Music Analysis Essay-Nathan Morrissy (Dubstep/Trap)

AUM 154.3 Music Analysis Essay - Nathan Morrissy ( Dubstep/Trap )
Include links to recorded materials (aka links to song).
Essay structure: introduction, body and conclusion (Use paragraphs) (1200 words)
(Correct academic wording)
Dubstep (Electronic Music)
Introduction to Dubstep
Dubstep is an electronic dance music genre that emerged in South London, England, it was discovered in the early 90’s as a more experimental type of music that was similar to other genres being Dub Reggae, Jungle, Break Beat, Drum and Bass, also known as DNB for short,
Techno and 2 step Garage music. All of these genres were considered to be Electronic Music considering all the sounds were synthesised from a computer. Dubstep mainly stemmed from
Dub Reggae, 2 step

Labels such as Big
Apple, Tempa and Ammunition started the Dubstep trend in 2002 eventually creating the term
“Dubstep” to define the type of music being played. Dubstep really started to spread in the years of 2005 and 2006, a lot of labels were devoted to the genre and helped it grow even more.
Dubsteps Tempo ranges between, 138-150 beats per minute (BPM for short)
Now for the characteristics of Dubsteps beat is syncopated, it involves one bar growls, half bar notes, quarter note stabs, eighth notes and triplets (1/16th’s). The kick is always on the first beat of every bar (1 of 4) and the snare is usually on the third beat of every bar (3 of 4) whereas the snare can also be layered with a clap effect and even a kick now days, hi hats are also played throughout the track in a triplet format creating movement among each of the drums to provide a flowing experience for the listener and it keeps things moving so there isn’t any empty spots in the track. The main focus on dubstep is the initial drop right after the intro finishes. Dubstep revolves around their drums because that is the key point of the track and they always stand

Dubstep is always played in legato
Note onset for dubstep is usually the key it plays throughout the duration of the note depending on if there is a pitch bend in place, therefore it will variate in the scale of the original key of the note. Most notes have reverb on them to give a transient to the sound to make it sound wet and full. Dubsteps timbre is usually dark, with wobble sounds almost always played in minor scales create a much darker and strong emotional feeling, yet dubstep has a really cool vibe to it although it is played in minor scales. Here is a perfect example of a song that has amazing vocals yet still quite dark.