Chillstep

Chillstep is a subgenre of music that originated in the late 2000s. Its roots can be traced back to dubstep, an electronic dance genre that emerged in the early 2000s in the United Kingdom. Dubstep was characterized by its heavy emphasis on bass and intricate rhythmic patterns. However, as the dubstep scene grew increasingly commercialized, a group of artists sought to slow down the tempo and create a more atmospheric sound. This led to the birth of chillstep. The term “chillstep” was first used in a promotional video for the UK-based record label Liquicity in 2011. The video described Liquicity’s music as “drum and bass, dubstep, liquid funk, and chillstep,” as the label had started to release more downtempo, melodic tracks that focused on atmosphere and emotion rather than intense bass drops. From there, the term gained popularity on social media sites like Reddit and SoundCloud, where a community of producers and listeners emerged around the sound. One of the most prominent early chillstep producers was Blackmill, a British artist who began uploading tracks to YouTube in 2011. Blackmill’s music was characterized by its lush melodies, atmospheric textures, and slow, steady rhythms. His tracks quickly gained traction on YouTube, with songs like “Spirit of Life” and “Miracle” racking up millions of views. Another influential artist in the early days of chillstep was Minnesota, an American producer who blended elements of hip hop, dubstep, and ambient music in his tracks. Minnesota’s music was characterized by its intricate rhythms, chopped-up vocal samples, and dreamy atmosphere. His debut album, "Adventures Through Time," was released in 2011, and featured tracks like “Stardust Redux” and “Living Together” that quickly became fan favorites. As chillstep grew in popularity, more and more artists began to experiment with the genre. Some producers leaned into the ambient side of the sound, creating tracks that featured layers of pads, bells, and atmospheric noise. Other producers focused on the beat, blending hip hop and trap rhythms with washed-out synths and samples. Still, others combined chillstep with other genres like future bass, lo-fi hip hop, and even classical music.

Blackmill: One of the most prominent and influential Chillstep producers, Blackmill - Robert J. Card - is known for his melodic and cinematic productions. He rose to fame with his 2011 debut album "Reach for the Skies" and has since worked with several notable musicians and labels. Phaeleh: Matt Preston, known by his stage name, Phaeleh, is a British producer and DJ who has been active since 2008. He is known for his soothing and ethereal compositions that often incorporate natural sounds and instruments. He has released six studio albums and has collaborated with several artists from various genres. CMA: CMA - Christian Müller-Altenberg - is a German producer and composer who is known for his uplifting and emotional productions. He began producing Chillstep in 2011 and has since released several EPs and albums, which showcase his diverse production skills. Sorrow: Jack Stevenson, better known as Sorrow, is a London-based producer who has been influencing the genre since 2010. He is known for his somber and atmospheric productions that often feature melancholic vocals and ambient soundscapes. He has released numerous EPs and albums and has collaborated with several notable artists in the genre. Direct: Direct - Tim Vandenbergh - is a Dutch producer who is known for his dynamic and eclectic productions. He blends various genres, including Chillstep, and often incorporates guitar and piano melodies. He has released several albums and has collaborated with several artists in both electronic and acoustic scenes. Electus: Electus - Colin Smith - is a UK-based producer who is known for his tranquil and serene productions. He began producing Chillstep in 2011 and has since released several EPs and albums that feature his signature soundscapes and somber melodies. Koda: Koda - Jordan Sudak - is an American producer who is known for his emotive and intimate compositions. He blends Chillstep with various genres such as post-rock and ambient. He has released several albums and has worked with several notable labels and artists. Vexaic: Vexaic aka Brandon Smith is a Canadian producer who is known for his intricate and elaborate productions. He blends Chillstep with various genres such as future bass and trap and often incorporates unique sound design. He has released several EPs and singles and has worked with several notable artists in the genre. Koan Sound: Jim Bastow and Will Weeks are a British duo who have been active in the scene since 2008. They blend various genres such as Chillstep, dubstep, and glitch hop. They have released several albums and have collaborated with several notable labels and artists. Nym: Nym aka Nathan McMahon is an American producer who is known for his organic and folky compositions. He blends Chillstep with various genres such as folk, trip-hop, and classical. He has released several albums and has worked with several notable labels and artists.

1. Blackmill - Miracle 2. Seven Lions ft. Fiora - Days to Come 3. Phaeleh - Afterglow 4. CMA - Ku'uipo 5. Electus - Temple of Light 6. Kaj - Human Beams 7. SizzleBird - Spring 8. Sorrow - Never Too Far 9. Jacoo - A World Of Peace 10. Direct ft. Holly Drummond - Wanna Know You 11. Nomyn - Distance 12. AK - Reflections 13. Artisan - Uncharted 14. Rameses B - Memoirs 15. Crywolf ft. Dylan Owen - The Home We Made Pt. II 16. William French – Blue Heron 17. Direct – One Step Forward 18. Electus - Affectus 19. Jacoo ft. Laura Hahn - Intoxicate Me 20. SizzleBird – Memory 21. Skrux ft. Mona Moua - Being Human 22. Vexaic - Embers 23. EvenS – Tell 24. Sorrow – Kalypso 25. Jacoo - Withering

Several books have been published that focus on Chillstep and other related genres. One notable book is "Dubstep: The Story So Far" by Martin James. In this book, James discusses the origins of dubstep and its evolution into sub-genres such as Chillstep. He writes about the atmospheric soundscapes and melodic rhythms of Chillstep, which he sees as a departure from the aggression and heaviness of traditional dubstep. Another notable book is "The Ambient Century" by Mark Prendergast. This book explores the history of ambient music, which includes Chillstep as a sub-genre. Prendergast describes the genre as "hypnotic" and "dreamy," and notes its use of slow tempos, soft tones, and expansive soundscapes. Notable musicians and producers have also commented on Chillstep. Brian Eno, a pioneer of ambient music, has praised the genre for its ability to create a "richly layered" and "calming" sound. He notes that the genre represents a move away from the "speed and angst" of modern music, and towards a more peaceful and meditative sound. Deadmau5, a well-known electronic music producer, has also expressed his admiration for Chillstep in interviews. He praises the genre for its ability to create an atmosphere of calm and introspection, and notes that it represents a shift away from the high-energy, party-oriented music that has dominated electronic music in recent years. Other notable quotes about Chillstep include those from music critics and bloggers. Dave Simpson of The Guardian notes that the genre is "gentle and not abrasive," and that it provides a welcome alternative to the aggressive sounds of much electronic music. Caitlin White of Stereogum describes Chillstep as "emotional and immersive," and praises its use of sparse instrumentation and subtle melodies.

The social and cultural context of Chillstep can be traced back to the rise of internet culture in the early 2000s. The internet allowed people to connect with others who shared similar interests, regardless of geographical location or social status. This enabled niche subcultures to form and flourish, and electronic music was no exception. Online forums, blogs, and social media platforms played a crucial role in spreading and promoting Chillstep, and many of the genre's early producers and fans were active participants in these communities. One notable record label that helped establish Chillstep as a distinct genre is Chillstep Works. Founded in 2011, Chillstep Works was one of the first labels to specialize in Chillstep and quickly gained a dedicated following. Its releases - including compilations and EPs from artists such as Blackmill, CMA, and Koda - helped define the sound of the genre and attract fans from around the world. The rise of Chillstep also coincided with a shift in consumer preferences towards more personalized and on-demand forms of media consumption. Services like Spotify, Soundcloud, and YouTube made it easier than ever for listeners to discover and stream new music, including Chillstep. This enabled independent artists to gain a foothold in the music industry and reach audiences beyond their immediate communities. Another important factor in the development of Chillstep was the rise of bedroom production. As more affordable music production software and hardware became available, producers were able to create high-quality music from the comfort of their own homes. This allowed for greater experimentation and creativity, and many artists in the Chillstep scene were able to develop their own unique styles and sounds. Notable journalists and media personalities also played a role in popularizing Chillstep. Websites and publications such as Pitchfork and Resident Advisor regularly covered the genre, and influential YouTube channels like MrSuicideSheep and Liquicity helped expose Chillstep to a wider audience. These figures helped to legitimize Chillstep and establish it as a legitimate subgenre of electronic music.