Brostep

Brostep is a musical genre that emerged in the early 2000s and is a subgenre of Dubstep. It is known for its aggressive and high-energy sound, and has become one of the most popular electronic music genres in the world. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the history and evolution of Brostep. The term ‘Brostep’ originated in the United States in the mid-2000s, with its first recorded use being in a 2007 interview with DJ Hatcha. The term was used to describe the new sound that had emerged out of Dubstep, which was characterized by its harder, more aggressive sound. The first Brostep track was ‘Midnight Request Line’ by Skream, which was released in 2005. This track was unique because it featured a more melodic and upbeat sound than the typical Dubstep tracks of the time. The Brostep sound became popular in the United States in the late 2000s, with DJs like Datsik and Excision leading the way. These DJs began to incorporate heavy basslines, distorted sounds, and intense drops into their tracks, giving them a more aggressive sound that appealed to crowds at clubs and festivals. One of the most influential figures in the rise of Brostep was the producer and DJ, Rusko. Rusko was a key player in the Dubstep scene in the mid-2000s and helped to popularize the Brostep sound with his tracks ‘Woo Boost’ and ‘Everyday’. These tracks incorporated elements of Hip Hop, Reggae, and Grime, which gave Brostep a more diverse and multilayered sound. The popularity of Brostep continued to grow throughout the 2010s, with artists like Skrillex and Zeds Dead leading the way. Skrillex is often credited with bringing Brostep to the mainstream with his 2010 release ‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites’. This track featured a high-energy sound with intense drops and distorted samples, which quickly became a staple of the Brostep sound. As Brostep continued to evolve, it began to incorporate elements of other genres, such as Trap and Future Bass. These genres brought new sounds and textures to Brostep, and helped to keep it fresh and relevant in a constantly changing market. Today, Brostep remains one of the most popular electronic music genres in the world, with thousands of fans attending festivals and shows every year. While its origins can be traced back to Dubstep, Brostep has evolved into its own unique sound that has captivated audiences around the world.

Skrillex: As one of the pioneers of the brostep genre, Skrillex's unique sound has been a defining force in electronic dance music. His Grammy-winning tracks such as "Bangarang" and "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" have become anthems for the dubstep revolution. Zeds Dead: Known for their heavy basslines and intricate drum patterns, Zeds Dead has been pushing the limits of brostep since their inception in 2004. Their massive collaboration with Diplo on "Blame" demonstrated their versatility and infectious beats. Excision: With a focus on dark, heavy synths and monstrous bass drops, Excision is a force to be reckoned with in the world of brostep. His annual music festival, Lost Lands, has become a pilgrimage for fans of the genre. Flux Pavilion: Flux Pavilion's distinctive sound blends elements of dubstep, electro-house, and brostep into a high-energy, bass-heavy sound. His hits "I Can't Stop" and "Bass Cannon" have become iconic tracks in the genre. Virtual Riot: With a background in classical music, Virtual Riot has taken his prodigious musical talent and applied it to the world of brostep. His unique blend of melodic elements and heavy bass has earned him a loyal following. Kill the Noise: Known for his intricate sound design and attention to detail, Kill the Noise has become a household name in the world of brostep. His collaborations with Skrillex and Dillon Francis have demonstrated his cross-genre appeal. Datsik: With his head-banging beats and monster bass lines, Datsik has been a driving force in the brostep movement. His unique style incorporates elements of hip-hop and metal into his tracks. Getter: A veteran of the California dubstep scene, Getter's unique sound has evolved to include elements of heavy metal and hip-hop. His debut album, "Visceral," showcased his range as an artist. Snails: Known for his "vomitstep" sound, Snails has been a disruptive force in the brostep world. His heavy, menacing sound has earned him a dedicated fanbase, who refer to themselves as "vomitsquad." Barely Alive: With a sound that blends elements of dubstep, brostep, and trap, Barely Alive has carved out a unique space in the world of electronic dance music. Their collaborations with Modestep and Astronaut have demonstrated their versatility as producers.

1. Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites 2. Excision - The Paradox 3. Nero - Promises 4. Zeds Dead - Adrenaline 5. Flux Pavilion - I Can't Stop 6. Knife Party - Centipede 7. Bassnectar - Timestretch 8. Doctor P - Sweet Shop 9. Virtual Riot - Energy Drink 10. Rusko - Everyday 11. Datsik - Firepower 12. Noisia - Split The Atom 13. Kill The Noise - Kill The Noise, Pt. 1 14. 12th Planet - Daddy 15. Modestep - Sunlight 16. Barely Alive - Zombie Hunter 17. Feed Me - One Click Headshot 18. MUST DIE! - Neo Tokyo 19. Eptic - The End 20. Getter - Rip N Dip 21. FuntCase - Ghosts 22. Snails - King Is Back 23. Herobust - Skurt Reynolds 24. Downlink - Ignition 25. Cookie Monsta - Ginger Pubes

In his book “Experiencing Dubstep,” genre specialist Matthew Sasges highlights the genre's unique sound qualities. He notes that Brostep is characterized by aggressive, syncopated rhythms and intense bass drops. Sasges points to the sub-bass frequencies as a significant source of power within the Brostep sound, and he argues that these sounds can elicit both physical and emotional responses in listeners. Contrasting opinions are evident in the remarks of renowned music critic Simon Reynolds, penned in his book "Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture." He argues that Brostep is largely characterized by a lack of melody and a tendency towards heavy, frenetic rhythms. According to Reynolds, the genre grew popular due to its ability to generate energy in dance clubs, as well as its tendency towards cultural appropriation. However, he suggests that this energy is sustained by "a coldly engineered brutalism that reflects the anxieties of a new century." Similarly, in their book "The Oxford Handbook of EDM and Club Culture," editors Karen Linnell and Stacy Mosher offer numerous thoughts on Brostep. They compare the genre's sound to "chainsaws" and "buzzsaws" and describe it as being "hyperactive," "metallic," and "aggressive." The editors suggest that Brostep values climax and repetition over melody, and that its focus on bass frequencies reflects broader trends in contemporary club culture. Another critic who shares this more skeptical viewpoint is a writer for The Quietus, who criticized the genre for its tendency toward "blunt-force trauma over subtlety and nuance." The article author mentioned techniques that have become notorious in the genre, such as vocal samples that are heavily processed, high pitched, and heavily oscillated. The writer finds these audio qualities irritating, saying that the end result can be "overwhelming or uncomfortable." Despite these mixed opinions, Brostep has managed to gain a large and devoted following. Many people have taken to social media platforms to express their love for the genre. One fan, for instance, posted on Twitter, "The drop on this Brostep banger is absolutely sick!!! I have never heard anything like that!" Another fan commented on Reddit stating, "I love the way Brostep can take you on a journey with its varied rhythms and sounds. It's definitely not for the faint-hearted."

The social context of Brostep was tied to an internet-based community, which coalesced around dubstep clubs like London's FWD>> and Bristol's Dubloaded which brought together young enthusiasts of low-end, sub-three minute 12-inch singles known as 'dubplates'. Dubstep popularity would later spread through pirated music sharing, social media, and blogs which are now interlinked with the emergence of brostep. These fans called themselves "bassheads" and became ardent supporters of the genre. They were drawn to the intensity and energy of the music and the social environment of parties and shows. The aggressive style's primary appeal was that it provided a new outlet for young male energy, and a generational counterpoint to the mainstream, especially to the EDM/dance-pop trend. Culturally, brostep was influenced by many different musical genres such as UK garage, drum and bass, and hip-hop. But later, went on to take inspiration from metal, making the sound more high-intensity and aggressive. The word "brostep" became used to distinguish brostep from dubstep, which was seen as being more separate. Brostep emerged in the mid-2000s when American fans and producers began incorporating elements of hip-hop and pop music into dubstep to make the music more accessible to American audiences. This can be seen in tracks like "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” by the American producer Skrillex, who is often seen as the face of the genre. Other notable figures include Flux Pavilion and Doctor P who helped to popularize the style and became associated with the influential Circus Records label. The label's founder, Doctor P played an important role as a "super-producer" for the genre, helping to shape its sound and bring it to a wider audience through his own works and collaborations. The technological context of brostep played a significant role in its emergence and popularization. Its popularity is tied to the rise of social media, music sharing platforms like Soundcloud, YouTube, Beatport and digital music production software. Producers like Skrillex used digital software to create music, which meant it was possible to create music quickly and distribute it instantly. Fans shared music through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, which made it possible for the genre to spread quickly across the world.