ith millions of fans, an ever-growing number of producers and entire festivals dedicated to it’s sounds, there’s no denying Dubstep’s popularity.

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A unique soundscape, high BPM’s and an emphasis on bass draws millions of followers to the genre every month.

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But where did it all begin?

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Dubstep’s murky origins can be traced right back to the UK in the early-2000’s.

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It was here that a handful of producers began to develop the dark underground sounds that the world fell in love with.

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This select few left a mark on EDM that has never faded, and their impacts are still felt to this day.

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These, are the Founding Fathers of Dubstep.

Distance

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Distance was a British producer whose early releases paved the way for future Dubstep sounds to develop.

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Releasing his first track ‘Trust My Logic’ in 2003, Distance’s sound was described as being dark and distorted, using the low bass wobbles we all know and love.

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He pushed the genre further into the spotlight with his involvement on hit radio show ‘Dubstep Warz’, and the creation of his own record label helped attract other like-minded producers.

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His influence on Dubstep in undeniable. His development of basslines controlled by deep, dark sounds created an almost entirely new form of music, and his unique take on production paved the way for a new generation of sounds.

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Skream
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Skream has been active in the UK Dubstep scene from 2003, and is well regarded as an early influencer on the genre.

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Skream was credited as being behind the evolution of a more melodic form of Dubstep, and his success came largely from his innovation.

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Much like Distance, he took a previously untouched set of sounds and began applying them to pre-existing basslines, resulting in a new approach to Dubstep production.

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His unique soundscape opened the door to a new style of lighter Dubstep, a style that’s popularity grew steadily over the years.

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Skream was so influential because his new ideas injected diversity into a genre which was at risk of turning stale. By stepping outside of the box and utilising a new style of sounds, he was able to guarantee the continued evolution of Dubstep.

Rusko

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A producer who holds a special place in my heart; Rusko is still highly active in the modern Dubstep scene.

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Working on early Dubstep record label ‘Sub Soldiers’ Rusko took a fairly relaxed approach to production, using lighter beats with an 8-Bit feel to produce fun, uplifting tracks.

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Rusko took a risk by stepping away from Dubstep’s darker origins, but his use of wobbly beats to create an easier-going style of music helped greatly to remove the ‘grungy’ stigma often associated with the genre

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He was well ahead of his time, and pioneered a form of Dubstep that not only ensured the genres continuity, but one that proved influential to many producers today.

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His song ‘Woo Boost’ is, in my opinion, one of the best Dubstep tracks ever made.

Caspa
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A highly regarded name, Caspa’s influence on the development of Dubstep came primarily from his massive involvement in bringing the genre to mainstream attention.

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He created and collaborated with numerous record labels, and worked closely with radio stations to start putting more Dubstep on the airwaves in its early days.

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In 2006 he began his own station called ‘Rinse FM’, and released his first tracks ‘For the Kids’ & ‘Cockney Flute’.

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Caspa was an extremely powerful figure who helped push Dubstep into the spotlight, and his work was hugely influential in ensuring the growing popularity of the genre in the mid-2000’s.

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This growth in popularity helped inspire the next generation of producers, and Caspa’s influence on the modern day Dubstep scene is undeniable.

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The Dubstep movement in the UK was unlike anything seen before, and choosing four names out of the dozen who helped develop the genre is never going to be easy.

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Honorable mentions must go out to the likes of Coki, Benga, Kromestar, Jakes, Zed Bias and Mary Anne Hobbs. Producers, DJ’s and radio hosts, all of which left their own unique mark on dubstep.

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As always, I hope you enjoyed the read. Party safe, stay hydrated, and I’ll see you next time.

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