Get to Steppin’

How does one even begin to describe, promote, understand the complex world of dubstep? The new electronic craze that’s sweeping several nations is one of the freshest, most diverse kinds of music we’ve ever seen. Love it or hate it, dubstep is in and is enjoying a huge moment. Whether or not the style has lasting power remains to be seen, but techno, dance, and other electronic sounds have been the rage for many years now. Perhaps, dubstep is just a new chapter in the long history of pop and dance music.

Some of the biggest DJs in dubstep got their starts in completely different places. In Rolling Stone’s recent interview with Joel Zimmerman, the man behind Deadmau5 (pronounced: Dead-mouse), the musical mastermind talks about his beginnings as a web designer in high school. The article, titled, “Rise of the Mau5,” goes on to say that, “He still thinks about going back to school sometimes, just to learn about cool stuff that interests him.” But the man with the mouse head isn’t going anywhere anytime soon; he plays shows across the globe and gets paid “more than Sinatra at his peak.”

Another big name in the dubstep industry is the ever-popular Skrillex. Even he (Sonny Moore is his real name) began his career away from electronic music. A few years ago, he was the lead singer for emo punk group From First to Last. What does this mega-DJ have to say about the industry? “It’s going to keep going. I get messages from ten-year-olds saying, ‘Hey, I’m making dubstep!’”  So maybe the music is here to stay.

Of course, there are the naysayers out there. Electronic music and dance isn’t exactly new on the scene, but the new turns it has taken are a far cry from where it started out. Take a look at this video by The Fine Bros. called “Elders React to Dubstep.”

There have been loads of “react” videos in the past couple of years; it’s a new trend on the Tube that shows assorted groups of people reacting to viral videos, ideas, content, etc. Most of them are hilarious, and this is no different! A couple of the oldies say they like the music and want to listen to it from now on. “I’m going to seek it out”, says one older woman.

All of the people in this video are listening to Skrillex, and some aren’t as on the bandwagon as the others. They insist that this music is for younger generations and that they want no part of it. When shown a picture of Moore, some gasp and cringe, saying they would never let their children have his haircut.

As with everything, dubstep has its controversies and scandals. One big concern for fans is what the DJs actually do up on stage. Some, as Rolling Stone said in their feature on the music, use technology and mixing programs to pre-record their beats and songs rather than doing it live. When the video “How to Fake Your Fans,” went viral, many listeners were outraged. The video featured DJ Steve Angello standing by, idly smoking a cigarette while his set was playing live for a show: a la “Look Ma! No hands!” Many DJs have since lent their voices to the fray, saying, “Of course it’s mixed live! What do people think we do?” (statement from SHM manager Amy Thomson). Deadmau5 himself attests to how much more fun it is to mix your music live.

The fashion that goes along with this raving music is intense, too! Girls and guys alike wear homemade bracelets full of bright, colorful beads – and little else. They clasp arms and slide bracelets to each other as a bonding gesture. Pacifiers, bright neon colors, big hair, tribal, psychedelic prints, and skimpy clothing are all staples for the average “kandi kid.” These ravers are a bit extreme in their costuming, don’t you think?

So, how do you feel? Is dubstep here to stay? If you haven’t heard any of the newest singles from top Djs, check these out here:

Bangarang – Skrillex

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites – Skrillex

Strobe – Deadmau5

Eyes – Kaskade feat. Mindy Gledhill

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Please let us know what you think of the newest music craze!