Dubstep facts for kids

Skream, a popular dubstep DJ and producer, from Croydon UK, performing live in 2006.

Dubstep is a type of music that began in South London. It gets its sound from other music styles like 2-step garage, dub, drum and bass, grime, and reggae. A well-known dubstep producer named Skrillex helped change the sound. He made it much heavier, with deep, rumbling bass sounds and strong, powerful low notes.

Over time, dubstep grew from a less known, "underground" music style to become very popular. You can now hear it played at big music festivals like Ultra Music Festival and Lost Lands.

What is Dubstep Music Like?

Dubstep music is usually made without singing, focusing on the instruments. The speed of the music, called its tempo, is often between 138 to 150 beats per minute. Many dubstep songs have parts called "bass drops." This is where the rhythm or the main bass sound suddenly changes. These drops usually happen after a part of the song that builds up excitement and then a short break.

Brostep: A Heavier Style

There is a style of dubstep that became very popular, especially in America. It is known as "brostep." This type of dubstep is often heavier and more energetic. Skrillex helped to create and popularize this sound.

Famous Dubstep Artists

Many artists have become well-known for making dubstep music. Here are some of them:

• Zomboy
• Moonboy
• Skrillex
• Datisk
• Excision
• Code:pandorum
• Evilwave
• Infekt
• Squnto
• SVDDEN DEATH
• Herobust
• Wubbix

Images for kids

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  The Big Apple Records shop, in Croydon, South London.

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  Dubstep producer Skream, a well-known artist since the start of dubstep.

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  The Dubstep Section at Black Market Records, Soho, London.

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  BBC Radio 1 DJ Mary Anne Hobbs.

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  Borgore performing for crowds at a music festival in 2011.

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  James Blake performing at Glastonbury Festival in 2011.

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  Skrillex performing in 2012.

See also

In Spanish: Dubstep para niños