Evolution of Dubstep After Skrillex
After Skrillex's rise to fame, the dubstep landscape underwent a significant transformation. The genre became more diverse, with producers exploring different sub - genres and hybrids. There was a proliferation of "brostep," a more aggressive and simplified form of dubstep that emphasized heavy bass drops and a more straightforward structure. At the same time, some producers went back to the roots of dubstep, creating tracks that were more in line with the original, darker, and more experimental sound.
In conclusion, Skrillex did not invent dubstep. The genre had a rich history and a group of dedicated producers who developed it long before Skrillex entered the scene. However, Skrillex played an instrumental role in popularizing dubstep on a global scale and influencing its evolution into the multifaceted genre that it is today. His impact on the EDM world and the way dubstep is perceived cannot be ignored, even if he was not the one who birthed the genre.