I’m sure by now you’re fully aware of Dubstep, but you may only know it in its North American form that some people consider “Brostep." In this list I am going to introduce you to some artists who are truly new pioneers when it comes to the genre of “deeper” Dubstep. However, I am going to take you around the world and show you just how alive this genre is in some countries. This article should serve as an introduction to the genre AND as a way for people who are already familiar to find new artists.
Turkey: Gantz, iSkeletor
Starting off this list is a pair of producers well known for being EXTREMELY experimental with their sounds. Gantz, being the more well-known of the two, has had his fair share of releases on Deep Medi and Innamind, his most recent release being the single “Space Horror/Step on Lava” his sound can be described very trippy and almost otherworldly, it’s easy to see why he is praised for being so innovative. Speaking of innovation, let’s talk about iSkeletor, who has an EP coming out soon via Blacklist, Innamind’s sub label. iSkeletor is also extremely experimental like Gantz, however he creates an almost trap sounding atmosphere with his music. Very noisy, lots of sidechaining, lots of 808’s, but still very dubby. You can listen to Gantz’s music HERE and iSkeletor’s music HERE.
USA: Whatley, Trisicloplox, Malleus, Repulsion, OldGold
I could go on and on about some of the amazing producers the USA has to offer but here are five absolutely incredible musicians. Whately’s sound can best be described as evil, loose, bass music that makes great use of samples. His most recent release on Encrypted Audio shows a very dark side to dubstep that almost sounds suffocating at some points. While we’re on the topic of dark dubstep and bass music, it’s hard to not mention Trisicloplox, who makes what is easily some of the most disturbing and scary sounding bass music out there. He has perfected his own signature blend of harsh noise, industrial, and dub music, making his music an absolute pleasure to listen to. Last but certainly not least we come to Malleus. Hailing from Virginia this producer uses horror movie samples to give his music a truly frightening feeling. He has some of the most diverse sounding dubstep out there and is definitely to be on the lookout for in upcoming years. Next is Repulsion. Repulsion makes some absolute bangers, from tracks like "Safe Lock" to "Easy on The Syrup" and his more experimental lo-fi tunes like "Location Earth_2" and "Milesnmiles", Repulsions music is sure to keep you vibing. Last but certainly not least is OldGold. OldGold takes a very classic style to his sound while still being innovative (he's made samples from some of the absolute craziest things). He is also a hoarder when it comes to dubplates so make sure to catch him live when you can and support his label Silent Motion Records. You can listen to Whatley’s music HERE, Trisicloplox’s music HERE, Malleus’ music HERE, Repulsion's music HERE, and OldGold's music HERE
UK: Content, Sleeper, Samba, JSM
The UK is the birthplace of dubstep, so it’s no surprise that there are a plethora of innovative and extraordinary producers from the area, I could have put well known artists such as Mala, Coki, Kromestar, Compa, Kaiju, etc. but I really wanted to list off some producers who are making a huge impact in the scene at the moment. We start off with Content, co-owner of Encrypted Audio, a label who, at the moment, is home to some really experimental artists (including myself). While pushing a very loose and abstract sound in his music, his songs are still very memorable and contain that classic dub vibe we all know and love. Content is also one half of the production duo Triangle, who’s other half, Samba, has recently taken the underground by storm. Samba uses distortion and feedback to create some of the most original sounding music in the underground dubstep scene. His sample work is out of this world, making songs that sound like they could be heard during a witches sabbath, by using repetitive eerie and horrifying synths out of old string and bell samples. Sleeper is another experimental dub artist who uses a mix of original percussion samples and classic electronic drum hits to create haunting songs, his synth work is also very noticeable and recognizable, combining classic hardware sounds with newer disgusting midrange bass lines to create a truly unique listening experience. Lastly we have JSM, who at the moment is criminally underrated. This dude makes some of the best dub music I have ever heard and has caught the attention of legends N-Type and J:Kenzo, having his music played out on Rinse.FM. JSM is truly keeping the spirit of dub alive. You can listen to Content’s music HERE, Samba’s music HERE, Sleeper’s music HERE, and JSM's music HERE.
Japan: Helktram, DayZero, Karnage
Japan’s dubstep scene is actually more alive than some people think, and these three producers prove it. Helktram hails from Okinawa, and produces a darker blend of classic dub music. His most recent release on Encrypted Audio show’s off his ability to create very IDM-esque dubstep music while still retaining that classic bass music sound. Karnage (originally from Japan, now residing in Detroit) is another producer who shows off this very IDM styled sound, but also produces some insanely heavy stuff as well. Dayzero uses 8 bit samples and deep basslines to distinguish himself from the previous producers, but still has that classic dub feel to his music. You can listen to Helktram’s music HERE, Karnage’s music HERE, and Dayzero’s music HERE.
Sweden: Eva808, KloudMen
Sweden’s Eva808 is no secret to the underground bass music scene, as she has been around for years, producing some of the most coveted and highly praised dubplates. Her most recent release via Crucial Recordings show’s a very trippy and funky side to dubstep. Along with her dubstep tunes, she is also well known for her grime productions such as “Empress” and “Duality” which have been well received by listeners of Rinse FM. KloudMen are a duo creating some seriously heavy stuff, while still being unique. Deep, wonky, and banging tunes are constantly being pushed out by these guys, their most recent release is an appearance on Truth’s “Deep Dark and Dangerous” compilation in the form of a song called “Mustang”. Listener beware, do not play this song unless you’re ready to immediately start dancing. You can listen to Eva808’s music HERE and KloudMen’s music HERE.
Belgium: BunZer0
Residing in Belgium is the absolutely insane BunZer0, this dude knows whats up when it comes to syncopation and percussion. Lots of reverb, springy percussion delays and dubby basslines are what this producer does best. His tunes are definitely some that could decimate a dancefloor, and is definitely a legend as far as the underground goes. You can listen to BunZer0’s music HERE.
Germany: Bukez Finezt, Noclu
Germanys “Next Top Wobble” AKA Bukez Finezt has taken the dubstep scene by storm in recent years, while he is more well known for his heavier tracks like “Silly German” and “Who’s on the Throne” he is also known to make much deeper and darker productions like “Under Control” “Interrogation” and “Homicida”. He is easily one of the best when it comes down to sign design, and it’s easy to see why dubstep legends like N-Type, Distance, Kromestar, Mala, J:Kenzo, and hell even Skrillex have been giving this dude their support. Noclu has been around for 4 years now according to his Soundcloud, so it’s an absolute shame he’s only recently started getting serious attention. His most recent EP on Duploc’s label shows a very percussion heavy style of dubstep mixed with thick and grimy mid-range bass tones. With support from GetDarker, Duploc AND Fat Kid On Fire, Noclu is definitely someone to be on the lookout for. You can listen to Bukez Finezt’s music HERE and Noclu’s music HERE.
New Zealand: Truth, Headland, Akcept
By know you should know who Truth is, they are now legends as far as dubstep goes. They produce a style of dubstep that they describe as “Deep, Dark and Dangerous” which also happens to be the name of the night they host in Christchurch and the name of their new label. They make music that is deep and minimal, but also heavy as all hell at the same time. Their music also comes with very thought provoking themes and lyrics, which inspire listeners to think about the world around them and discover the “Truth”. Along with Truth, Akcept has been making his presence known in the scene lately with his melodic and loose sounding tunes. His style is very unique sounding and it’s quite easy to pick out his tunes when listening to a mix. Headland is another producer who makes extremely minimalistic songs that are only for the conscious listener who wants their music to not be over the top, Headland recently released a song entitled “Local” on Well Rounded Dubs, and it’s easy to see why the label picked this tune up, very wonky and wobbly sounding dubstep that delivers on the dancefloor. You can listen to Truth’s music HERE, Akcept’s music HERE and Headland’s music HERE.
Netherlands: Moonstones
With support from the likes of Joe Nice and Sleeper, you can plainly see that Moonstones and their music are on the rise. This duo from the Netherlands uses foley sound effects, disharmonic samples and trippy vocal cuts to create a truly eerie listening experience. They really know just how to give their listeners the creeps and how to keep them on edge by using strange and unnatural drum patterns to produce some seriously creative stuff. You can listen to Moonstones’ music HERE.
France: Korostyle
France is home to the very versatile Korostyle, who produces a special blend of grime and dubstep creating a very well received sound. His forthcoming release on Guangzhou Undergrounds “East West Bass Test” compilation shows just how grime-esque dubstep can be with the song “Vagabond”, a tune with lots of grime styled mid-range basses, and quick paced drum beats and fills, it’s a shame that he doesn’t get enough attention, as I personally can see him going down in history for his musical abilities. You can listen to Korostyle’s music HERE.
My hope with this list is that you’ve learned about some new music and if you enjoyed what you’ve heard, be sure to support all of these artists in their musical endeavors and purchase their releases, as well as follow their various social media outlets.
